All that glitters – is either gold or platinum! If you’re looking for an engagement ring or other delicate jewelry with a white metal finish, platinum and white gold are probably the two leading contenders vying for your attention. While it is undoubtedly difficult to distinguish these luxurious metals based solely on appearance, there are several factors to consider before making your choice. Before that, however, let’s rewind a bit and chart the origins of these two metals.
The Origins of Platinum and White Gold
Platinum was discovered as a metal 4000 years ago, but it didn’t make an appearance in the jewelry market until the late 1800s. It was only after methods to melt it down at high temperatures were discovered, ensuring it could be easily molded and crafted. Platinum was scarce during the two world wars of the 20th century but then gathered momentum in the 1950s and, since then, has been one of the preferred choices for engagement rings and other delicate jewelry.
As we know it today, white gold has its roots in the 1920s. People wanted a more cost-effective and readily available alternative to the white glow synonymous with platinum. So alchemists experimented by mixing yellow gold, nickel, and zinc; others mixed yellow gold with nickel and palladium. Today, palladium is used as a more expensive alloy, while magnesium or chromium are also great options. As you may have already guessed, white gold isn’t usually available in 24k gold. However, one can go as high as 21k to ensure a sturdier and more resistant white gold. It is also plated with rhodium to prevent corrosion.
Similarities Between Platinum and White Gold
Of course, it goes without saying that both platinum and white gold come with that gorgeous moonbeam sheen, which until a century ago was the domain of the lesser premium, silver metal. Both platinum and white gold are highly durable and scratch-resistant. Because of their gorgeous neutral shade, they also complement a variety of precious stones in different sizes and cuts. Diamonds sparkle when set in either of these metals, as do colored gemstones.
Both platinum and white gold are versatile for accessorizing with a gamut of outfits. You can sparkle at night in your LBD or team it up with a summer-relevant outfit for brunch.
Whether it’s a vintage-inspired round halo engagement ring or a dressier round diamond option, platinum is the ideal metal to show off sparkling diamonds to their best possible advantage. Below are just some of the options from Gabriel & Co featuring this precious metal.
Differences Between Platinum and White Gold
The first and most obvious distinction between platinum and white gold is in the pricing. Platinum is far more expensive than white gold (even though the per gram weight isn’t that much more than that of gold!), but for a good reason. It is 30 times rarer than gold. Also, engagement rings and other finely-crafted jewelry demand more purity and density for platinum than gold. Making platinum is also a more expensive proposition. The result is a far more durable, harder, and stronger product. It is also more elite and requires minimal long-term maintenance. The added benefit of platinum is that it is completely hypoallergenic.
White gold, on the other hand, requires a little more maintenance. It starts to yellow as the coating fades, and you will have to take it back for rhodium-plating. When you opt for maintenance, white gold tends to be cheaper than platinum to polish, fix, reset or solder. There is also no denying that gold – whether white, rose, or yellow – is a timeless and more affordable metal, one that has stood the test of time. It is also more malleable. From an investment perspective as well, it is a more stable option.
White gold should be your go-to metal if you’re looking for something easier on the pocket yet bearing a soft silvery sheen. Try out these versatile options from Gabriel & Co., which will certainly appeal to your choice for understated, elegant jewelry.
Just one thing to keep in mind – there are subtle differences in the appearance as well, which you can see when you compare the two metals side by side. Platinum has slight silver-grey undertones, while white gold is silvery white. So, if you’re planning to mix and match various jewelry pieces with both platinum and white gold in the same ensemble, make sure they don’t clash.
Gabriel & Co puts a lot of thought into the quality and design of each metal, using platinum and gold in the best possible ways to create engagement rings and other jewelry pieces that are timeless and will stay with you for a lifetime.
