Platinum vs White Gold: Which is Best?

Platinum and white gold are both equally popular for people who prefer white jewellery to yellow gold. But which is the best option?

Whilst both metals are equally as good and both have their benefits, there are also a few downsides to each.

In today's blog post, we will take a look into the pros and cons of white gold and platinum and which one you should choose for your next jewellery piece.

What is Platinum?

Platinum is a highly durable metal with a white polished finish, making it a beautiful choice for jewellery adding a touch of luxury.

The metal is rare and is one of the heaviest and densest metals used for jewellery. It is estimated that there is 15-20 times less platinum on the planet than gold.

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy created by combining pure gold with other metals, such as palladium or nickel.

The mixture results in a strong and beautifully white metal that looks similar to platinum. White gold is often coated in a rhodium finish to maximise its shiny white appearance and give extra durability.

Pros and Cons Explained

Both metals are great choices for jewellery, which can make it a difficult decision to make when choosing an option for your jewellery. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each metal:

Platinum Pros

Durability - Platinum is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Hypoallergenic - Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, making it the perfect option if you have sensitive skin or allergies to certain metals.

Low Maintenance - Platinum requires less maintenance compared to white gold, as it doesn’t need to be re-plated.

White Gold Pros

Appearance - When coated with rhodium, white gold has a brilliant white finish that closely resembles platinum.

Lighter Weight - White gold is lightweight, making it a comfortable choice for necklaces and earrings.

Platinum Cons

Cost - Due to its rarity and density, platinum pieces are often more expensive than white gold options. However, currently, gold is valued higher in market trends.

Weight- Platinum is a heavy metal which some people may find uncomfortable to wear.

Softness- Although extremely durable and resistant, platinum can develop scratches over time if you don’t polish it regularly.

White Gold Cons

Allergies - Pure gold is hypoallergenic - but to create white gold, you need to alloy the gold with other metals like nickel (which isn't hypoallergenic). This can cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. If you have allergies, consider white gold that has been alloyed with palladium, as palladium is hypoallergenic.

Maintenance- Over time, the rhodium coating on the white gold can wear away, making the jewellery appear to have a yellow tinge. To avoid this, white gold needs regular maintenance and re-rhodium plating every 1-2 years. This can add to the long-term cost of the jewellery piece.

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between platinum and white gold all comes down to your personal preference. Both metals have great qualities and are both highly durable and great for everyday wear.

You should consider your budget, whether your skin has irritation and also if you will maintain the upkeep that each of the metals needs.

What Maintenance Does Each Metal Need?

To keep your jewellery looking brand new and fresh, each needs regular maintenance. Let’s explore this further:

Platinum

To keep your platinum looking its best, you should regularly clean your pieces using warm (unfragranced) soapy water at least once a month for everyday pieces.

You should regularly polish your platinum to prevent the build-up of scratches - and store it in a cool, dry place when not wearing.

You should also get your platinum jewellery professionally maintained at least once a year so that a professional can check over for any damages and repair them accordingly.

White Gold

To maintain your white gold, you should regularly clean it to remove any dirt and oils that could have accumulated on the surface, damaging the shine.

You also should take it for maintenance every 1-2 years to get it replated with re-rhodium and for a professional to check for any damages and make necessary repairs.

Cost and Value

Platinum jewellery is likely to be more expensive than gold. This is due to its rarity and density. Over the years, the price of platinum has fluctuated a lot depending on:

• Supply and demand
• Market trends
• Mining supply

Whilst white gold is a more cost-effective option, it needs re-plating with re-rhodium every few years, adding to its long-term cost.

Both metals hold value over time, especially when maintained and taken care of properly over the years. Generally speaking, platinum is more expensive than non-palladium white gold by up to 50%.

Find Your Perfect Piece at Miltons Diamonds

At Miltons Diamonds, our range of white gold and platinum watch and jewellery options is endless. From earrings to necklaces to bracelets, we have all you need.

Our team of professional and knowledgeable jewellers are passionate and willing to help you find the next piece for your jewellery collection. So, if you have any questions or are struggling to decide, then please don't hesitate to reach out!

Explore our website and browse our collection of white gold and platinum jewellery, whether you’re looking for the perfect piece for yourself, the ultimate gift for a loved one, or a high-quality engagement ring.