The Difference Between White Gold & Platinum

When choosing between white gold and platinum, it helps to understand the qualities that set these two precious metals apart. Both create beautiful jewellery, but they differ in appearance, weight, rarity and long-term care.

Colour
Platinum is naturally white, while white gold has a light grey-yellow tone and is rhodium plated to achieve its bright white appearance.

Weight
Platinum is around 40% heavier than gold, giving it a more substantial feel on the hand.

Rarity
Platinum is around 30 times rarer than gold, yet pricing depends on global markets. At present, platinum jewellery is often less expensive than gold, despite its scarcity.

Purity
Platinum jewellery is typically 95% pure, compared with 18ct gold which is 75% pure.

Durability
Platinum is denser and harder wearing than gold. Like all metals it will scratch, but in platinum the metal is displaced rather than lost, so the volume remains.

Appearance
When freshly rhodium plated, white gold and platinum look identical. Over time, rhodium plating will wear off and reveal the warmer undertone of white gold.

All jewellery worn every day will show signs of wear. Platinum is more durable overall, but its surface is softer and can show scratches more readily than gold. These marks create what is known as a natural “patina” – a soft sheen that many people appreciate.

White Gold: Over time, the rhodium plating will wear away, leaving the underlying metal looking slightly yellow. We offer a re-plating service for £35 which restores its crisp white finish.

Platinum: If you prefer a high-shine look to the natural patina, we can professionally re-polish platinum to restore its brightness. This service costs £35 and takes 5–7 days.