If your atelier offers you an option for a white gold diamond engagement ring, you might want to think that they're offering you platinum. But that's not the case. As the name suggests, white gold is, in fact, just a paler version of gold. The element here is Au and not Pt.
While pure gold is bright yellow and golden in colour, to create white gold, it needs to be alloyed with other metals. White gold tends to enjoy greater currency in Western countries, specifically in North America. On the other hand, yellow gold is pretty much a staple in South and Southeast Asian countries.
The type of alloy will depend on how much and what carat of gold is being used to create the white gold diamond engagement ring. Usually, it is 35.7% of gold with 62% of sterling silver or 9 carats of white gold. This is the highest carat of white gold available. You can't really go higher than this, considering there is no naturally occurring white colour for gold. It must always be mixed with other metals like palladium or silver.
The price for each depends on what bits are mixed with it. Nickel tends to cause allergic reactions in many people, which is why this is often an option that is avoided by people prone to dermatitis or other skin conditions.
Also Read:- Finding Out Why Most People Prefer White Gold Engagement Rings
What is platinum?
This is a naturally occurring white metal that is mined mainly in South Africa. This is an incredibly scarce metal that is only mined in a limited amount on a yearly basis. It has multiple applications in the development of automobiles, chemicals, and electronic devices.
This is one of the most precious metals available to us. It is highly durable and one of the least reactive. When used in jewellery, it is usually mixed in a ratio of 95% platinum and 5% cobalt. This is commonly known as 950 platinum. When mixed with other alloys, it is usually called 900 platinum. The element platinum, indicated by the symbol Pt, is said to be about 30 times rarer and harder to come by than gold, which is indicated by Au.
Like gold, platinum is hypoallergenic. It is resistant to weathering owing to its low reactivity. If you have sensitive skin, platinum would be a great choice as it can stay in contact with your bodily sweat and sebum and not cause any degradation to the metal.
Which metal should you get?
Since both platinum and white gold are white metals, which one you choose depends on what other properties you're looking for. It also depends on your budget and how much you are willing to invest in white gold engagement rings for women as opposed to platinum.
Usually, platinum is more expensive than white gold due to its wide applications and very little availability. However, in recent years, the price of gold and palladium has also significantly increased. White gold also tends to require a little more maintenance and upkeep than platinum which is incredibly durable on its own.
Wrapping up
White gold and platinum are often used interchangeably to refer to each other. However, that is different in practice. In fact, these two are wholly separate metals that have completely different properties. One is gold, and the other is platinum. The only similarity is that they're both white metals. Depending on your taste, you can get either one, and you should not miss out on the other.
However, it is wise to know the difference between the two so you can make an informed choice. Hopefully, this guide was able to clear up some of the conflation between platinum and White Gold Engagement Rings for Women. Each metal is distinct and offers unique properties. There is value in both, and getting one will certainly not cause you to miss out on the other. No matter what you choose, make sure you're warranted, and you should be good to go!
FAQs on White Gold Engagement Rings
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Platinum and white gold are wholly separate metals that have completely different properties. One is gold, and the other is platinum. The only similarity is that they're both white metals.
Is white gold expensive?
The price for white gold on what bits are mixed with it. Nickel tends to cause allergic reactions in many people, which is why this is often an option that is avoided by people prone to dermatitis or other skin conditions.
Can people with sensitive skin wear platinum?
Like gold, platinum is hypoallergenic. It is resistant to weathering owing to its low reactivity. If you have sensitive skin, platinum would be a great choice as it can stay in contact with your bodily sweat and sebum and not cause any degradation to the metal.
