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.
Lead
It should be said that the density of lead is almost 10 times less than the density of the noble yellow metal. To understand the density of lead, it should be said that the density of birch or linden is 25 times less. According to the density table, lead is in 20th place, and gold is in seventh. From this it is easy to conclude that the yellow metal is much heavier than its opponent.
This element is very well used in the production of various metal structures, as well as in the medical field. This is due to the non-transmission of X-ray rays. The widespread use of lead in various fields is also associated with the very cheap cost of this metal. Its cost is almost half the cost of aluminum. Another advantage is the relative ease of extraction of this material, which provides a huge supply to the world market.
Source
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.
general characteristics
In order to understand what platinum is and what white gold is, you need to take a short excursion into history. The fact that gold has been used by mankind has long been known for certain. Archaeological excavations confirm that humanity has not changed at all in its attitude towards gold - the yellow metal has always been held in high esteem. But the attitude towards platinum was not always favorable. During the conquest of America, the Spanish conquistadors considered platinum to be a harmful or “rotten” metal that affected gold. In fact, at that time, technology did not allow the separation of platinum from alloys and other metals, so it turns out that the metal was undervalued for a long time.
How are these metals different?
Despite the visual similarity, metals have many differences, which are shown in the table.
| White gold | Platinum |
| The color is obtained by adding a ligature | Has a silver-gray natural tint |
| In its pure form, soft, unstable to deformation | Durable metal, does not require the addition of alloys (950 standard) |
| Does not tolerate contact with aggressive environments | Does not oxidize, does not react with chemical elements |
| May fade over time, appear yellowish, may require color restoration in a workshop | Maintains a flawless appearance and smooth surface for many years |
| To extract an ounce of metal, you need to process 3 tons of ore | It takes 10 tons of ore to mine an ounce. |
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.
Peculiarities
Accordingly, the scope of application of the precious metal is quite extensive. There are no analogues for such material in the aviation industry, as well as in the creation of power equipment. Therefore, answering the question of why platinum is more expensive than gold, these aspects should be highlighted. The uniqueness, difficulty of extraction and beauty make this substance irreplaceable. However, it is worth noting that in institutions such as Sberbank, the cost of precious metals may be completely different. Everything depends on the economic component.
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.
Therapeutic effect
The positive influence of platinum is difficult to overestimate. It, unlike minerals, which respond with energy and vibrations, has a stronger effect on the human body. Nanoparticles included in the metal upon contact with the skin penetrate it, causing positive changes. Micromolecules have the ability to influence various functions.
- Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent, stopping the proliferation of “bad” foreign microorganisms;
- Regenerating. The skin is more intensively freed from toxins, wounds heal faster, the epidermis is restored;
- Transport. Microparticles carry beneficial components to all organs of the body;
- But the most significant property of the metal is considered to be the fight against free radicals, which are directly related to the aging process of the body. In a natural state, a person is able to cope with the negative influence of the environment, stress and harmful microorganisms. But with excessive fatigue, insufficient nutrition and other factors, these functions are reduced. Platinum molecules come to the rescue here.
- Platinum microparticles are considered a strong antioxidant, which is important for people with cancer.
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.
Golden fever
People’s craving for gold is understandable and familiar; centuries-old and even millennial habits are solid and constant. The value of the precious yellow metal has been known since several centuries BC, and historical examples characterizing wealth and power are based on it.
The decorations of pharaohs, kings, kings, and court ladies are precisely descriptions of wealth made of gold. All historical chronicles, legends and various myths also describe the power of the owners of jewelry and utensils made of yellow shiny metal.
When searching for treasures, pictures with golden chervonets and piles of gold jewelry also appear.
In addition to historical roots, the love of gold is also transmitted from the fact that the country’s foreign exchange reserves are stored in the form of gold bars, which seems to be a guarantor of reliability.
It’s hard to argue with this; the global popularity of gold will not collapse overnight and will retain its value and solvency at any moment of crisis. Associatively, gold is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and power, but a young metal called platinum enters the fray.
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.
Jeweler's comment
Molokanov N.M.
Jeweler, 26 years of experience in jewelry production.
It is completely unclear to many clients of jewelry boutiques how these precious metals differ. The confusion arises due to their external similarity. Gold requires more careful handling; it is a soft alloy, which cannot be said about platinum. It is 60% stronger. The silver mineral is not malleable at all, so it is not used for the production of openwork jewelry.
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.
