Platinum and white gold jewelry look new, but the metals are very different! Each has its own advantages. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
Colour
white goldis yellow gold to which alloys have been added to make it white. Imagine adding milk to orange juice. It becomes whiter, but it never becomes completely white. To make white gold look bright white, it iscoated, or 'dipped' with rhodium.
The rhodium layer on white gold jewelry wears away and exposes the underlying color. Rings are usually plated the most often because they receive the most contact (typically every 2 - 5 years). Bracelets need to be rhodium plated from time to time, while pendants and earrings rarely need plating.
platinumis an all-white metal and never needs to be plated.
Metal properties
Gold(white, yellow or pink) is not as durable as platinum. Every time contact is made with a gold ring, a small amount of gold is released. After years of wear, gold rings become thin, especially on the back of the rings.
But white gold is harder than platinum, so it scratches less. This makes it a good choice for rings with polished surfaces and few or no gemstones.
platinumis infinitely more durable than gold. Every time a platinum ring makes contact, virtually nothing comes loose. Rugs and intricate details usually remain intact for decades, making it ideal for ornate styles.
But platinum is softer than gold. So over time, platinum pins can flatten out and rings can scratch more easily.
HTA-platinumis a special platinum alloy that combines the best of both! It is both durable and scratch resistant. Fox Fine Jewelry only uses HTA Platinum for our custom platinum jewelry.
Custom Platinum Alloy from Fox Fine Jewelry
It is sustainableInresistant to scratches
Fox Fine Jewelry uses a special platinum alloy (HTA Platinum). This offers the best of both worlds: sustainabilityInhardness. Our custom platinum pieces areonlyscratch resistant than white gold jewelry.
Taken
Platinum jewelry costs more because:
- Platinum jewelry is purer with a purity of 90 - 95%, while 14k gold is 58.5% pure.
- Platinum has a greater density than gold. This means that for a comparable ring, a platinum ring weighs more than a gold ring and therefore requires more metal.
- Platinum is more challenging to work with and requires specialized training and equipment.
Also take the weight of the jewelry into account. For example, a platinum bracelet costs much more than a white gold bracelet, but a narrow engagement ring will have a much smaller price difference.
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“I was looking for a reputable jewelry storeto repair my platinum wedding ring and I was not disappointed! From the moment I walked in I was greeted with warmth and a very knowledgeable jeweler. The quality of the work was excellent and the prices are very reasonable."
Overview of Platinum vs. White Gold
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Choose platinum if:
- There are many very small gemstones that are solid or steady.
- There are many details, such as openwork or engraving.
- It is a ring that will be worn often.
- The additional costs are within your price range.
- If custom made, choose HTA Platinum from Fox Fine Jewelry for durability and scratch resistance.
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Choose white gold if:
- There are a smaller number of stones with a polished surface.
- The stones are firmly set, as a channel or frame setting.
- It is a bracelet, pendant, earrings or an occasional ring.
- You are prepared to have the piece coated periodically.
- It's more in your price range.
