What is the difference between platinum and white gold? Which do you think is better?

Question

I know platinum is more expensive. Does it last longer?

Answer 1

White gold vs. platinum

White gold vs. platinum
Is white gold the same as platinum?
White Gold
Platinum
Is the color of white gold different to platinum?Is white gold the same as platinum?
The answer to this question is no. White gold and platinum have their own properties which make them unique. The following white gold information and platinum information show you the difference between the two metals.

You will discover the difference between white gold and platinum and whether white gold or platinum is best for your needs. For more information about white gold or platinum have a look at the jewelry metal advice page.

White Gold
White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat. For example, 18kt yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold (750 parts per thousand) with 25% (250 parts per thousand) other metals such as copper and zinc. 18kt white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different.

Traditionally nickel was used in white gold, however, nickel is no longer used in most white gold made today as nickel can cause reactions with some people. We do not use nickel in our white gold

When white gold rings are new they are coated with another white metal called Rhodium. Rhodium is a metal very similar to platinum and Rhodium shares many of the properties of platinum including its white color.

The rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look more white. The natural color of white gold is actually a light grey color. The Rhodium is very white and very hard, but it does wear away eventually. To keep a white gold ring looking its best it should be re-rhodium plated approximately each 12 to 18 months. Most local jewelers are able to rhodium plate jewelry for a cost effective price

I like them both. I think they last about the same. I have some of each and they still look new

Answer 2

Yes platinum lasts longer and is more expensive because of that. Also white gold some people can be allergic to it. Platinum is less likely to cause any type of allergic reaction to people. Platinum is rare, there are more crappy jewelers out there selling bad white gold jewelery but not many inexperienced jewelers mess around with platinum. My ring is platinum and I would settle for no less.
DO a yahoo search type in white gold vs. platinum and some good sites should come up with that heading.

Answer 3

Platinum is stronger than all types of gold, including white gold. All types of gold oxidize faster than platinum. White gold is simply a form of gold - it does not have any platinum in it. Platinum lasts much longer than white gold. It's less resistent to oxidation and also less resistent to nicks and stratches. Platinum tends to look brighter and more brilliant than white gold.

Platinum is definitely far more precious and therefore expensive than white gold. If you really want to impress your fiance, go for the platinum.

Answer 4

We are married 28 years, the Platinum setting from the early 1920's that we bought from a jeweler which was purchased from an estate, continues to be as beautiful as it was almost 100 years ago, so if you do NOT have any hang ups of having to have it new, then go for the PLATINUM not W/gold. Hopefully it will out last you and be able to pass it down to your granddaughter.

Answer 5

No, it doesn't last longer. I'd go with white gold. I have platinum, and it looks great when you first get it but then over time and wear it gets scratched and dull. The only way it's better is that white gold over time will get a yellow tinge to it. However, you hardly notice this and it can be buffed away. The white gold will be ten times shinier in a few years, and just think, you'll have more money to spend on your honeymoon!

Answer 6

Rick is wrong, white gold contains no platinum. It is an alloy of gold and one white metal (silver or palladium). I would think that platinum is better since it's pure.

Answer 7

Platinum is a stronger metal.
White gold is gold, but it is the lighter, colorless metal. I think that platinum it better, but both are good.

Answer 8

Besides being more expensive, I seem to recall that platinum is heavier. I don't think you will notice a difference in terms of wear and tear unless you stick your hand in a heavy press.

Answer 9

Yes, it lasts longer and is more durable. If you can afford the platinum, I would say "go for it".

After some time, it does develop a "patina" that IMHO adds to its attraction, not takes away from it. You can get it burnished back to its shine, but I haven't done mine yet (I doubt I will).

Answer 10

Personally white gold works for me.

Platinum is supposed to be stronger and last longer. However, the way I understand it, I don't need it to last forever. Gold has been around for ages, and it's lasted just fine.