What is the difference between white gold and platinum or are they the same thing + how to distinguish them

Good afternoon, dear readers! Surely many of you have noticed that silver jewelry with natural stones has become especially popular lately. They can look different: some are very simple, while others are very impressive.

The metals are visually similar - white gold and platinum: what is the difference between them and what causes the significant difference in price? I propose to look into this issue.

What is platinum and white gold

Platinum is a naturally occurring precious metal with a silvery-white color. It has been known to mankind for more than 4 thousand years, but has been used in jewelry relatively recently. It is widely used in technical production, medicine and high technology. In the periodic table it is designated as Pt; its reserves on the planet are limited.

White gold is always an alloy where the main component is gold (Au), and metals are used as alloys that give it a white color. To ensure that the surface of the product has a noble silver-white hue, it is coated with rhodium. It not only protects against scratches, but also preserves color.

Nuances of white

So, the answer to the question why white gold is called white lies in the composition of the substance from which the jewelry is made. It could be:

1. An alloy containing nickel, zinc and silver;
2. An alloy made from platinum and silver.

The price per gram of gold is lower than platinum; if the alloy contains platinum, the cost of the products will be higher.

When the manufacturer indicates 585 standard on a piece of jewelry, it contains 58.5% gold, and 750 standard contains 75%. This will directly affect the cost of the finished product.

The price of any precious jewelry is based on the cost of one gram of the product. This means that jewelry will be evaluated depending on the following factors:

• The weight of the product itself.
• Number of gems.
• Manufacturer's marks and hallmarks.
• Seller's markups.

Are white gold and platinum the same thing or not?

Due to the visual similarity of the top layer of these two materials, they are often confused. The main difference is that platinum is a pure metal with natural impurities included, while white gold is always an alloy. Gold is the softest material, easily deformable, while platinum is the standard of strength.

Samples and application

Platinum jewelry is often passed down from generation to generation, as it is considered the height of nobility and retains its original appearance for a long time. They speak of the wealth and high status of the owner. The purity of pure metal is 950.

Platinum has been actively used in the West for a long time; in Russia it became popular relatively recently. By the way, this was caused by the fashion for white gold. Unlike the yellow precious metal, only a third of all “mined” platinum is used to make jewelry. It is often used to frame precious stones and visually increase their size. It also perfectly highlights the beauty of diamonds.

How are these metals different?

Despite the visual similarity, metals have many differences, which are shown in the table.

Composition, strength and weight

The composition and properties of white gold depend on alloys:

• zinc – gives a cool shine;
• nickel – adds strength, the alloy is not subject to mechanical wear;
• silver – gives a matte finish;
• platinum improves physical properties and gives strength.

White gold is a wear-resistant metal, jewelry made from it performs well in use. If the composition contains nickel, zinc or silver, then rhodium plating is required to improve the color and harden the surface.

Platinum contains a minimal amount of impurities, so its color lasts for a long time. In jewelry, the percentage of pure metal is 95-99%. Palladium is used as filler components, as well as small amounts of copper, tungsten, iridium, and silicon.

The density of gold is 19.3 g/cm3, platinum - 21.5 g/cm3. It is flexible and much more practical to wear; a ring made of this metal will feel more massive and heavy.

Appearance and markings

To improve the external qualities and performance properties of the metal, alloy is used in different quantities, as evidenced by the markings applied to the item.

To change the color of gold, at least 20% of other metals must be added to the alloy. There are such tests:

• 750 – composed of 75% gold, palladium, platinum or silver;
• 500 – contains 50% gold, silver or copper is used as an alloy;
• 585 – 58.5% of the main component is 41.5% palladium or silver.

Platinum samples:

• 950 – contains 95-95.5% precious metal, less than 5% tungsten;
• 900 – composed of 90% platinum, 6.5-8.5% palladium;
• 850 – 85% of the pure element contains 11-14% palladium.

To increase strength and improve properties, copper, silicon, tungsten, iridium, and gallium are added to platinum. These additive components account for the remainder in percentage terms.

It should be noted that the mark on gold is placed in a rectangular frame, and on platinum – in an octagonal one.

Difference between different purity grades

When asked which precious metal is better, most will answer that the one whose fineness is of greater importance. It is the sample that determines the amount of valuable additive in the alloy. In a product with white gold, the cost varies depending on the size and quality of the included ligature. The cheapest way to achieve a white tint is to add nickel to the composition.

The situation with platinum is the same: you need to understand that the precious item whose purity is higher will be more expensive.

Differences in GOST standards and quality

There is a difference between the samples, which lies in the requirement for the composition of the alloys. Minor deviations from the norm are possible.

Expert opinion

Vsevolod Kozlovsky

6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds

The most popular standard of platinum is 950; the majority of jewelry is made from it. 900 standard has less shine and brightness, 850 has a silver luster, it is practically not used.

500 gold is characterized by a yellow tint; it is not often used by jewelers due to the complexity of the work. 585 standard is distinguished by its light shade and unique shine; this alloy is popular due to its qualities and practicality. 750 standard is valued for its ease of processing. It is used by the famous jewelry houses Cartier and Tiffany to make expensive jewelry with natural stones.

Effect on skin

Products made from white gold can cause allergies to the skin of the person wearing them. It has been proven that nickel used as an alloy has this effect. In Europe, since the beginning of 2000, the use of nickel in jewelry alloys has been prohibited by law; it is recommended to include palladium instead.

Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal that is safe for health. Its peculiarity is the negligible content of impurities that cannot cause skin irritation.

Price and demand

The cost of things made from white alloys depends on the following factors:

• weight;
• try.

Due to the use of various components in white gold, products made from it have a wide range of prices. The price of such an alloy is always slightly higher than the usual yellow one, this is due to the addition of platinum to its composition. If silver is used, the price goes down.

Excellent mechanical qualities contribute to the active use of platinum in medicine and high-tech production processes. The largest producer of natural materials is South Africa.

Currently, gold is more expensive, and the price difference between the precious metals is about $270, but there was a time when this figure reached $1,000. High demand, significantly exceeding supply, is a decisive factor in pricing.

What stones are suitable

Most often, white jewelry alloys frame diamonds, highlighting their unique brilliance and hue. Such products look very impressive regardless of the color of the diamond. Also used:

• sapphires are rare and expensive gemstones with a transparent luster, available in different shades of blue, pink, green, purple, yellow or colorless;
• emeralds are transparent green stones;
• opals are precious stones with incredible shine;
• cubic zirconia - a budget addition to jewelry;
• white, black and pink pearls.

Durable metal securely holds the expensive stone, becoming its worthy frame.

Features of jewelry

White gold is a raw material from which any type of jewelry can be made. The alloy, which contains nickel, is used as a raw material for the manufacture of brooches, rings and pendants. Such jewelry is durable, but they still have one significant drawback - nickel does not “bleach” aurum well, so the resulting alloy has a yellowish tint. However, jewelry craftsmen have learned to cope with this problem by applying a thin layer of rhodium to the jewelry, which gives the accessories not only aesthetic appeal, but also durability. It is worth considering that over time, the rhodium coating wears out, and the owner of jewelry with such coating has to contact the master once every 5-7 years and pay money for the service of updating the rhodium layer.

If white gold contains platinum or palladium, then it does not need additional “whitening”, since the alloy is already incredibly beautiful and wear-resistant. Raw material combining aurum, silver, palladium or platinum is used as a material for the manufacture of fixatives (mounts) for precious stones. The strength of the alloy ensures reliable attachment of stones to the product, but this is not the only advantage of white aurum. Metal with a steel tint emphasizes the radiance and purity of precious stones, regardless of their color scheme. Still, the most popular white gold jewelry is considered to be those set with diamonds.

In many jewelry stores you can be impressed by the rich selection of models of magnificent bracelets, rings, rings, earrings, pendants, pendants, chains and wedding rings made from this aurum alloy. Jewelry in which white gold is combined with other alloys of the precious metal looks especially respectable.

Caring for such products is not difficult, but it is important to avoid the use of substances that can spoil the appearance of white gold. First of all, this applies to products coated with rhodium. The coating wears out over time under the influence of mechanical factors, so it is recommended to protect products from scratches, contact with other metals, etc. In order for jewelry to retain its ideal appearance for a long time, it is important to avoid exposure to cosmetics, aggressive household chemicals and acids. It is enough to wash accessories once a month in soapy water or rub them with suede (or microfiber).

You need to be especially careful with jewelry containing precious stones. Improper care of such products can hopelessly damage them or lead to them falling out of the frame. It is recommended to entrust the care of especially valuable jewelry to a professional.

Advantages and disadvantages of white gold and platinum

Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Benefits of platinum:

• not subject to corrosion;
• not susceptible to aggressive environments.

It is difficult to work with: it will not be possible to decorate with a fancy design. Disadvantages also include high cost.

Advantages of white gold:

• affordable price;
• good malleability and density, easy to work with;
• there is a possibility of color restoration;
• does not corrode;
• has an impressive look.

The disadvantages of the alloy include the possibility of scratches. But this defect is easy to fix.

Expert opinion

Vsevolod Kozlovsky

6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds

You should carefully choose jewelry made of gold of an unusual color, keeping in mind that the low price may be associated with a high percentage of silver in the composition. Alloys with silver can darken in open air, enter into a chemical reaction with the secretions of the human body and with hydrogen sulfide contained in the air.

Composition of the ligature

To create an unusual shade of white gold, precious or some other white metal is added to the alloy. Which one can be determined by color. The composition is usually made with the addition of the following metals:

• Platinum. The most expensive and refractory of all additives. It bleaches gold better than other options, giving the jewelry durability and an unusual shade. At the same time, it increases its cost by several orders of magnitude.
• Palladium. They began to add it to the alloy at the beginning of the 20th century, thus trying to reduce the cost of jewelry and obtain a more ductile alloy.
• Silver. Another precious metal that can be included in the ligature. However, this additive has one drawback - its excessive amount is somewhat harmful to the appearance of the finished product. The higher the percentage of silver in the alloy, the more matte the jewelry will acquire.
• Nickel. Ideal in all respects, white gold can be easily obtained as a cheaper alloy for creating jewelry by introducing nickel into the composition. In terms of quality characteristics, products of this composition are more resistant, less susceptible to deformation and exposure to aggressive chemical elements. The negative aspect of introducing nickel into the ligature is that it is more likely than other substances to cause an allergic reaction in the owner. Among the positive aspects, it is worth noting that it has greater hardness and the ability to be polished well. It is alloys with nickel that are used to create unique design works with clearly defined lines in the design.

Which metal jewelry is best to choose?

When choosing something to wear constantly, you should give preference to the material that has the best physical properties.

Platinum jewelry is stronger, it will last longer, and there will be no scratches on the surface. In addition, such products will not cause allergies. They are much more expensive and belong to the premium segment. Gold jewelry is a relatively inexpensive option, but it will delight you for many years.

Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage

White gold is a rather capricious material; it should be protected from chlorine-containing substances and abrasive pastes. You should not wear jewelry in the pool, sauna, or while doing housework. Platinum items may become dull over time, but this has nothing to do with how they are used. To update the appearance, both gold and platinum jewelry are rhodium-plated in a jewelry workshop.

Category: question-answer

Are platinum and white gold the same thing or not?

Expert opinion

Andrey Seleznev

Chemist-technologist, Volgograd

Gold and platinum are two different precious metals. The latter is mined from the womb of the earth, while white gold is an artificial alloy that is obtained by adding alloy elements to the solar metal. It is mainly represented by 750 markings, platinum - 950.

What is more expensive, platinum or white gold?

Expert opinion

Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich

Jeweler 6th category

The price is determined by the industry of use of the precious metal, manufacturing technology, and function in the economy. In the jewelry industry, work made from silver mineral is more expensive, this is directly related to its rarity and purity.

Platinum rings

Which metal is better to choose for wedding rings: platinum or white gold?

Expert opinion

Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich

Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop

Wedding rings are everyday attributes, so preference should be given to stronger material. A platinum ring will be resistant to damage, corrosion, and will not deteriorate from regular contact with household chemicals.

How to clean a platinum ring at home?

Expert opinion

Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich

Jeweler 6th category

The ring should be cleaned regularly using special jewelry cleaners or a solution of mild soap and warm water. You can clean the metal with a soft toothbrush; after the procedure, you will need to wipe the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.

Is it possible to wear platinum and gold together?

Expert opinion

Maria Baranova

Fashion designer

If we are talking about white gold, then you can wear this metal together with platinum, since they have a common shade.

How to distinguish white gold from silver

It is often difficult to distinguish white metal products by appearance, since rhodium-plated silver will shine no worse than gold. If you have something to compare with, you can “weigh” the jewelry in your hand - the silver will be much lighter. Visually, gold has a cooler shine and a matte surface. You can reliably distinguish metal only by the mark, which is located on the inside of the product.

Experts suggest methods using iodine or acid, but it is unlikely that anyone in a jewelry store will allow such experiments. If in doubt, you should contact a jeweler.

Comparison with other metals.

Comparison with yellow gold

The most noticeable difference between platinum and yellow gold is the color, which makes each metal suitable for different gemstones and outfits.

However, the most important advantage of platinum is that it is not as soft as yellow gold, which scratches and bends more easily.

Platinum's durability makes it a good choice for jewelry intended for everyday wear.

Yellow gold, on the other hand, is more suitable for jewelry that you will wear less often, especially if it is higher karat gold and therefore softer.

If you are looking for a metal to set colorless diamonds in, platinum is the best choice.

Yellow gold makes any diamond set in it look a little yellowish, so while this metal is a good choice for slightly colored diamonds in lower-grade colors, it does not provide the best setting if you want to show off your colorless diamond.

Comparison with silver

Compared to platinum, silver is a softer and less durable metal. So if you're looking for a piece for everyday wear and want it to last longer, platinum is the clear winner.

Another problem with silver is that it tarnishes over time and you will need to clean your silver items more often.

However, the good thing about high quality silver is that it is much more affordable.

Comparison with tungsten

Although tungsten has a similar color, its main advantage is that it is much cheaper. Tungsten is just as difficult to scratch as platinum.

The disadvantage of tungsten is that it is very difficult to machine. For this reason, a tungsten ring is not as easy to resize as a platinum ring.

In addition, tungsten can only be engraved using a laser.

Comparison with titanium

Titanium and platinum are similar and both are safe for people with allergies, but titanium is a more affordable option.

Titanium is also much more durable than platinum and is very difficult to bend or scratch. However, scratches are more easily polished out on platinum.

Titanium is often preferred because it is much lighter. But you should keep in mind that just like tungsten rings, titanium rings are also difficult to resize.

Comparison with palladium

Palladium is very similar to platinum in terms of color and durability. Both metals are also hypoallergenic.

However, palladium is cheaper than platinum. Besides its lower price, the other main advantage of palladium is that it weighs less.

Customer Reviews

Marina

My husband gave me a platinum and diamond ring for my wedding 7 years ago, it still looks perfect, as if it came straight from a salon, although I almost never take it off. A very practical metal, much better than gold.

Vlad

The alloy with platinum is the most expensive and spectacular, and it is worth investing in it.

Irina

I used to like large jewelry made of traditional gold, but now I pay more attention to delicate white jewelry with diamonds - they have a noble look.

Precious nobility

Professionals call an alloy noble if its composition includes platinum and palladium. The mark will tell you which element is included in your jewelry. If platinum is used to create the product, the shape of the mark applied to it will be rectangular. Such jewelry belongs to the premium category; they can only be bought in large jewelry stores, the assortment of which is designed for a certain segment of society whose capabilities allow them to make such expensive purchases.

If the composition of the jewelry ligature includes nickel, zinc, silver and gold, its selling price will not differ from the price of products made of gold of the corresponding standard.