How can you tell a platinum ring from white gold.?

Question

Recently I purchased a diamond ring and I thought it was platinum, because thats what the salesperson told me. Later someone told me that the ring was white gold, because she looked on the inside and it was not inscribed pl (which stands for platinum), I later went back to the jewelry store and she told me that wasn't true.

Answer 1

A platinum or white gold ring should have the appropriate mark. Be it 14k, 18k/750, most likely for gold, or Pt pt950 Plat.

Otherwise, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two metals. It's pretty suspicious that the ring doesn't have a marking at all.

Platinum is heavier and most importantly whiter than white gold. They add additional metal to alloy white gold such as silver, palladium, or nickel to make it look white. They also treat the surface with rhodium to make it look perfectly white.

However, over time, if the rhodium wears you can see that a white gold ring isn't as "white" as platinum. It will have a bit of a slight yellow tinge from the yellow gold base metal. Also platinum wears better over time. In finely detailed jewelry platinum will hold details better.

In the end, if you made a significant investment in the ring, I'd take it to a quality jeweler for an appraisal. They should be able to tell you if the ring is platinum or not.

Mike

Answer 2

It is more advisable that both your Engagement ring and Wedding band are the same materials as a stronger metal like platinum or White gold would wear down a Stirling silver ring over time so I think you should buy the same wedding band as your engagement ring if you already have it. Pros and Cons of these metals: Silver is a far cheaper option to go with but it is a softer metal compared to white gold and platinum therefore will scratch more easily or become misshapen and it also tarnishes very easily so would require regular cleaning. White Gold is far cheaper but softer than that of Platinum. One thing to take into account is that some white gold also contains Nickel within the composition of the metal so if you have a Nickel allergy it will not be suitable. Platinum is an extremely hard wearing metal which doesn't scratch as easily, its hypo-allergenic so if you have sensitive skin it will not irritate it so you do not have to worry about allergic reactions but it is a more expensive material to buy. As for the colour change. I have a Tiffany platinum engagement ring and I have had it for almost three years now, I have had no problems with discolouration or scratching or it looking dull or grey, my ring is still as shiny as when it was given to me..All I do to keep it clean is use a little bit of fairy liquid and water which was recommended by the sales assistant at Tiffany's and it keeps it looking like new. Good luck with finding your ring

Answer 3

Have some other expert look at it silly. Get an unbiased opinion. Also the price should tell you which is which. You couldn't get a platinum ring for the price of gold.!!!! Platinum is like 8 times higher in price than gold.!!! I have seen gold rings for $ 200 and platinum for $1600..

Answer 4

Usually a white gold ring will have either 14K or 18K inscribed in the inside of the band.
A platinum ring will also feel much heavier in the hand than a white gold ring would feel.

Answer 5

The only way I can tell is that Platinum is usually a lot heavier than White Gold.

Answer 6

The markings on 95% pure platinum are likely to appear as: 950Plat, Pt950, or 950Pt.

Answer 7

Mine says PLAT on the inside too. If you want to know for sure I'd take it to a different jeweler and have them do an apprasial. I think it costs $75 but you'll know for sure and they'll tell you how much the whole ring is worth.

Answer 8

i think platinum ring and a white gold are the same

Answer 9

Take it to a reputable jeweler to have it examined.