When you’re investing in jewelry, the choice between white gold and platinum can be complicated because there is no one right answer. It depends on the design of your jewelry, the durability you’re looking for, and the investment value.
Here’s a quick comparison of white gold and platinum to help you get a better idea of which precious metal is best for your preferences and your unique piece of jewelry.
How to Choose Between White Gold & Platinum
The first and most important difference to note is that white gold is an alloy. Yellow gold is mixed with silver, palladium, or nickel in order to give white gold its color. Platinum is naturally white in color, so it is relatively pure, with only 5-10% iridium or ruthenium added as a hardening agent. This difference alone means several things for your jewelry:
1.
Platinum is hypoallergenic, whereas most white gold is not (due to the other metals mixed in, especially nickel). Platinum is recommended for those with allergies or even those with sensitive skin.
2.
Platinum is costlier than white gold. While 14 karat white gold contains a little over 50% gold, platinum contains 90-95% platinum.
3.
White gold will not be as white as platinum. A good solution if you are hoping for a truly white gold is to regularly have it coated with rhodium. White gold is more maintenance than platinum in this way, but it is also less expensive than platinum, so it really depends on your personal priorities and preferences.
4.
Platinum is denser than white gold and therefore more durable. However, while white gold is softer and prone to becoming thinner over time, it tends to hold straight edges and engraved details better than platinum. This is because when platinum gets scratched or dented, its metal is displaced, but not lost. This is where you have to consider the unique design of your jewelry.
5.
You’ll also want to think about how you’re hoping for it to wear over time. Platinum can develop a gorgeous patina over time, or it can be polished for a smooth finish and no metal will be lost in the process (again, the metal will be displaced but not lost). White gold will yellow and thin out over time, which the above-mentioned rhodium coatings can help with.
6.
For engagement rings, platinum can often boast stronger prongs to keep your diamonds or other gemstones secure, though this also depends on the design.
7.
If you’re looking for an heirloom piece to pass down from generation to generation, platinum will be your best bet, as it will never thin out and is easily resized and polished.
To further help you with your jewelry purchases, you might also want to check out our list of the 5 best jewelry investments you can make. We’ll help you decipher what to look for not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in choosing valuable assets that can be a financial safety net to you.
Both white gold and platinum jewelry are acceptable assets at Qollateral. Luxury jewelry brands, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgari, are more likely to retain their value better than non-branded jewelry.
However, we accept non-branded jewelry all the time for the market value of its precious metals and gemstones. We welcome you to book an appointment for a quick appraisal, and if you’re ready to proceed with an asset loan or with selling your jewelry, a same-day cash payment or bank wire transfer. There’s zero pressure, and it’s completely confidential.
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