Platinum and white gold are two very different metals. The biggest differences between platinum and white gold are that platinum is a naturally white metal, and is more dense and durable. The difference in cost is primarily due to platinum's rarity and higher level of purity in platinum jewelry. When comparing costs, keep in mind the maintenance required for white gold over a lifetime, such as rhodium plating to keep it white and reshanking and retipping the prongs. Platinum may be a higher investment initially, but its enduring nature makes it the best value in the long run.
| Metal |
Platinum |
White Gold |
| Colour | Naturally white with cool undertone | White with a yellow undertone |
| Metal Purity | 90-95% | 9ct. - 37.5% 18ct. - 75% |
| Finish | Resistant to wear, shows scratches, satin finish as worn | Shows scratches, develops sheen as worn |
| Working Properties | Dense, malleable, strong safest setting for diamonds, retains embellishments (i.e engraving) | More brittle than platinum, wears over time, less secure for diamonds and precious stones |
| Cost Benefits | Higher initial investment. Lower maintenance costs. |
Lower initial investment. Higher maintenance costs. |
| Care and Maintenance |
Weekly - Clean at home with jewelry cleaning solution. Yearly - Bring to your jeweler for polishing. |
Weekly - Clean at home with jewelry cleaning solution. Yearly - Bring to your jeweler for polishing. As needed - Requires re-plating, possbile re-shanking or prong re-tipping. |
| Plating Required | No, although recommended for higher finish. | Yes |
| Hypo-Allergenic | Yes | Yes |
