White gold and platinum look alike, but they are very different metals. Here is what sets them apart, so you can choose the one that suits you.
What is white gold?
In Thailand, white gold jewelry is usually made in 18K. This means the metal is 75% pure gold mixed with 25% other metals, such as palladium, silver or copper. At JASMIN, we use palladium, because most people can wear it without an allergic reaction.
Why not use 100% gold? Pure gold is too soft to hold diamonds and gemstones securely. Mixing it with other metals makes the setting strong enough for everyday wear.
What is platinum?
Platinum is a different element from gold. It is found in nature as a naturally grey-white metal. Platinum jewelry is usually made as Platinum 950 (95% platinum, 5% other metals) or Platinum 900 (90% platinum, 10% other metals). As with gold, the added metals make the setting stronger.
Which is stronger?
Pure platinum is stronger than pure gold. But jewelry is never made from either metal in its pure form. Comparing the alloys actually used, 18K white gold is harder than Platinum 950, so it scratches less easily.
Why platinum often costs more to make
Gold and platinum prices change over time, so neither is always the more expensive metal. What stays the same is that platinum is harder to work with.
Gold melts at about 1,064°C, while platinum melts at about 1,768°C. This makes casting and assembling platinum pieces more difficult.
Gold lost during production can easily be melted down and reused. Platinum is much harder to recover, which raises production costs.
Other differences to consider
- Weight: Platinum is heavier. If you like jewelry with a substantial feel, platinum may suit you.
- Scratch resistance: White gold scratches less easily.
- Flexibility: White gold is more workable than platinum, which makes it easier to set diamonds.
- Color over time: Platinum stays naturally white. White gold gets its bright white color from rhodium plating, which wears away over time and can reveal a slightly yellow tone. Re-plating restores it.
- Resale: White gold is easier to resell, because it can be melted and remade into new jewelry more easily than platinum.
Which should you choose?
It comes down to personal preference. If you love jewelry with weight, try platinum. If you prefer something lighter that resists scratches, white gold is a great choice.
Still deciding? JASMIN designs and makes jewelry in both white gold and platinum. Visit us at The Emporium (G Floor) or Siam Paragon (1st Floor), or message us on LINE: @jasmin.jewelry.
