White Gold or Platinum: Which Suits You Best?

When people want modern, sleek-looking jewellery, they often turn towards white gold and platinum. But for those of us who can’t afford to have both, we have to get into the debate of white gold vs platinum. 

Sitting in front of our computers, scrolling through all the jewellery options out there, we have to decide if the piece we like is worth the investment, or will it require more maintenance than we can keep up with. And we find ourselves asking, platinum or white gold?

With more questions lurking in our heads like: Is platinum better than white gold? Is white gold real gold? Can white gold tarnish or will white gold turn yellow over time? We often get confused.

We are here to end the confusion and give you all the answers to the burning questions about white gold vs platinum. By the end of this article, you will know what each metal is actually, and be able to decide which one is perfect for your needs!

What is White Gold and Platinum?

White gold looks very much like silver or platinum when it comes to the outer appearance, and that has many people doubting whether it is gold. Yes, it is. Its composition is pure yellow gold, mixed with palladium or nickel.

It makes white gold an alloy. This composition brings out the white colour, a bright silvery finish, enhanced with rhodium plating.

Platinum, on the other hand, is a pure, rare metal that’s heavy, strong, and lustrous. Its silver-white colour is naturally obtained, and it usually doesn’t have a plating. The platinum that we usually see in jewellery is about 90% pure.

Are White Gold and Platinum the Same?

Thanks to their appearance, people often think, “Are white gold and platinum the same?”. The answer is no. While they might look the same, their traits are very different from each other. White gold is an alloy and requires an external coating. Platinum is pure and has a natural sheen. Depending on these characteristics, their weight, price, and maintenance needs are set.

Is 750 Platinum or White gold?

So alloys come with certain markings. One common stamp is 750; you will often see it on many jewellery pieces. This stands for 75% gold, also known as 18K. This will guarantee that you are looking at white gold, particularly 18K white gold. Platinum does not come with a 750 stamp. It is usually marked with PT or 950.

Cost Comparison: White Gold vs Platinum

Understanding the cost difference will really help you narrow your choice down between white gold vs platinum. This helps us get the best within our budget.

White gold is a bit more expensive than traditional yellow gold, as more work goes into mixing alloys and additional craftsmanship. When you compare gram for gram, white gold is much less expensive than platinum.

How Much is 1g of White Gold Worth?

When it comes to gold prices, the market’s current situation plays a huge role. As of mid-2025, how much is 1g of white gold worth? The price of gold is around £80 per gram, but you will notice that retail prices tend to be much higher. This is because once gold has been turned into jewellery, many factors enter the play. You are paying not just for the gold anymore but also the brand, design, etc.

Is White Gold a Luxury?

Platinum’s price tag is a pretty heavy one, so it is automatically a luxurious option. But so is white gold. Gold has always been a symbol of wealth and success. White gold is no different, but it is a luxurious option that doesn’t completely empty your bank account. An affordable grandeur.

Pricing and Resale Value of White Gold and Platinum

Understanding how each metal holds its value forms the backbone of investing in fine jewellery.

When comparing which metal is more expensive, platinum clearly leads. It’s rarer, denser, and purer in common jewellery applications. In practice, a similarly sized piece of platinum jewellery could cost around 20–30% more than a white gold equivalent.

Does Platinum Have Resale Value?

Platinum is an amazing metal. It’s expensive for a reason, and it does a great job holding its value (credit goes to its purity and rarity). If you can keep it in good condition and sell it through a reputable channel, reselling it should get a good enough price.

However, some people find platinum hard to sell. It’s because the initial price of platinum is very high, so in the secondary market, its demand is much less than that of gold. White gold is much more familiar and widely traded, and in that sense, has more of a resale value.

Is Platinum Worth the Investment?

When people ask, “Is platinum a good investment?”, it’s not always a straightforward yes.

Yes, it does hold value, but the price can go up and down quite a bit, especially because it’s used in industries like car manufacturing. So, if you’re looking at it purely for financial returns, it’s not the most stable or predictable choice.

The risk with white gold is a bit less since it doesn’t have a hefty price. When it comes to investment, it’s not a bad option either. Though it may not have the same industrial demand as platinum, white gold still holds its value well, especially if it’s part of a beautifully crafted piece.

Also Read: 6 Latest Jewellery Trends Taking Over This Year

Durability and Longevity of White Gold and Platinum

When it comes to explaining “which lasts longer: platinum or white gold?”, the answer largely comes down to daily wear.

Platinum is incredibly durable. It keeps its colour, and handles daily wear pretty well. White gold, however, may require a bit more of your attention. It has a rhodium plating, which can wear off, but if you are careful about your day-to-day usage, and clean and polish it from time to time, 14K white gold should also be able to resist wear and tear.

Does Platinum Turn Yellow?

Platinum doesn’t change colour. However, it tends to develop something called a patina. What this does is soften the surface. Many people find it appealing, whereas others don’t like the change in texture, so they polish it back to a glossy finish.

Also Read: 7 Easy Ways to Restore White Gold That’s Turned Yellow

Aesthetics of White Gold and Platinum

Both platinum and white gold may look similar to novice eyes, but if you look closely, there are certain distinct differences.

White gold has a very reflective finish, thanks to its rhodium plating. So, what does white gold look like? A bright silver-white surface with a hint of gold if not replated properly. Platinum has a silvery-white hue and doesn’t require plating. Over time, the patina can help it give off a vintage vibe.

Is White Gold Still in Style?

Since white gold is more affordable, you can spend any extra bucks on other gems. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and any stone with a cool undertone pair very well with white gold to create a look that’s versatile and chic.

This is exactly why white gold is trending so much in 2025.

Wondering about skin tones? White gold is flattering on virtually everyone. For more information, check our article: Which Gold Colour Matches Your Skin Tone.

White gold vs Platinum: Skin Sensitivity and Comfort

Platinum is a great choice for people who may be allergic, as it is hypoallergenic. Does that mean platinum affects the skin? It doesn’t. It’s very skin-friendly and known to be non-reactive.

Gold is also hypoallergenic; it doesn’t react with anything. But that’s pure gold. Can white gold cause skin irritation? Unfortunately, yes. It’s because it contains nickel. So if you are allergic to nickel, you might get rashes. This can be avoided with a palladium-based plating, which is considered safer.

Another thing to note is that if the rhodium plating wears off, and base metals oxidise, white gold can leave a green tint on your skin. But no need to worry because regular re-plating can prevent it easily.

Also Read: 5 Minimalist Necklaces That Pair Perfectly with Office Attire

White gold vs Platinum: Care and Maintenance

Can white gold tarnish? Yes, but it’s a long game. It will take for the rhodium coating to fade, and only then can the alloy beneath tarnish or look yellow as it reacts to moisture or oils from your skin.

The good news is that it doesn’t tarnish as deeply as sterling silver, and it’s not a swift or drastic process. But it is noticeable enough, so care and maintenance will help you prevent it.

Luckily, white gold can be restored. Most jewellery stores offer rhodium replating for a reasonable fee. Depending on how often you wear the piece, a replating session every one to two years keeps it looking fresh.

If you’re happy doing a bit of light cleaning yourself at home, all you need is some mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush. For more tips, check our article: Complete Gold Jewellery Handbook: Care, Types, and Best Buys

Now, here’s something a lot of people wonder: can white gold be dipped in platinum? Technically, yes, it’s possible. But it’s not the usual route, and it’s a bit more complicated than you might think. Most jewellers go with rhodium plating instead.

Pros and Cons of White Gold and Platinum

White gold’s disadvantage lies in its need for regular maintenance. You buy it for its silvery white shine, but once the rhodium plating fades, it loses its charm. While maintenance may seem like a hassle, white gold is an affordable yet luxurious option.

Platinum is definitely a prestigious competitor. Over time, platinum develops a patina, which many don’t prefer. It’s heavier and sometimes harder to clean than gold. And the big price tag makes it inaccessible.

So, why is platinum not as popular as gold? It’s because gold is familiar, more affordable, and stocked everywhere with diverse design options.

Also Read: 7 Different Styles of Gold Chains and How to Wear Them

White gold vs Platinum: Choosing the Best Metal

Choosing the best metal for you would require you to be clear about your priorities.

Platinum will give you longevity and no risks when it comes to skin sensitivity. It is heavy, durable, and stays beautifully white.

White gold is also durable but might be an allergen for some. If that’s not a concern for you, then white gold is a very elegant choice that’s much lighter on your wallet and has many designs you can freely choose from.

Ask yourself: Am I okay with replating every few years? Do I prefer platinum’s natural patina? What matters more: comfort and cost, or purity and longevity? It all depends on these answers.

Also Read: Top 16 Gold Jewellery Designs for Effortless Style

Conclusion

White gold is made from real gold and looks absolutely stunning. It’s ideal for everyday wear, even though it requires maintenance. Platinum, on the other hand, is incredibly strong, doesn’t lose its colour, and is great for anyone with sensitive skin. The catch? It does cost more.

If you are working with a budget, remember that white gold gets the job done very well.

Now that you’ve got a better sense of what each metal offers, why not have a browse through Argent & Asher’s beautiful collection? After all, your jewellery should feel just as special as it looks.