Halo Ring in White Gold on a Finger

What’s the difference between white gold and platinum?

Platinum and white gold jewelry look similar when new, but the metals are very different! Each has its own advantages. Here’s what to know before you purchase.

White Gold vs Platinum

Color

White gold is yellow gold with alloys added to make it white. Imagine adding milk to orange juice. It will become whiter, but it will never be completely white. To make white gold look bright white, it is plated, or ‘dipped,’ with rhodium.

Rhodium plating on white gold jewelry wears off, exposing the underlying color. Plating is usually done most frequently for rings because they receive the most contact (typically every 2 - 5 years). Bracelets will need rhodium plating from time to time, while pendants and earrings rarely need plating.

Platinum is a completely white metal, and never needs plating.

Examples of platinum rings - many diamonds, milgrain, small details and antique inspired, and engraving are shown

Metal Properties

Gold (white, yellow, or rose) is not as durable as platinum. Every time a gold ring receives contact, a tiny bit of gold comes off. After years of wear, gold rings become thin, particularly at the back of 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 gems.

Platinum is infinitely more durable than gold. Every time a platinum ring receives contact, virtually nothing comes off. Prongs and intricate details usually stay intact for decades, making it ideal for ornate styles.

But platinum is softer than gold. So over time platinum prongs may flatten slightly, and rings will scratch more easily.

HTA Platinum is 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.

Fox Fine Jewelry's Custom Platinum Alloy

It's durable and scratch resistant


Fox Fine Jewelry uses a special platinum alloy (HTA Platinum). This gives the best of both worlds: durability and hardness. Our custom platinum pieces are more scratch resistant than white gold jewelry.

Contact Us about HTA Platinum
Karen Fox using Fox Fine Jewelry's laser welder to fix platinum.

Price

Platinum jewelry costs more because:

  1. Platinum jewelry is more pure at 90 - 95% pure, versus 14kt gold is 58.5% pure.
  2. Platinum is denser than gold. This means that for a similar ring, a platinum ring weighs more than a gold one, and therefore needs more metal.
  3. Platinum is more challenging to work with, and requires specialized training and equipment.

Also consider the weight of the jewelry. For example, a platinum bracelet will cost far more than a white gold bracelet, but a narrow engagement ring will have a much smaller price difference.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I was looking for a reputable jewelry store to fix 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 work was outstanding and the prices are very fair."

Sabrina, Google, January 2023

  • Choose platinum if:

    • There are many very small gems that are prong or pave set.
    • There is a lot of detailing, like openwork or engraving.
    • It's a ring that will be worn frequently.
    • The additional cost is within your price range.
    • If custom, choose Fox Fine Jewelry's HTA Platinum for durability and scratch resistance.
  • Choose white gold if:

    • There are a smaller number of stones with a polished surface.
    • The stones are securely set, like channel or bezel setting.
    • It's a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or an occasional ring.
    • You're willing to have the piece plated every so often.
    • It's more within your price range.
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