Platinum vs. White Gold vs. Every Gold Colors Comparison

Are you unsure of the difference between white gold and platinum?

When talking about white gold, platinum, 90% gold, 18K gold, etc., it’s common to feel a bit confused when deciding which option is the best.

Many people mistakenly believe that white gold and platinum are the same, especially in Thai where both are often referred to as “white gold” due to their similar silver appearance.

But they aren’t the same…

Though both materials have a similar look, they differ significantly in composition, durability, and price. Beyond that, you may have heard about pink or rose gold… So, what exactly are these golds made from? How do they differ from traditional gold?

In this article, we’ll clear up your confusion. We’ll break down the differences, pros, and cons of each material, helping you make an informed decision for your next jewelry purchase.

What Is 18k Gold? How Is It Different From 90% Gold?

Let’s start by clearing up the common misunderstanding around the percentage of gold. Some people think that the “K” in gold stands for fake gold, but that’s not true.

“K” refers to “Karat,” the global unit for measuring gold content. It’s different from “Carat,” which measures the weight of diamonds. The number in front of the “K” tells you the percentage of gold in the piece. For example:

• 24K = 99.99% Gold (Often used for investment gold bars)
• 23K = 96.5% Gold (Popular in standalone gold rings)
• 18K = 75% Gold (The standard for fine jewelry and diamond rings, commonly used by luxury brands)
• 14K = 58.3% Gold (Common in diamond rings from the USA)
• 9K = 37.5% Gold (Used in more affordable jewelry)

The remaining percentages are made up of other alloys like silver, nickel, bronze, and rhodium, which are added for durability.

Why Aren’t 23K Gold Rings Used for Diamond Rings?

23K gold (96.5% gold) is softer due to its high gold content, making it less suitable for securing diamonds. It’s prone to bending and may not hold diamonds securely over time. This is why 23K gold is rarely used for diamond settings.

If you’ve ever worn a 23K gold necklace, you might have noticed the clasp bending over time. That’s a common issue due to the softness of the material.

In conclusion, 18K gold (75% gold) strikes the perfect balance between beauty and strength, making it ideal for diamond rings and other jewelry that’s worn every day.

Does 18K Gold Have Low Resale Value?

18K gold still retains a lot of value because it’s real gold. If you decide to sell it, you’ll typically receive 75% of the day’s gold value, which is only slightly less than 96.5% gold. This is far better than selling electronics or luxury cars, which lose value quickly.

Is Buying 14k Gold or 9k Gold a Better Way to Save Money?

While 14K and 9K gold are more affordable because they contain less gold (58.3% and 37.5%, respectively), there are downsides. Over time, these types of gold may lose their luster and become brittle due to the higher percentage of other metals. Eventually, this can cause cracks that are difficult to repair.

3 Tricks To Buying Men’s Wedding Rings To Surprise Your Special Someone!

What is Platinum?

Platinum is one of the most precious metals used in jewelry, often found in purities ranging from 90-98%. While it has a similar appearance to white gold, platinum is far more durable and retains its beauty over time.

Considering a platinum ring? Here are some pros and cons:

Pros of Platinum

• Hypoallergenic, making it less likely to irritate the skin.
• Rarer than gold, symbolizing prestige and high status.
• More durable than white gold, resisting scratches better.
• Has a natural, elegant luster that doesn’t require plating.
• Its color is naturally whiter than white gold, which gives it a subtle, refined look.
• Platinum won’t peel or need frequent polishing throughout its lifetime.
• Perfect for lighter skin tones, such as those of Asian or Caucasian descent.

Cons of Platinum

• More expensive than white gold by 30-50% when used in jewelry.
• Harder to resize due to its strength, leading to higher resizing costs.

White Gold vs Platinum

If you’re trying to decide between white gold and platinum for your diamond ring, you’re not alone. Both metals are popular choices, but they have important differences.

White gold requires rhodium plating to achieve its shiny surface, while platinum has a natural brilliance that doesn’t need plating. Platinum’s color is a bit darker, giving it a deep, white tone that many find more natural-looking.

In Thailand, some refer to platinum as “ทองขาว” (Tong Khao) and white gold as “ทองคำขาว” (Tong Khum Khao), but this can be confusing. Platinum is a distinct element with the symbol Pt, while gold is represented by Au. They are entirely different elements with their own unique characteristics.

White Gold vs Platinum: Mixtures

In Thailand, 18K gold is the most common for jewelry, whereas 14K is more popular in the United States. For platinum, “Platinum 90%” and “Platinum 95%” are typically used. We recommend 90% platinum for ring settings, as it’s less porous and more durable than the 95% option.

White Gold vs Platinum: Care and Maintenance

Platinum jewelry is easier to maintain in the long run because it’s more durable and resistant to scratches. The color of platinum will not change over time, so you won’t need to worry about regular maintenance.

White gold, however, may scratch more easily and require re-plating with rhodium every 3-5 years if worn regularly. This adds to the long-term maintenance costs of white gold jewelry.

White Gold vs Platinum: Price

The biggest difference is the price. Platinum is 30-50% more expensive than white gold.

From an economics standpoint, the price per gram of platinum and white gold isn’t significantly different, but platinum’s higher density means you need more material to make a ring. Scientifically, platinum also requires a much higher melting point (982°C compared to 732°C for white gold), increasing the production cost.

Because of this, platinum is more expensive to produce. However, if you’re drawn to platinum’s durability and worry-free wear, it’s a worthwhile investment. For those with a tighter budget, white gold is still a solid option for everyday wear.

The 3 Colors of Gold

When selecting gold jewelry, you’ll encounter three main colors:

• White Gold
• Yellow Gold
• Rose Gold (or Pink Gold)

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy made from a mix of pure gold and white metals such as nickel, silver, and palladium.

Pros of White Gold

• More affordable than platinum.
• Stronger than pure gold due to its alloy composition.
• More popular than yellow gold, especially for diamond rings.
• White gold enhances the whiteness of diamonds.
• Great for those with lighter skin tones, like Asian or Caucasian skin.

Cons of White Gold

• Requires rhodium plating every 3-5 years to maintain its appearance.

What is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold is made by combining pure gold with copper and zinc.

Pros of Yellow Gold

• Hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
• Great for vintage-style rings, as it was the most popular choice in the past.
• Has a natural, classic look due to its yellow color.
• Easiest to care for compared to other gold types.
• Softer, making it easy to resize if necessary.
• Makes lower-grade diamonds (K color or lower) look clearer.
• Suits darker skin tones, such as those of Thai or Indian descent.

Cons of Yellow Gold

• Some people may simply prefer a different color.

What is Rose Gold/Pink Gold?

Rose gold (or pink gold) is gold with a reddish-pink hue. Both terms are used interchangeably.

The pink color comes from copper, and the more copper used, the redder the gold becomes. Typically, 18K rose gold is a mix of 75% gold and 25% copper.

Pros of Rose Gold

• Highly popular among younger generations.
• Romantic and stylish due to its pink hue.
• More durable than other golds due to its copper content.
• Compliments all skin tones.

Cons of Rose Gold

• Not suitable for people allergic to copper.

Conclusion: The Choice of Color Is Up To You

If you’re deciding between white gold and platinum, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons. Platinum is perfect if you’re looking for durability and long-term ease, though it’s harder to resize. White gold, while more prone to scratches, is more budget-friendly and easier to resize.

When it comes to choosing the color of your gold, it’s all about personal style. There’s no right or wrong choice here—it’s about what speaks to you.

Choosing a diamond ring takes time and consideration. If you’d like expert advice, contact us, and we’ll help you find a stunning diamond that meets your style and budget.

Read more: In-depth look at 15 popular engagement ring styles