We are often asked, “Should I go with white gold or platinum?,” and we’re hoping this can shed some light! When trying to decide if gold or platinum is the right material for you, it’s important to first know the qualities of each.
Gold vs. Platinum
What is the difference between gold and platinum jewelry?
There are a couple of important things to note when considering gold jewelry – the main one being the karat/purity. You might think that the higher the karat, the better-suited and more pure the piece – and that’s partly true! The higher the karat rating, the purer the gold is. However, gold is naturally pretty soft and therefore less durable, so it often becomes necessary to alloy the gold with other metals in order to make it more suitable for jewelry. So, if you see a piece stamped “24K” – it is 100 percent pure gold (and again, oftentimes too soft for daily wear). Then, 18K is 75 percent gold, 14K is 58.3 percent gold, 10K is 41.7 percent. This rating system is also how gold is priced.
Platinum is a popular choice due to its natural white color, durability, and purity (usually 90-95 percent pure platinum in jewelry), which makes it a top choice for those who need a hypoallergenic option. It is also a denser metal and has a substantial feel to it. That durability ensures it can hold up to everyday wear and tear while offering a more secure choice for holding stones such as diamonds or other gems. You also don’t need to rhodium plate platinum jewelry as you do with white gold pieces.
Color Options
As mentioned above, most gold jewelry is alloyed. Alloying gold has the added bonus of making it possible to change its color. This is why you will see different shades such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, etc.
Since Platinum is a pure metal, it only comes in one color. It has a naturally white appearance that does not change or tarnish over time. Some describe it as a silvery-white that can have a greyish tint in certain lights. While platinum does not tarnish, it does patina over time, creating a matte look. This can be polished for those who wish to keep a high shine.
Value
You may have heard that the value of gold is reaching record-breaking highs, and this is true. However, since platinum is purer and denser, it is often more expensive to purchase as jewelry. It also requires a separate manufacturing facility from gold. Platinum is currently still more expensive than gold in jewelry, however; the pricing difference is much less than it has been historically. Learn more about platinum.
So – which is right for you? This all depends on lifestyle, personal style, and budget. Betz Jewelers is here to review your options and answer any questions to help you make this decision.