Platinum vs. 18K White Gold

Platinum:

• Softer than 18K white gold
• Less shiny than 18K white gold because it does not require the process of rhodium plating.
• It is naturally white and slightly matte, it will not change color over time.
• Because of its flexibility and soft nature, the labor cost is higher. It takes longer time to set platinum jewelry, as a result repairs can be more expensive.
• Platinum is also about 50% heavier than 18K gold.
• Since platinum is soft, the overall shape may become flatter or less round over time.
• Re-polishing platinum jewelry can make it look new again.

18K white gold:

• A mixture of 24K gold and other precious metals such as nickel, platinum, palladium etc. The ratio should be 75% gold and 25% other metals.
• In order to achieve the white gold color, rhodium plating is required.
• The surface is shinier than platinum.
• The material is harder than 24K gold and platinum, so without any strong impact to the surface, the shape will hold.
• Over time with regular wear and tear, it may expose a slightly yellowish color, which is the natural color of the 18K gold. It does not oxidize like silver.
• Re-plating a 18K gold ring can make it look new again.

*Featured photo is a 18K white gold ring in its natural yellowish color.