What is the difference between platinum and white gold?

Answer by  John (9008)

They are two completely different metals. Platinum is actually much more valuable than white gold, and platinum jewelry costs a lot more. If you put them next to each other, it is easy to see the difference; platinum has a bit of a bluish tint, and they do not look the same.

Answer by  stephblake (205)

White gold consists of nickel and other metals along with Pure gold. If the skin is allergic to those metals, then they may cause the skin to turn green. Whereas platinum is less chemically or allergically reactive to the skin.

Answer by  Twins3307 (97)

Platinum is softer, which means it scratches more easily. However, when platinum is scratched, none of the platinum is actually scratched off of the object. If gold is scratched, it is actually scratched off. White gold needs to be re-plated every so often to maintain the appearance. Platinum is also significantly more expensive than white gold.

Answer by  adolf (75)

According to my chemistry book in 1741 C Wood brought to England an unknown metal from Columbia, which was called "white gold" then and indeed was Platinum. It was clearly different from gold as it had a high melting point and brittle nature. In our days, however, "white gold" signifies a gold/palladium alloy.

Answer by  xazurianx (330)

There are a few distinct differences between platinum and white gold. Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals and has a distinct shine. White gold is much softer than platinum and has a value noticeably lower than that of platinum. It's similar in color to platinum but has a very slight cloudy appearance to it.

Answer by  roshini (5)

it's important to understand that while virtually Platinum Jewelry is 95% Platinum, Gold comes in a variety of mixtures. The most common are 10k , 14k and 18k. 24k is too soft to use for jewelry. all Gold is yellow. Gold is made to look white by alloying it with white metals, plating it with Rhodium (in the Platinum family).

Answer by  TwoToneDodge (2204)

Approximately 95% of Platinum is its pure form. Platinum lasts for an extremely long time, making it perfect for engagement rings. Platinum is a dense metal. If you held Gold in one hand and Platinum in the other you would be able to significantly tell the difference between the weights.