Selecting a metal for your jewelry is crucial. However, we have made it easy to narrow down to the two best metals for fine jewelry. Platinum and white gold are popular choices. But many times, you will ask, ‘is platinum better than gold?’ We will not promise to give you a direct answer. But we will point out a few differences in the two precious metals. The differences will help you in buying the best metal that suits your needs and lifestyle.
What is Platinum
Platinum is a pure white metal mined from the earth’s crust? The minimum acceptable purity is 95%; small impurities occur during the purification process. 5% of ruthenium is added to strengthen the metal. However, there are times the smelters will add cobalt in place of ruthenium. Cobalt alloyed platinum is lower in quality. It has magnetic properties and is cheaper in the market. You can purchase this if you are low on budget. But be sure it will not give you a similar service as platinum with ruthenium.
What is White Gold
White gold is an alloy of pure yellow gold and white metals such as palladium, common, zinc, silver, or other white metal. The alloy metal dilutes the yellow color. Then the jeweler will coat the final product with rhodium to achieve a metallic white look.
75% and 58% of white gold is suitable for fine jewelry. You can have higher or lower carat percentages for other uses. The coating wears off from time to time. You will need several trips to the jeweler for a new layer of rhodium coating.
Characteristics of Platinum
Platinum is a dense metal. It is 40% heavier than white gold of the same size. Thus, its jewelry feels heavier than white metal jewelry. It is best to make men’s jewelry since they love weight. It also makes women’s jewelry, but mostly, they are smaller in size.
Platinum is malleable. Also, it responds to scratching surfaces by moving away. It is common to find a platinum piece of jewelry with a rough surface. The metal is non-magnetic. If you run a magnet test and it seems to attract, then you are holding fake platinum.
When you use platinum with diamonds and gemstones, and it will hold them in place for a long time. As the jewelry piece gets old, the platinum metal curves in. as a result, it has the gemstone tighter. And since the metal is malleable, it will not damage the gemstone.
Platinum is naturally white. If you do not mind the patina finish, you can stay all your life without any polishing. Your metal will remain white all through. This characteristic makes people ask if platinum is better than white metal.
Platinum does not lose part of its metal when you scratch it out. It makes the metal one of the most durable in the market. You can maintain the same thickness of jewelry for several generations. Thus, platinum is an excellent metal for heirloom jewelry.
Platinum is hypoallergenic. It is the most vital characteristic of the metal. Hence, anybody can wear platinum with no skin reaction. It explains why the metal gained popularity in the jewelry market within a short time.
Characteristics of Gold
White gold is a compound of yellow gold and alloy metal. Thus, it has a yellow undertone. Jewelers cover the flaw with rhodium. However, the coating wears off after a few months. It is the principal disadvantage of white gold.
White gold is more challenging than platinum. Thus, it is more resistant to scratches and will maintain a smooth surface longer. However, if you subject white gold to a greater force, you will lose part of the metal. Jewelry made from white gold needs a person whose lifestyle does not involve rough tasks.
White gold holds gemstones well when they are new. However, it curves outwards with age. Hence, it pushes the stone outwards. If you are not keen, you can lose your gemstone.
The cost of white gold is lower than platinum. The price difference is based on the purity of the metal. Pure gold is more expensive than platinum. But the alloy metals drop the value of gold.
The common Caratage of white gold for fine jewelry is 18K and 14K. They are 75% and 58% of pure gold, respectively. They differ in price, where 14K is cheaper than 18K white gold. The lowest carat of gold to use in jewelry is 9K or 37% of gold. It is the least popular since it is more of an alloy metal than gold.
However, it is an excellent choice for people on a shoe-string budget. Pure gold is a hypoallergenic metal. However, the alloy metals may cause skin irritation to the wearer of the jewelry. It would help if you understood the condition of your skin before settling for white gold jewelry.
Final Word
Is platinum better than gold? This question is no longer necessary. Now you know you can buy the metals interchangeably. Understand that each metal has its strengths and weaknesses. You only need to assess the shortcomings you can live with. Also, the metal should match your lifestyle such that you will not need repairs often.
Author’s BIO:
Naman Modi is a Professional Blogger, SEO Expert & Guest blogger at https://alexandcompany.com/, He is an Award-Winning Freelancer & Web Entrepreneur helping new entrepreneur’s launches their first successful online business.
