< return to jewellery articles

Platinum vs Gold

What is the difference between platinum and white gold?

Platinum is naturally white whereas white gold is artificially coloured by adding other metals and is also frequently rhodium plated. The plating can wear off, however, and the colour underneath is often not as white as that of platinum.

Why is a platinum ring more expensive than one in white gold?

Platinum is so rare that the price of the raw metal is invariably higher that gold

Platinum jewellery is most often 95% pure compared to only 75% for 18 carat gold

Platinum is denser than gold and weighs half as much again as 18 carat gold

Platinum requires a higher level of craftmanship and requires great skill to work it

How do I know that a piece of jewellery is platinum and not white gold?

All platinum jewellery must have a hallmark applied by the assay office and this is your guarantee that the jewellery is platinum. Look for the following marks:

Platinum 850 Jewellery is 85% pure platinum
Platinum 900 Jewellery is 90% pure platinum
Platinum 950
Jewellery is 95% pure platinum
Platinum 999 Jewellery is 99.9% pure platinum

Most platinum jewellery is 95% pure and may also bear this quality symbol.

Is platinum OK for sensitive skin?

Platinum jewellery is non-allergenic, comaptible with all skin types

Can Platinum be scratched?

Over time platinum develops a natural patina, which many people find just as attractive as a polished finished, but this does not represent any material loss and platinum rings will not thin with age. It is still important to care for platinum jewellery however.

Remove it when doing manual work

Clean it from time to time using a soft brush in soapy water

Dry using soft, clean, non-abrasive cloth

Gently rub to maximise the shine

Never use abrasive cleaners

Store carefully in a safe place, seperate from other items

If a polished finish is preferred your jeweller should be able to offer an inexpensive re-polishing service.

How does platinum jewellery wear when combined with yellow gold?

Extremely well, but signs of wear can sometimes appear on the gold because platinum is tougher. If you intend to do this it is worth considering choosing a design combining gold and platinum, with the gold in the part that will be in contact with your other ring.

Is platinum jewellery easy to repair?

If looked after properly it should not need to be repaired. Rings made in the 1920's are still being worn today. Sometimes, however, a ring might need to be sized, or maybe an accident has bent one of the claws. Platinum must be repaired by an expert so you should take it back to your jeweller who can arrange to have it skillfully and promptly repaired.

Will platinum go out of fashion?

Classic design and quality never goes out of fashion. Neither will platinum.

Is platinum good value?

Platinum represents excellent value for money. The price may be higher than similar items in gold but platinum is pure, rare, enduring, beautiful, luxurious, classic, and the perfect host for diamonds, precious qualities that make it worth paying that little bit extra for.