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White gold and platinum look very similar at first, but they actually differ in many aspects. To tell them apart you should use the five C's: Composition, Colour, Cost, Care and Culture. Do you prefer platinum or white gold for your diamond engagement ring? Get to know the difference between the two precious metals here.
- What is white gold and how does its composition differ from platinum?
- What colour does white gold and platinum have?
- What is the price difference between a white gold and a platinum ring?
- How to maintain my gold or platinum jewellery?
- What is the symbolism of platinum and white gold?
Browse our extensive collection of jewels in platinum and white gold
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1st C: Composition
How does the composition of white gold differ from platinum?
Most white gold diamond jewellery is offered in 18 karat, which consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, necessary for colour and strength. To achieve the white colour, pure gold (which is naturally yellow r) is mixed with additives such as silver and palladium. BAUNAT for example alloys its white gold with palladium, a rare precious metal which ensures a long lasting colour of the white gold. At the end, white gold jewellery gets rhodium plated, which gives the jewel its bright white colour.
Pure gold is too pliable and therefore not suitable for jewellery. That's why we use gold alloy, a combination of gold and other metals.

In terms of allergies, it’s a tie. Even though platinum is known to be both hypoallergenic and durable, European guidelines ensure that 18 carat jewellery may only contain a minimal amount of nickel, which makes white gold an excellent hypoallergenic alternative to platinum.
At BAUNAT, we go one step further. By composing all of our white gold jewellery with palladium instead of nickel, the jewellery retains its white colour longer and is an excellent choice for those with nickel allergies or sensitive skin.

2nd C: Colour
What colour does white gold and platinum have?
At first glance, jewellery in white gold and platinum seems to have the same colour, but when you look closely, there’s a visible difference.. You can recognise an engagement ring in white through its pronounced silver sparkle, while the colour of platinum tends to lean more to a grey colour.
Due to the colour difference between platinum and white gold, experts don’t recommend a combination of these two precious metals. If your partner chooses a platinum engagement ring, then also go for a platinum wedding ring.

3rd C: Cost
What is the price difference between a white gold and a platinum ring?
Platinum jewellery is usually more expensive than white gold and there are several reasons for this. Although pure gold is more expensive than pure platinum, less gold is needed to make the same jewel. Not only because of platinum’s high density, but also because the alloy contains 95% pure platinum whereas white gold only contains 75% pure gold.
Platinum in its pure form is much stronger than pure gold, but when both precious metals are used in an alloy, 950 platinum becomes softer, making it harder to work with and increasing the labour cost of the jewel.
If you decide against buying platinum, but rather white gold, you can invest the money you saved in a larger diamond for your engagement ring. Of course, it comes down to your personal choice.
4th C: Care
How to maintain your gold or platinum jewellery
Given that white gold jewellery consists of 75% pure gold and thus yellow components, it can show a yellowish undertone after a few years, when the rhodium wears off. Fortunately, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to have your jewel rhodium plated again. Depending on the usage of the jewel, a rhodium dip can stay perfect for a few years or even decades and will mainly wear at the bottom of the ring. A platinum ring on the other hand retains its white grey colour for life.
In terms of wear, both metals scratch differently. Since 18 carat gold is harder than platinum, it is more likely to lose a little of its metal when scratched. Meanwhile, a scratch in platinum actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch.
Last but not least,white gold jewellery can more easily be adjusted in size and the adaption is less visible. Due to the specific properties of platinum, you will most likely be able to see a line at the joint, even when the resizing was done properly because the soldering is of different alloy.Cleaning white gold or platinum jewellery yourself is easier than you think. Even for jewellery with diamonds, you have the right cleaning agents at home.
Cleaning white gold or platinum jewellery yourself is easier than you think. Even for jewellery with diamonds, you have the right cleaning agents at home.

5th C: Culture
What is the symbolism of platinum and white gold?
Gold has been the most traditional precious metal for engagement and wedding rings for years and symbolises eternal love and dedication between partners. Gold is also often associated with royalty and divinity. Yet platinum seems gradually to become the new symbol of prestige and wealth. Many artists have already been awarded a platinum record, and anyone with a platinum credit card enjoys more privileges and benefits than the holder of a gold credit card. So, the tides have begun to turn.
Platinum is also associated with patience, determination and perseverance in popular culture. Whether you choose rings in platinum or white gold, the symbolic value is assured.
Would you like to get personal advice from the experts?
What else should I know about precious metals like white gold and platinum?

Stephanie Hesters
- BAUNAT Antwerp
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