These days, with the developing notoriety of valuable metals among individuals, numerous individuals erroneously confuse a few of these metals with each other or don’t recognize the difference between them at all. These two valuable metals commonly used in wedding and engagement rings are usually confused with each other. No matter how much they look similar, there are significant differences between them.
What is white gold?
White gold is the name given to an alloy of gold with at least one white metal. The gold alloy for making white gold is usually nickel, manganese, palladium, and silver, zinc, platinum, and copper. Of course, the white gold color used in jewelry making is not the actual color of this alloy but is obtained by coating gold with rhodium metal. Because gold is so soft in its purest form, it is made more durable in jewelry by adding another metal. Copper is usually used to make yellow gold, but white metal or silver is used to make white gold. The properties of white gold depending on the type and amount of metal added to the gold. Nickel is a strong metal, so the gold-nickel alloy is suitable for making engagement rings. Gold and palladium alloys are softer and more flexible and are used for jewelry and gemstone services. Sometimes other metals such as copper, silver, and platinum are added to the alloy to increase the strength and weight of white gold. Gold and nickel alloys are cheaper than pure gold and palladium, but some people are allergic to nickel, and prolonged use of nickel-containing gold can cause acne.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is one of the chemical elements of the metal family. This element, a group of white-gray, dense, conductive, and malleable metals, is one of the most valuable precious metals. The name of this metal is derived from the Spanish word Platina meaning “small silver.” Platinum has the lowest reactivity of all metals, has very high rust and corrosion resistance, and retains this property even in scorching environments. Most applications of platinum are due to these properties and their high catalytic properties. Platinum is most commonly used in the manufacture of catalyst converters and jewelry, specially engagement rings.
The difference between white gold and platinum
White gold and platinum have a similar appearance so that non-experts confuse them with each other, but there are several differences as follows:
- Because platinum is naturally white, it has a much higher luminosity than white gold.
- White gold is less resistant to rust than platinum.
- Platinum is more resistant to turbidity.
- Platinum is denser than white gold.
- Platinum is rarer than white gold, so white gold is cheaper.
- White gold has a lower degree of purity and becomes dull and oxidized over time.
- Platinum has more anti-allergic properties than white gold
The choice between white gold and platinum is entirely up to you. Just keep in mind that an engagement ring is considered as a token of love and you will probably keep it for the rest of your life. If you are living in Vancouver and looking for an engagement ring for your spouse we invite you to check our elegant collection of engagement rings.
