Platinum FAQ

1. Are platinum and white gold the same or similar metals?

   Platinum is a precious metal and gold is a different precious metal. They are completely different. When platinum emerges from the ground, it is naturally white. Platinum stays naturally white throughout the years with no added maintenance. White gold, on the other hand, is simply yellow gold that has had other alloys added to it to make it appear white. Then, white gold often must be rhodium-plated. Rhodium is a member of the platinum group metals family, and it only covers the surface of the jewelry item. Often white gold jewelry tends to "yellow" with wear. Platinum is approximately 60 times more rare than gold.

2. White gold is less expensive than platinum. It's the same color. Why shouldn't I buy it instead?

    If you look closely at both white gold and platinum, you will see that the color and the look are not entirely the same although they both have a white appearance. The platinum piece will have a whiter color, whereas the white gold might have a faint yellowish tinge, or could be plated with another metal such as rhodium to achieve a whiter look.

    Besides the look, platinum also have a very different feel than gold or silver. Platinum jewelry manufactured from 90 percent platinum weighs 60 percent more than the same piece if manufactured in 14-karat gold. This is a huge difference, one you can feel immediately when a ring of the same size make from platinum is compared with one make of gold. Remember, when you're considering bridal rings, it's important to keep in mind that you will wear this jewelry every day. Platinum is very durable, more so than any other fine jewelry metal, and will not wear down over time. as do other metals.

5. Why does platinum cost more? Is it worth it?

    Yes, platinum does cost more but for a good reason: It is the ultimate precious jewelry metal. Platinum is a purer metal (90 or 95 percent pure in most cases) than either 14-karat (58.5 percent gold) or 18-karat (75 percent gold) gold. Platinum is more rare (there is less platinum in the world and it takes more effort to get it out of the ground and refine it) and platinum is heavier (90 percent platinum weighs 60 percent more than 14-karat gold) than any other precious metal.  

    With platinum, you get what you pay for. There is more precious metal in a piece of platinum jewelry. Platinum wears longer and needs less maintenance over the years, a fact that will give you peace of mind. Platinum also holds gemstones securely in place and "lights up" a diamond in a way no other metal can. All these factors make it the perfect choice for everyday wear. 

3. Does platinum scratch?

   Like all precious metals, platinum does scratch. Platinum's surface, when scratched, will actually separate and make room for the scratch without loss of metal. This means that platinum does not lose the minuscule amount of metal that disappears when other precious metals are scratched. This explains why surface finishes, such as engravings, last almost indefinitely on platinum, while the same finishes in gold will be worn off in a relatively short time.

   Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" look. This patina is one factor that makes platinum very special; at any age, platinum has a very distinctive look that is all its own. Platinum will never tarnish and will never wear out.

3. I've heard that platinum is harder to work with than gold or silver. Can our rings be sized if we buy them in platinum?

    Platinum, like other metals, can be worked on or altered by a qualified jeweler. Platinum can also be sized. Platinum is different to work on than gold or silver, but not more difficult for a qualified and skilled craftsman. Platinum has a much higher melting point than other precious metals.

FAQ courtesy of Platinum Guild International