Good afternoon, dear readers! Surely many of you have noticed that silver jewelry with natural stones has become especially popular lately. They can look different: some are very simple, while others are very impressive.
The metals are visually similar - white gold and platinum: what is the difference between them and what causes the significant difference in price? I propose to look into this issue.
What is platinum and white gold
Platinum is a naturally occurring precious metal with a silvery-white color. It has been known to mankind for more than 4 thousand years, but has been used in jewelry relatively recently. It is widely used in technical production, medicine and high technology. In the periodic table it is designated as Pt; its reserves on the planet are limited.
White gold is always an alloy where the main component is gold (Au), and metals are used as alloys that give it a white color. To ensure that the surface of the product has a noble silver-white hue, it is coated with rhodium. It not only protects against scratches, but also preserves color.
Investing in platinum
The extraordinary properties of the metal, the low supply of natural resources, the difficulty of processing, the purity of the metal - it would seem that all this plus a small supply should be enough for the price to increase many times over. But, unfortunately, it is impossible to predict the price of this particular metal.
The price of platinum on the gold and foreign exchange market constantly fluctuates. The price of platinum can soar very high and immediately fall much below the level at which it was located.
And gold today is valued more than platinum, if only because it is in it that the gold and foreign exchange reserves are valued. It is a measure of wealth for most Asian countries. Remember India, where the more gold jewelry, the richer the bride or groom.
What is gold? Power, wealth, reliability. But few people invest in platinum. And this happens precisely because of the instability of its production, as well as a lack of understanding of its real need.
As for jewelers, few people prefer to work with complex metals, choosing gold for themselves. Only the most advanced jewelry factories produce exclusive precious items with diamonds in platinum.
Are white gold and platinum the same thing or not?
Due to the visual similarity of the top layer of these two materials, they are often confused. The main difference is that platinum is a pure metal with natural impurities included, while white gold is always an alloy. Gold is the softest material, easily deformable, while platinum is the standard of strength.
Value through the ages
Cash investments in jewelry have been relevant for many centuries and have not lost their popularity to this day.
Buying jewelry is a clear example of how to treat a woman and how to save what you earn for future years.
Precious metals are not subject to inflation and their cost only increases from year to year.
The price of existing treasures, depending on the reserves, increases several times over a few years, which is something that no deposit in banks can offer.
The question of what is more expensive than gold did not require an answer for many millennia; everyone already knew that it was nothing, but after the discovery of a metal such as platinum in the 16th century and, recognizing its unique properties, jewelers questioned this statement.
Now that platinum products have found their buyers, and the metal itself is recognized as one of the most expensive, the question arises of what is more expensive: gold or platinum? And in discussions on this topic, there is no single answer.
How are these metals different?
Despite the visual similarity, metals have many differences, which are shown in the table.
| White gold | Platinum |
| The color is obtained by adding a ligature | Has a silver-gray natural tint |
| In its pure form, soft, unstable to deformation | Durable metal, does not require the addition of alloys (950 standard) |
| Does not tolerate contact with aggressive environments | Does not oxidize, does not react with chemical elements |
| May fade over time, appear yellowish, may require color restoration in a workshop | Maintains a flawless appearance and smooth surface for many years |
| To extract an ounce of metal, you need to process 3 tons of ore | It takes 10 tons of ore to mine an ounce. |
Composition, strength and weight
The composition and properties of white gold depend on alloys:
- zinc – gives a cool shine;
- nickel – adds strength, the alloy is not subject to mechanical wear;
- silver – gives a matte finish;
- platinum improves physical properties and gives strength.
White gold is a wear-resistant metal, jewelry made from it performs well in use. If the composition contains nickel, zinc or silver, then rhodium plating is required to improve the color and harden the surface.
Platinum contains a minimal amount of impurities, so its color lasts for a long time. In jewelry, the percentage of pure metal is 95-99%. Palladium is used as filler components, as well as small amounts of copper, tungsten, iridium, and silicon.
The density of gold is 19.3 g/cm3, platinum - 21.5 g/cm3. It is flexible and much more practical to wear; a ring made of this metal will feel more massive and heavy.
Appearance and markings
To improve the external qualities and performance properties of the metal, alloy is used in different quantities, as evidenced by the markings applied to the item.
To change the color of gold, at least 20% of other metals must be added to the alloy. There are such tests:
- 750 – composed of 75% gold, palladium, platinum or silver;
- 500 – contains 50% gold, silver or copper is used as an alloy;
- 585 – 58.5% of the main component is 41.5% palladium or silver.
Platinum samples:
- 950 – contains 95-95.5% precious metal, less than 5% tungsten;
- 900 – composed of 90% platinum, 6.5-8.5% palladium;
- 850 – 85% of the pure element contains 11-14% palladium.
To increase strength and improve properties, copper, silicon, tungsten, iridium, and gallium are added to platinum. These additive components account for the remainder in percentage terms.
It should be noted that the mark on gold is placed in a rectangular frame, and on platinum – in an octagonal one.
Difference between different purity grades
When asked which precious metal is better, most will answer that the one whose fineness is of greater importance. It is the sample that determines the amount of valuable additive in the alloy. In a product with white gold, the cost varies depending on the size and quality of the included ligature. The cheapest way to achieve a white tint is to add nickel to the composition.
The situation with platinum is the same: you need to understand that the precious item whose purity is higher will be more expensive.
Differences in GOST standards and quality
There is a difference between the samples, which lies in the requirement for the composition of the alloys. Minor deviations from the norm are possible.
Expert opinion
Vsevolod Kozlovsky
6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds
The most popular standard of platinum is 950; the majority of jewelry is made from it. 900 standard has less shine and brightness, 850 has a silver luster, it is practically not used.
500 gold is characterized by a yellow tint; it is not often used by jewelers due to the complexity of the work. 585 standard is distinguished by its light shade and unique shine; this alloy is popular due to its qualities and practicality. 750 standard is valued for its ease of processing. It is used by the famous jewelry houses Cartier and Tiffany to make expensive jewelry with natural stones.
Effect on skin
Products made from white gold can cause allergies to the skin of the person wearing them. It has been proven that nickel used as an alloy has this effect. In Europe, since the beginning of 2000, the use of nickel in jewelry alloys has been prohibited by law; it is recommended to include palladium instead.
Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal that is safe for health. Its peculiarity is the negligible content of impurities that cannot cause skin irritation.
Price and demand
The cost of things made from white alloys depends on the following factors:
- weight;
- try.
Due to the use of various components in white gold, products made from it have a wide range of prices. The price of such an alloy is always slightly higher than the usual yellow one, this is due to the addition of platinum to its composition. If silver is used, the price goes down.
Excellent mechanical qualities contribute to the active use of platinum in medicine and high-tech production processes. The largest producer of natural materials is South Africa.
Currently, gold is more expensive, and the price difference between the precious metals is about $270, but there was a time when this figure reached $1,000. High demand, significantly exceeding supply, is a decisive factor in pricing.
What stones are suitable
Most often, white jewelry alloys frame diamonds, highlighting their unique brilliance and hue. Such products look very impressive regardless of the color of the diamond. Also used:
- sapphires are rare and expensive gemstones with a transparent luster, available in different shades of blue, pink, green, purple, yellow or colorless;
- emeralds are transparent green stones;
- opals are precious stones with incredible shine;
- cubic zirconia - a budget addition to jewelry;
- white, black and pink pearls.
Durable metal securely holds the expensive stone, becoming its worthy frame.
Magic properties
Scientists have proven the fact of a clear connection between platinum and space. Sometimes the mineral is called divine, as it is the patron of wise and prudent people.
In addition, platinum negatively affects those who are accustomed to taking what belongs to others. Having constant contact with metal, a thief may encounter unexpected obstacles in life, failure and grief will overtake him. And if he doesn’t come to his senses, the decoration will take revenge on its owner for a long time, until he becomes wiser.
Platinum is the patron of noble people who have compassion, helping others without a hint of return. In this case, the owner’s business will go uphill, luck will accompany everything and always.
Unlike gold, platinum does not accumulate negative energy and cannot be programmed. Therefore, it is not suitable for making amulets. But Pt has the property of softening the impact of stones with which it comes into contact. There are crystals that have strong energy that influences their owner. To soften the impact, it is recommended to set them in platinum.
Considering the purity of the natural material, it is suitable for meditation, during which it is necessary to put rings made of it on the ring or index finger. In this way, maximum results are achieved.
Who should wear the products?
Jewelry made from noble metal is suitable for those people whose work involves showing sensitivity and kindness. This category includes medical staff and teachers.
By giving preference to a bracelet, you can hope that good qualities will be strengthened and bad qualities will be neutralized. Those who like to wear a chain are protected from negative manifestations that can destroy the aura and harm the body. In particular, it should be worn by psychics and creative people who are always in sight.
Earrings will help you be more realistic and see what has not been seen for a long time.
Influence on Zodiac signs
The best option here would be Pisces and Cancer. Products made from this material can be worn regularly. For Sagittarius and Virgo, it is suitable as a pacifying remedy for gaining peace of mind.
Platinum is also suitable for Scorpio, enhancing his intuition and establishing contact with the Universe.
The exceptions are the signs Taurus, Aquarius, Gemini and Leo.
For other representatives of the Zodiac, jewelry can be worn and removed periodically.
Advantages and disadvantages of white gold and platinum
Let's look at the pros and cons of each.
Benefits of platinum:
- not subject to corrosion;
- not susceptible to aggressive environments.
It is difficult to work with: it will not be possible to decorate with a fancy design. Disadvantages also include high cost.
Advantages of white gold:
- affordable price;
- good malleability and density, easy to work with;
- there is a possibility of color restoration;
- does not corrode;
- has an impressive look.
The disadvantages of the alloy include the possibility of scratches. But this defect is easy to fix.
Expert opinion
Vsevolod Kozlovsky
6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds
You should carefully choose jewelry made of gold of an unusual color, keeping in mind that the low price may be associated with a high percentage of silver in the composition. Alloys with silver can darken in open air, enter into a chemical reaction with the secretions of the human body and with hydrogen sulfide contained in the air.
Which metal jewelry is best to choose?
When choosing something to wear constantly, you should give preference to the material that has the best physical properties.
Platinum jewelry is stronger, it will last longer, and there will be no scratches on the surface. In addition, such products will not cause allergies. They are much more expensive and belong to the premium segment. Gold jewelry is a relatively inexpensive option, but it will delight you for many years.
Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage
White gold is a rather capricious material; it should be protected from chlorine-containing substances and abrasive pastes. You should not wear jewelry in the pool, sauna, or while doing housework. Platinum items may become dull over time, but this has nothing to do with how they are used. To update the appearance, both gold and platinum jewelry are rhodium-plated in a jewelry workshop.
Tradition and innovation in jewelry
The love for gold is traditional, and interest in platinum is at the peak of popularity. What is more expensive: gold or platinum? The price of a particular product is not constant and varies depending on many factors. The approximate price of gold and platinum is approximately the same and has no significant differences, however, the price of a product made of gold and platinum will be strikingly different.
Due to the fact that platinum has a higher density than gold, a platinum bracelet or ring will be heavier than the same gold jewelry, which means the price of the finished product will be higher.
World celebrities shine in public wearing such jewelry and call platinum the queen of metals. Nobility and dignity shine through in every product, and the solid foundation will last for many years and will allow it to be inherited by more than one generation of descendants in its original form.
You may be interested in: What does the mark on gold jewelry mean?
How to distinguish white gold from silver
It is often difficult to distinguish white metal products by appearance, since rhodium-plated silver will shine no worse than gold. If you have something to compare with, you can “weigh” the jewelry in your hand - the silver will be much lighter. Visually, gold has a cooler shine and a matte surface. You can reliably distinguish metal only by the mark, which is located on the inside of the product.
Experts suggest methods using iodine or acid, but it is unlikely that anyone in a jewelry store will allow such experiments. If in doubt, you should contact a jeweler.
Customer Reviews
Marina
My husband gave me a platinum and diamond ring for my wedding 7 years ago, it still looks perfect, as if it came straight from a salon, although I almost never take it off. A very practical metal, much better than gold.
Vlad
The alloy with platinum is the most expensive and spectacular, and it is worth investing in it.
Irina
I used to like large jewelry made of traditional gold, but now I pay more attention to delicate white jewelry with diamonds - they have a noble look.
Practical use
Platinum is used not only for making jewelry, but also in other industries.
- In the automotive industry;
- Ammonia synthesis;
- Manufacturing of electrical equipment;
- Medicine (medicines aimed at combating cancer are produced in dental implants);
- Chemical industry (for the production of silicones, laboratory glassware);
Fashion and platinum
Jewelry production occupies a special place in the world. Platinum is loved by Italian and German designers, who use it to make wedding rings, pendants, earrings and chains - real masterpieces characterized by elegance and sophisticated beauty.
Io Si Scavia and Giorgio Visconti can be called true masters of their craft, who use metal to improve jewelry. Diamond rings attract special attention. Brooches that are returning to fashion look luxurious in combinations of black diamonds framed in white platinum. Products made of rose gold and platinum are also highly valued. One of the latest fashion trends is platinum mesh, which is increasingly decorating cufflinks, pendants and rings.
