Platinum vs. Gold
Choosing between platinum and gold for jewelry, especially for engagement and wedding rings, requires understanding each metal's unique properties. Both platinum and gold have their unique appeal, advantages, and price points—all of which can impact your decision. This guide will provide a full comparison of platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal renowned for its exceptional durability, natural white sheen, and luxurious appeal. Its density and strength make it an excellent choice for crafting fine jewelry and its hypoallergenic properties also make it an ideal option for those with sensitive skin. Platinum does not tarnish or fade over time, so it will maintain its brilliant luster with minimal maintenance. However, over time, platinum can develop a soft matte layer over the metal called a patina, which can give it a slightly frosted finish.
To keep platinum jewelry looking its best, regular cleaning is recommended. A simple solution of mild soap and warm water, combined with gentle scrubbing using a soft-bristle brush, can effectively remove dirt and oils. Platinum's inherent durability ensures that it withstands the rigors of daily wear, making it a cherished and enduring choice for significant pieces like engagement rings.
White Gold
White gold is made by combining pure gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel, followed by a rhodium plating to enhance its bright, silvery appearance. This combination results in a metal that is both durable and beautiful, making it a popular choice for fine jewelry.
A mixture of mild soap and warm water can be used for routine cleaning, along with a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any buildup. Over time, the rhodium plating on white gold may wear off. To maintain its bright white appearance, white gold jewelry should be periodically re-plated by a professional jeweler. Additionally, white gold is generally not hypoallergenic due to its nickel content, so individuals with sensitive skin should consider white gold alloys with palladium or a hypoallergenic metal like platinum.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a classic and timeless metal, prized for its warm, rich hue. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and warm water solution helps maintain its shine, and a soft cloth or brush can be used to gently scrub away dirt and oils. Additionally, yellow gold is generally hypoallergenic, especially in higher karats, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a romantic and distinctive metal known for its warm, blush-pink hue. It is created by alloying pure gold with copper, which gives it its beautiful color. Caring for rose gold follows similar principles to caring for other gold tones. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and warm water solution helps remove dirt and oils, while a soft cloth or brush can be used for gentle scrubbing. As with yellow gold, rose gold is generally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Platinum vs. Gold: Which Is Better?
When choosing between gold and platinum, consider factors such as appearance, durability, and price. Gold is less expensive and offers a range of colors. Platinum, while more expensive, is incredibly durable, hypoallergenic, and maintains its natural white color over time, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles or sensitive skin.
Ultimately, your decision should reflect your lifestyle, budget, and personal style preferences. Gold provides a versatile, budget-friendly option with various color choices, while platinum offers unmatched durability and low maintenance, justifying its higher cost. Consider these factors to choose the metal that best suits your needs.
Popular Engagement Rings
Platinum vs. Gold FAQ
Is platinum more expensive than gold?
Yes, platinum is typically more expensive than gold. When comparing platinum and gold, pricing varies based on market conditions and metal composition. Both metals are highly valued in fine jewelry, with platinum typically commanding a higher price point due to its purity level and density. Gold jewelry offers various price points depending on its karat weight, with options ranging from 14K to 18K to suit different budgets and preferences.
Is platinum stronger than gold?
Yes, platinum is typically stronger than gold. Platinum is a strong metal that maintains its shape well due to its density, while gold's various karat options provide different levels of durability. Each metal can be crafted into secure settings for precious stones, with proper care ensuring their longevity.
Is platinum heavier than gold?
Yes, platinum is heavier than gold. When comparing identical ring designs, platinum pieces will feel heavier than their gold counterparts due to their natural density. This weight difference is simply a characteristic of the metal's molecular structure, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference for how the jewelry feels when worn.
Is platinum softer than gold?
No, platinum is not typically softer than gold. Platinum and gold each display unique properties when used in jewelry. While pure platinum and pure gold are both relatively soft metals, the alloys used in jewelry making change their characteristics significantly. Both metals, when properly alloyed, provide excellent durability for everyday wear.
Is platinum rarer than gold?
Yes, platinum is typically rarer than gold. Both platinum and gold are precious metals found naturally in the earth. Industry data shows that platinum deposits are found less frequently in nature compared to gold deposits. However, both metals are considered precious and valuable, with each maintaining its distinct place in the fine jewelry market.
Is gold or platinum better?
The choice between gold and platinum depends entirely on individual preferences and needs. Gold offers versatility with its yellow, white, and rose color options, while platinum provides a naturally white color that never needs replating. Both metals have proven themselves as excellent choices for fine jewelry, especially for important pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands. Each metal offers distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences in terms of weight, color, and maintenance.
Does platinum scratch easier than gold?
Both platinum and gold respond differently to daily wear. When platinum shows signs of wear, the metal typically moves from one place to another rather than being lost, which can create a patina finish over time. Gold maintains its polish longer but may lose small amounts of metal when scratched. Professional jewelers can easily polish both metals to restore their original finish.
What is the difference between gold and platinum?
The primary differences between these precious metals lie in their natural properties. Platinum jewelry typically contains a high percentage of pure platinum, while gold jewelry offers various karat options, commonly 14K or 18K. Platinum naturally maintains its white color, while gold can be alloyed to create yellow, white, or rose gold variations. Their different densities also mean that platinum pieces will feel heavier than the same design in gold.
Is platinum a type of gold?
No, platinum is not a type of gold. Platinum and gold are distinct precious metals, each with its own unique chemical composition and properties. While both are valued in fine jewelry making, they are separate elements. Gold is element 79 on the periodic table, while platinum is element 78, making them close neighbors but distinct metals with their own characteristics.
Can you tell the difference between platinum and gold?
When comparing platinum to white gold, the metals can appear similar at first glance. The most noticeable difference is weight, as platinum's greater density makes it feel heavier than the same piece in gold. Both metals maintain their beauty over time with proper care, though they may develop different characteristics with wear. White gold may eventually require replating to maintain its color, while platinum retains its natural white shade permanently.
How can I recycle gold and platinum jewelry?
Brilliant Earth offers a recycling program for gold and platinum jewelry, including pieces from Brilliant Earth and your personal items, in exchange for shopping credit. You can drop your jewelry off at one of our stores or ship directly to the Brilliant Earth distribution center. To ship to the distribution center, please contact us and we will send you a shipping label and instructions. Learn more.
What is patina?
Patina on precious metals refers to the change in finish and texture that develops over time due to normal wear. The patina on platinum may appear satiny or slightly frosted, and can vary in color.
Which metals are hypoallergenic?
Platinum, gold, and nickel-free sterling silver are typically hypoallergenic.
