Introduction to White Gold and Platinum
When it comes to precious metals, most people think of gold. But did you know there are different types of gold, including white gold?
And then there’s platinum, another rare and expensive option for jewellery. What are the differences between these two metals, and what makes them so special?
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about white gold and platinum, including their compositions, properties, advantages, and disadvantages.
Differences Between White Gold and Platinum
White gold and platinum may look similar to the untrained eye, but they differ in their composition and properties. White gold is an alloy made from yellow gold and other metals like silver, palladium, nickel, and rhodium.
This combination of metals gives white gold its signature white-silver color, making it a popular choice for jewellery. Platinum, on the other hand, is a pure metal that belongs to the d-block family of elements in the periodic table.
It has a unique metallic white-silver color, which sets it apart from white gold. In terms of rarity and cost, platinum is more expensive than white gold.
Platinum is around 30 times rarer than gold, while white gold is simply a variation of yellow gold. Therefore, platinum jewellery will typically come at a premium price.
However, white gold can still be an expensive option, especially if it’s made with high-quality alloys. When it comes to durability, platinum is the clear winner.
Platinum is denser and heavier than white gold, making it stronger and more resistant to wear and tear.
Composition of White Gold and Platinum
As we mentioned earlier, white gold is made by adding other metals to yellow gold. The most common alloy used for white gold is a combination of nickel, silver, and palladium.
However, some people may be allergic to nickel, so make sure to check whether the white gold jewellery has been coated with rhodium, which acts as a barrier between the skin and nickel. Rhodium plating can also brighten and enhance the color of white gold, giving it a more polished and elegant look.
Platinum, on the other hand, is a pure metal that doesn’t need any alloy to be formed. It has an atomic number of 78 and is one of the densest elements in the periodic table.
Its natural silvery-white metallic sheen makes it perfect for jewellery making. However, because platinum is a transition metal, it can react with certain chemicals, which can cause it to tarnish over time.
This is why most platinum jewellery is made using 95% pure platinum, with the remaining 5% made up of iridium or ruthenium to improve its durability and corrosion resistance.
Definition and Properties of White Gold
White gold, as previously mentioned, is not a pure metal. It is an alloy of yellow gold and other metals like silver, palladium, and nickel.
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, and it has an atomic number of 79. When gold is mixed with other metals, the resulting alloy has different properties and characteristics.
White gold, for instance, is known for its pale, silver-white color. It is also more durable than yellow gold, making it a popular choice for jewellery.
However, one drawback of white gold is that it can cause skin allergies. This is because nickel, which is one of the most common metals used in white gold alloys, can cause contact dermatitis in some people.
This is why it is important to check whether your jewellery has been coated with rhodium, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the nickel.
Advantages and Disadvantages of White Gold
The advantages of white gold are many. It is a precious metal that is highly popular in the jewellery industry due to its unique color and durability.
Its chemical inertness makes it resistant to corrosion, making it a low-maintenance option for those who want a piece of jewellery that they can wear every day. It is also less dense than platinum, making it more affordable.
However, as with any material, there are disadvantages to white gold. For one, it can cause skin allergies in some people due to the use of nickel in its alloys.
Additionally, white gold jewellery may require rhodium plating every few years to keep its bright and polished appearance. Finally, white gold is not as durable as platinum, meaning it may not last as long.
Conclusion
White gold and platinum are both excellent options for jewellery, but they differ in composition, properties, and price. White gold is an alloy made from yellow gold and other metals, while platinum is a pure metal that belongs to the d-block family of elements.
White gold is more affordable but requires more maintenance, while platinum is more expensive but more durable. Ultimately, the choice between white gold and platinum comes down to personal preference and budget.
Regardless of which one you choose, both metals will ensure that your jewellery lasts for years to come.
Definition and Properties of Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal that belongs to the d-block family of elements. It has an atomic number of 78, and its chemical symbol is Pt. Platinum is known for its grey-white metallic appearance, which sets it apart from other metals like silver and white gold.
It is also a heavy metal, with a relative density of 21.45 g/cm3. Platinum is a versatile metal that has numerous applications.
It is widely used in catalytic converters and electrodes because of its ability to withstand high temperatures and resistivity to corrosion. Additionally, platinum is highly conductive, making it ideal for use in electronics, particularly in computer hard drives.
Its hypoallergenic properties also make it a popular choice for jewellery.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Platinum
Platinum is a noble metal, which means it is highly resistant to chemical reactions and corrosion. This chemical inertness makes platinum an ideal material for use in medical devices and jewellery.
As a result, platinum jewellery is highly durable and resistant to scratches and tarnishing. Another advantage of platinum is its rarity.
Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth, making it more valuable than other precious metals like gold and silver. Because of its rarity, it commands a higher price than other metals, which can make it a status symbol.
However, the high price of platinum can also be a disadvantage. Platinum can be significantly more expensive than other metals, making it a less accessible option for some people.
Additionally, platinum is a heavy metal, which means it can weigh more than other metals like gold or silver. This can make it less comfortable to wear for long periods, particularly in earrings and necklaces.
Comparison between White Gold and Platinum
Colour and Chemical Inertness
One of the most noticeable differences between white gold and platinum is their color. White gold has a yellowish hue that is masked by a layer of rhodium plating, which makes it appear white.
Platinum, on the other hand, has a greyish-white metallic color. This unique color makes it a popular choice for jewellery, particularly for those who prefer a more understated look.
Both metals are also chemically inert, making them resistant to corrosion. Although white gold is typically coated in rhodium to prevent tarnishing, it may require re-plating every few years to maintain its color.
Platinum, on the other hand, doesn’t require any plating to maintain its natural color, making it a low-maintenance option for those who prefer a more natural look.
Density and Price
Platinum is denser and heavier than white gold, making it a more durable and long-lasting option. Its density also gives it a sense of weight and luxury, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
However, platinum’s density also makes it more expensive than white gold. Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth, and as a result, it is significantly more expensive than other metals like gold and silver.
This can make it less accessible for some people, but others may see the higher price as a sign of quality and exclusivity.
Allergic Properties
White gold can sometimes cause skin allergies because of the nickel used in its alloy. However, most white gold jewellery is now made without nickel, making it a hypoallergenic option.
Platinum, on the other hand, is naturally hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Its chemical inertness also makes it less likely to react with any chemicals or lotions used on the skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white gold and platinum are both excellent choices for jewellery, and each one has its own unique properties and advantages. White gold is a less expensive option that is almost as beautiful as platinum.
It is also a more comfortable option, with a lower density that makes it more lightweight. Platinum, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and rare, making it a luxurious and exclusive choice.
Ultimately, the choice between white gold and platinum comes down to personal preference, budget, and the use of the jewellery. In conclusion, white gold and platinum are two precious metals that offer unique properties and advantages for jewellery making.
White gold is an affordable and low-maintenance option with a yellowish hue that can be covered with rhodium plating. Platinum, on the other hand, is a highly durable and scarce metal that naturally has a beautiful greyish-white color.
While both metals are inert and hypoallergenic, platinum is denser and more exclusive, while white gold is lighter and easier to wear for long periods. Ultimately, the choice between white gold and platinum comes down to personal preference and budget.
It’s essential to consider the properties and advantages of each metal in determining which one is best for a particular use.