Sometimes buyers mistakenly believe that these precious metals are identical. Indeed, they are virtually indistinguishable in appearance, but they have their own unique qualities. White Gold и Platinumwhat is the difference? Let's look at the characteristics of each material.
Platinum and white gold: what do the two precious metals have in common?
The resemblance of these materials is immediately noticeable, and it is not so easy to tell them apart "by sight. Many ordinary people, far from the jewelry industry, are convinced that they are one and the same.
In fact, the identity between these metals ends at the outer features. Moreover, Platinum has a natural silver hue, while the color of white gold is achieved by adding various impurities to the melt.
Interesting fact: The metal was dubbed "platino" by the Spaniards during the time of the conquistadors, which means "silversmith" in a contemptuous way. The mineral was ubiquitous among the newly discovered placer gold deposits, and gold miners treated this find with disdain.
Nowadays the silver mineral has a special status; platinum albums and credit cards are direct proof of that.
Table: white gold and platinum in what is the difference, the differences in the main criteria
The difference between these two precious metals becomes more obvious if we compare their main characteristics.
| Criterion | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Shade | The desired shade is achieved by adding additives to the composition. | Silver-white tone of natural origin. |
| Hardness | Soft metal, durability depends directly on the percentage of ligature in the composition. | It is a very strong material, with no additives. |
| Reaction to different substances | Alloy should be protected from contact with aggressive chemicals. | No reactions with synthetic components are observed. |
| Mining | About a ton of rock is processed to produce 10 grams. | About 3 tons of rock are processed to produce 10 grams. |
| How time affects | Requires regular maintenance, can fade, yellowing. | The color does not change. There may be a coating on the surface. |
Differences in proof and marking of platinum and white gold
Consider another big difference between platinum and white gold.
To give new properties, such as resistance to various influences and changes in color, to the basic precious metals are added a ligature - a variety of impurities.
The content of the purest precious metal and other elements will be evidenced by the markings on the product.
In order to change the original shade of the sun's precious metal, more 20% impurities are added to it. On the shelves of jewelry boutiques you can see the following grades:
- 750: 75% gold, the rest is palladium, silver;
- 500: 50% pure precious metal, the rest is copper or silver;
- 585: 58.5% gold, the remainder palladium or silver.
If we evaluate the composition of the platinum marks, it is obvious that this precious metal always accounts for most of the entire alloy.
- 950: 95.5% of pure material, the remainder is tungsten.
- 900: 90% platinum, palladium residue.
- 850: 85% platinum, palladium residue.
Marking The following is the case of precious metals on the territory of Russia: the item is stamped with the certificate mark, the code of the assay office, and the assay mark. At gold articles The markings are inscribed in a rectangular frame, while the platinum ones have an octagonal frame.
Differences of GOSTs
For platinum, there is GOST 13498-2010, which specifies the permissible quantity of impurities in various alloys, as well as their chemical composition.
For gold, GOST 6835-2002 is established.
What Stones Suits White Precious Metals
The following stones are used for inlaying white jewelry:
- Diamond. Stones of different shapes and cuts are used; they emphasize the radiance of the jewelry regardless of the shade.
- Sapphire. Jewelry is inlaid with stones of blue, blue, purple, and sunshine hues.
- Emerald. The green color attracts attention, emphasizes the whiteness of jewelry.
- Opal. This stone looks interesting on its own, and the combination with the white precious alloy is an interesting design solution.
- Pearls. Jewelers use white, resinous, pinkish minerals.
- Aquamarine. A bluish or subtle blue haze accentuates the material without tinting it.
- Amethyst. The items are inlaid with purple, lilac, and blue minerals.
Advantages and disadvantages of white gold and platinum
Both precious metals have advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between them, buyers are guided by their own ideas about beauty, their budget, and their own needs.
Now let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the silver mineral:
Wear and Care Recommendations
The recommendations for gold would be as follows:
- The precious metal should be cleaned regularly. For this purpose, a weak soapy solution is excellent.
- Jewelry should be removed before playing sports, going to the sauna, cooking or cleaning. Flaws are more noticeable on white gold than on yellow gold.
- It is necessary to protect the metal from contact with aggressive chemicals.
- Keep gold separate from other jewelry.
Recommendations for the silver mineral:
- Clean your jewelry regularly with jewelry cleaning foam and wipes.
- To give the jewelry a mirror-like shine, it can be subjected to Parenting. The effect lasts for 6-12 months.
A general tip for owners of these precious metals would be to visit a jewelry shop regularly. With the help of professional equipment, craftsmen can constantly maintain the eye-catching appearance of jewelry. The jewelry will always look as good as new.
The paradox of platinum and gold price discrepancy in the stock and jewelry market
The cost of precious metals depends on many factors. The main ones are the demand and the volume of production. The silver mineral is extremely in demand, while the volume of its production rarely exceeds 100 tons per year.
A surprising discrepancy can be seen if we compare the prices of gold and platinum on the stock and jewelry markets. The Central Bank Exchange reports that the current value of the solar metal in 2021 is about 4000 rubles, while platinum is about 2000 rubles. In jewelry boutiques, the situation is quite the opposite - platinum is ahead of solar alloys, becoming more expensive every year.
The explanation for the paradox is this: 950 grade silver metal is used for casting jewelry. Consequently, there are practically no impurities in the alloy, 95% composition is the purest material. Its stocks are not as plentiful as the solar metal, hence works from it are rarer.
As for gold, practically no jewelry is made of the highest standard. This metal is too soft, and it is impossible to create durable works from it without adding additional elements to the alloy. In general, the highest gold standard is used for casting bank ingots.
Gold The silver mineral attracts jewelry lovers by its rarity. Hence the price discrepancy between jewelry and the stock market.
Characteristics of the new unique alloy - platinum gold
Platinum gold is an alloy of two precious metals that was created very recently, but is already recognized as incredibly hard-wearing and durable.
The metals seamlessly complemented each other, representatives of the famous jewelry company "Domino" said that they plan to produce wedding rings exclusively from this material. The estimated cost of the wedding attributes has not yet been reported.
Subject: Q&A
Are platinum and white gold the same thing or not?
Which is more expensive platinum or white gold?
What metal is better for wedding rings: platinum or white gold?
How do you clean a platinum ring at home?
The metal can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush, and after the procedure, the jewelry needs to be wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Can I wear platinum and gold together?
If we are talking about the sun's precious metal, it is better to refrain from such a combination. Together these metals can look like gold and silver, their simultaneous wearing is contrary to etiquette. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but it is not always easy to achieve harmony in such a tandem.
Video: Platinum and white gold - how to tell the difference
Jeweler's comment
Platinum or White Gold: Customer Reviews
Which is better, platinum or white gold? I think the answer is different for everyone. Personally, I like both metals, and in addition they are almost identical in appearance. I do not give preference to one or the other, I buy the jewelry that I like best.
The question "platinum or white gold?" is irrelevant to me because I suffer from allergies. Platinum is really a godsend for "lucky" people like me, this metal is absolutely hypoallergenic. I've been wearing platinum watches for over 5 years now.
It's the difference in cost that helps you choose between these metals. Platinum is different first of all because it is much more expensive! I don't see the point in overpaying and prefer 750-gold.
