White gold has become popular as an alternative to yellow gold. Many people prefer the minimalist look of white gold to the warm tones of yellow and find it to be easier to wear and a more contemporary look. White gold is also a popular choice for engagement rings. But what about platinum? When making the decision about which antique or vintage jewellery look is right for you, here are a few thoughts to help you along the way.
Almost all gold used in jewellery is an alloy (part pure gold, part something else). White gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metals including copper and zinc. The white colour is achieved by picking the right mix of these alloys. Many people love white gold from a style point of view and because it doesn’t tarnish like silver. White gold is typically plated with rhodium to keep its white colour. It’s usually recommended that this is done about every 1-3 years depending on how much you wear it and your preference for how white the piece appears.
Platinum was a very popular choice in the early 20th century (particularly in Art Deco jewellery) and is now making a bit of a comeback. A naturally white and extremely hard metal, platinum is generally only alloyed with other metals from the ‘platinum group’ including iridium, ruthenium and palladium. Platinum, like gold, is a ‘noble metal’, meaning that it is highly resistant to corrosion. A platinum ring will stand the test of time and unlike white gold, there is no need to rhodium plate, saving you money in the long term. Platinum is also a rarer metal than gold! With the historically high price of gold, platinum is becoming an attractive option from a price point of view as well at about half of the price of gold. This could make a big difference when it comes to that special custom piece you have in mind. Not all jewellers work in platinum (a skilled bench jeweller should be able to help you out) and the cost of labour will be higher due to the difficulty of working in platinum, but the end result will be worth it if you love the natural look and satisfying weight of a platinum piece.
When it comes to choosing between white gold and platinum it ultimately comes down to which one speaks to you. White gold is the more common of the two, but platinum is getting more popular. Bright white of white gold or natural matte white lustre of platinum, it’s up to you! But with the high price of gold, you may find that you get more for your money with platinum, so why not consider it for your next piece!