Since platinum was needed for so many military purposes white gold was used in jewelry as an easy and less expensive substitute.
White gold platinum jewelry.
But here s the thing.
The differences between 14k and 18k white gold go beyond purity extending to durability.
Both 14k and 18k white gold are durable enough for everyday wear so platinum jewelry isn t necessary.
It is extremely durable doesn t tarnish and is hypoallergenic.
It has continued its popularity over the years with a large shift in engagement rings being made with white gold during the 2000s.
White gold ring settings with platinum heads.
Platinum is between 90 99 pure whereas 14k white gold is only 58 33 pure gold with the rest being alloys.
Platinum vs white gold which is heavier in weight.
White gold is a beautiful metal mixture with a classic appearance.
Rare and precious platinum is a bright white metal thirty times rarer than gold.
If you don t use common sense when wearing your jewelry a platinum setting is not going to magically protect your diamond from loss or damage.
This naturally silvery white metal is a wonderful choice for people who want the aesthetic of silver without tarnishing or allergic reactions unlike gold platinum is normally manufactured at very high percentages so a piece of platinum jewelry that you buy is more than likely to be 95 platinum.
It s shiny beautiful and will last for generations an excellent choice for jewelry.
From experience i can tell you that many jewelers often use fear marketing to upsell expensive platinum settings.
Combined with the difference in weight the cost of a platinum ring is about 4 times the cost of a similar ring in white gold.
The main reason platinum is more expensive is that even at the same cost it takes more platinum to make a platinum ring than it takes to make a similar size ring in gold.
14k vs 18k white gold.
First things first you will rarely find a ring made of 100 pure gold or platinum when used in jewelry these metals are alloyed with other elements to create a more durable workable metal.
But because platinum used for jewelry is 95 pure versus only about 58 5 for 14kt or 75 for 18 karat gold the cost per gram for platinum is still greater than the cost of gold.
Although the quality of the gold may be lessened by alloys it s much stronger more durable and more scratch resistant.
Platinum also scratches more easily and requires more maintenance.
Because 18 karat white gold is quite soft and malleable 14 karat white gold is often considered a better option.