How To Choose Between White Gold or Platinum Jewelry

What is your choice in jewelry - platinum or white gold? Are you swayed by what is more popular or your own general preference? Platinum and white gold look very much alike, but there are some differences to note when choosing a piece of jewelry. Read on to discover the differences between white gold and platinum.

Weighing the differences...Platinum versus white gold jewelry

Platinum is more expensive than white gold. Platinum is heavier, harder, and even more rare than gold, all of which increase the cost. Did you know that white gold is not 100 percent gold?  It is 75 percent yellow gold, but has a hint of silver and it is coated with Rhodium to create its shiny finish and enhance and protect the jewelry. This adds to the upkeep of white gold jewelry, as it will have to be cleaned and replated with Rhodium every one to two years. Keep this in mind when choosing between white gold and platinum.

If you compared two wedding bands, one made from white gold and the other from platinum, you will see notable weight differences. Platinum is denser than gold and rarer, therefore platinum costs more than white gold. With current market price comparisons and a market that constantly changes, gold is by far the more affordable of the two. Platinum takes greater labor time to create splendid jewelry, thereby raising the cost. On the other hand, platinum will scratch more easily than white gold.

Platinum has a much higher purity level than gold. Those looking to purchase jewelry that is 100 percent gold need to go with 24 karat gold. To find jewelry that is purely platinum, you would need to find out the sterling number or parts per thousand of pure platinum. For example, 950 sterling is 95% platinum and so forth. If your preference is a white gold engagement ring, then that is equivalent to 18kt.

Gold used to be the preferred choice for engagement rings, but things change. Platinum engagement rings are more popular and more in demand, and have become somewhat of a status symbol. Celebrities are seen wearing shiny platinum jewelry. Platinum is everywhere. It's obvious that platinum is in and gold is out, but it doesn't mean it won't come back or that it isn't beautiful.

Platinum is more expensive, but do the benefits really justify the price? You will need to figure out what your preference is in jewelry before choosing between the two. The more you know about white gold and platinum, the happier you will be with your choice. So, which do you prefer -- platinum or white gold? Both are unique in their own ways and both create beautiful jewelry.