Although similar in appearance White Gold and Platinum are actually quite different metals with very different properties.
Contrary to popular belief White Gold is not a pure white metal but a combination of metals.Platinum on the other hand is a naturally white in color metal and much rarer than Gold , that’s why is 50% more expensive.Is not mixed with any alloys and maintains its white metallic color.
White Gold has been a hot trend for decades , but do you know how it’s made?
To make White Gold jewelers have to mix pure 24K Gold with alloying metals. 24K Gold , is yellow in color and because of the yellow metal content , White Gold is actually slightly grey, sometimes even yellow and it receives a surface treatment called Rhodium or Platinum Plating to be bright and white.
Rhodium or Platinum plating , called the application of a very thin layer of a metal called Rhodium , that is electrically plated on to the surface of the White Gold to change it to a brighter white color.This plating is not permanent but wears off over time and needs to be reapplied.The plating can last around 3 years if you take good care of your jewelry
Although White Gold is not as dense as Platinum , both are durable metals and popular choices for engagement and wedding rings or a piece of jewelry with precious stones.