White Gold
The Key Differences between Platinum, White Gold and Silver
Precious white metals are used for making all types of jewellery but it’s difficult to tell if a ring or necklace is made from platinum, white gold or silver without examining the hallmark or doing a scientific test. Although these three metals look similar there are several key differences that affect the price, design and durability of a piece of jewellery.
Platinum
A naturally white metal that is rarer than gold and therefore more expensive. The higher cost is also partly due to the fact that platinum used for jewellery is usually 95% pure with only 5% alloy metals such as copper, ruthenium, cobalt or iridium added to enhance its qualities. Because of its purity it is hypoallergenic and often recommended for people who cannot wear gold and silver.
Platinum is heavier than gold and the strongest precious metal used in jewellery making. This means that platinum jewellery is very durable and less easily scratched than gold. It is especially suitable for wedding rings and other items that are worn frequently. Another point in its favour is that it does not tarnish and retains its pristine white colour and shine with the minimum of cleaning so it is very easy to care for.
Perhaps the one drawback of platinum is that its density makes it difficult to work. Only highly skilled jewellers use it, which adds to the cost of a finished piece, but the top quality craftsmanship adds lasting value.
White gold
The natural colour of pure gold is always yellow but it can be mixed with other metals to produce a white alloy known as white gold. In the past, nickel and zinc were the most commonly used metals for this purpose, but modern white gold often contains the more expensive palladium which gives a good white colour and reduces the risk of allergies. As with yellow gold, there are different grades of white gold depending on the amount of pure gold used. For example, 18-carat white gold contains 75% gold and 25% alloy metals.
Some white gold jewellery is plated with rhodium to enhance its whiteness but this gradually wears off and exposes the different colour of the solid white gold underneath. If this happens to your white gold pieces a professional jeweller who offers a rhodium plating service can easily restore them.
White gold is softer than platinum and more easily worked into intricate shapes making it a good choice for jewellery that includes gemstones.
Silver
Silver is much more abundant than gold and so less expensive. Pure silver is very soft and most silver jewellery made in the UK uses sterling silver which is 92.5% silver alloyed with another metal (usually copper) to make it stronger.
Because it is easy to work, silver is a good choice for very delicate or intricate jewellery designs and it is often used with semi-precious stones. A disadvantage of silver jewellery for some people is that it does tarnish and needs regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.
If you like the look of white metals, knowing the differences between platinum, white gold, and silver can help you to narrow the choice when buying jewellery, but before making the final decision ask the advice of an expert – a professional jeweller who works with all three.
About the Author
EK Jewellers is a friendly, local Essex jewellers serving customers throughout Hainault, Ilford, Redbridge, Havering, Woodford and surrounding areas as well as London. As a family run business established for over 36 years, we have developed a strong reputation for quality of workmanship. For more information visit http://www.ekjewellers.co.uk or call us on 020 8500 3191.
White Gold – “One Gallon Axe” music video
|
|
0.55CT PRINCESS DIAMOND 18KT WH GOLD ‘HEART’ RING~VS1 E $899.10 |
|
|
LADIES 10K WHITE GOLD MULTI COLORED CZ MOTHER RING $199.00 |
|
|
Pretty 18K White Gold GP Swarovski Crystal Earring E134 $0.93 |
|
|
Brand New 0.83 CTW Topaz 14K Gold Ring Size 6.5 Weight 6.0g. Free US Shipping $549.00 |
|
|
3.06 CT Princess Cut Certified Diamond Engagement Ring Set 14k White Gold $4,834.00 |
|
|
Vintage New in Box Speidel 10K White Gold Filled Ladies Petal Watch Band $24.99 |
|
|
GORGEOUS***WHITE/CREAM 2PC JUICY COUTURE VELOUR ZIPUP HOODIE&PANT W/GOLD SZ S/M $9.75 |
|
|
## WHITE FINE TOPAZ CREAMY FRESH WATER PEARL 18K WHITE GOLD PLATED RING *BB $0.99 |
|
|
SET 4 WATERFORD LISMORE GOLD TALL. WHITE WINE GLASSES $202.49 |
|
|
Pink Sapphire White 18k Gold Plated GP Ring Lady Fashion Jewelry Size 6/M $0.99 |
|
|
1.53 Ct Round Cut Diamond Micro Pave Engagement Ring Solid White 14k Gold $4,487.40 |
|
|
2.47 CT Princess Cut Certified Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold $8,712.50 |
|
|
1.26 CARAT ROUND CUT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING 18K GOLD $3,299.00 |
|
|
SI1/G Natural Round Diamond Jewelry 0.80 Ct 14K Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace $1,333.65 |
|
|
NEW !!! 0.25CTW 14K WG Diamond Kite Style Diamond Ring $199.95 |
|
|
2.21 CT Princess Cut Certified Diamond Engagement Bridal Set Ring 14k White Gold $3,828.40 |
|
|
New 0.15 CTW SI2-SI3 Color H-I Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Size 6.5 Weight 9.2g. $649.00 |
|
|
0.72 CT EXCELLENT ROUND E-VS2 14K GOLD CATHEDRAL SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING 5.1gm $1,914.75 |
|
|
~{ Pink Fine Sapphire Topaz 18K White Gold Plated Dainty Cocktail Style Ring #OM $0.99 |
|
|
0.72 CT EXCELLENT ROUND F-SI1 14K GOLD CATHEDRAL SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING 7.5gm $2,616.00 |
|
|
Aquamarine Cross Pendant 14k White Gold with Chain FREE SHIP $689.99 |
|
|
PRETTY THE SAK IVORY WHITE GOLD KNIT THREAD SHOULDER BAG PURSE EXCELLENT SHAPE ! $19.95 |
|
|
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Heart Shaped Ring Featuring 0.34 Carat Diamonds Cove $550.00 |
|
|
PAIR WATERFORD LISMORE GOLD TALL. WHITE WINE GLASSES $101.69 |
|
|
1.65 CT PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING WHITE GOLD $4,614.50 |
|
|
0.40Ct New Genuine Diamond Channel Set 14K Gold Jewelry Anniversary Wedding Ring $254.15 |
|
|
New 0.31 CTW SI2 enhanced Color J-K Diamonds 14K Gold Solitaire Plus Ring Size 7 $369.00 |
|
|
Fashion Jewelry Lady Gift Red Ruby White Gold GP Bracelet Bangle Chain Ring $6.98 |
|
|
0.72 CT EXCELLENT ROUND E-VS1 14K GOLD CATHEDRAL SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING 2.7gm $1,587.00 |
|
|
Green Emerald White 18k Gold Plated GP Ring Lady Fashion Jewelry Size 7/O $0.99 |
|
|
0.60CT 14K White Gold Diamond Flower Pendant $499.00 |
|
|
18K white gold Gp Swarovski Crystal grey pearl jewellery set N111 $7.00 |
|
|
White Gold Solitaire Diamond Ring 1.3ct E SI2 One 18k Wedding Gold Brilliant $3,943.00 |
|
|
Yellow Citrine Hoop 18k White Gold GP Earrings Earings Lady Fashion Jewelry $0.99 |
|
|
New CERTIFIED 2.35 CTW Ruby 14K Gold Ring Size 7.5 Weight 3.9g. Free US Shipping $1,049.00 |
|
|
2.32 carat Round cut Diamond Engagement Wedding Solitaire 14K White Gold Ring $11,000.00 |
|
|
Natural Aquamarine & Diamond Flora Solitaire Engagement Ring 14K White Gold 6.5 $499.00 |
|
|
Lady Fashion Jewelry Blue Sapphire White Gold GP Cocktail Gem Ring Size 7/O $3.98 |
|
|
Heart Flower Pendant 14k Yellow and White Gold Charm $147.00 |
|
|
10×8~2MM ORCHID RED RUBY TOPAZ HEART CUT 18K WHITE GOLD PLATED STUD EARRINGS *YD $0.99 |
|
|
CIGAR BAND 1.00 ct DIAMOND RING ladies white gold 14K $1,695.00 |
|
|
10K Gold and white gold necklace $295.00 |
|
|
3.26 CT Round Cut Certified Diamond Engagement Ring Set 14k White Gold Bridal $8,334.00 |
|
|
3.75 Ct Diamond Eternity Band 14K White Gold G SI1 New $3,198.31 |
|
|
New 0.4 CTW SI3 enhanced Color C1-C2 Diamonds Gold Solitaire Plus Ring Size 7 $409.00 |
|
|
Marquise Cut Gift Green Emerald White Gold Plated Tennis Bracelet Hand Chain $0.99 |
|
|
0.40 CT VS CERTIFIED DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING 14K WHITE GOLD $478.80 |
|
|
~{ Orchid Red Ruby Topaz 18K White Gold Plated Pear Cut Pendant Necklace #QG $0.99 |
|
|
fashion party jewelry TANZANITE RHINESTONES WHITE GOLD PLATED RING SIZE 6 M $0.99 |
|
|
Brand New CERTIFIED 1.05 CTW SI3 enhanced Color L Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Size 7 $799.00 |
|
|
Round Cut Black Diamonds Men’s Wedding Band with White Gold Finish Ring $149.99 |
|
|
2.1 CT 6 RAYS STAR SAPPHIRE 925 SILVER RING SIZE 6.5 WHITE GOLD COATED $24.99 |
|
|
14k White gold rolo stone Bracelet $375.00 |
|
|
Size 6 Yellow Fuchsia Flowers Cocktail Ring 18K white Gold GP Swarovski Crystal $6.99 |
|
|
Brand New 0.68 CTW Ruby Gold Ring Size 7 Weight 1.5g. Free US Shipping $259.00 |
|
|
White faux Pearls & Gold Seed Beads Necklace Set includes a Gift Box! $19.00 |
|
|
14k White Gold Diamond Ring 1.2ct E VS2 One 14 K White Wedding 10 Year Unique $5,613.00 |
|
|
14KT WHITE GOLD – 22″ 0.7 MM. SQUARE WHEAT NECKLACE GOLD CHAIN $154.99 |
|
|
Fashion Jewelry Lady Round Cut Pink Sapphire White Gold GP Stud Earrings New $4.98 |
|
|
2.32 CT Round Cut Natural Diamond Vintage Solitare Engagement Ring 14k WG $5,930.00 |
|
|
1.80 CT Natural Princess Cut Unique Diamond Engagement 14k White Gold Ring $4,460.00 |
|
|
18K White Gold GP Swarovski Crystal Unique Classic Earrings A-117 $0.99 |
|
|
1.00 ct Round Cut Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring 14k White Gold $3,720.00 |
|
|
Diamond F VVS1 round 0.80 Carat stud earrings solid white gold 18K earring $1,050.00 |
|
|
1.34 Ct AGI Round Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement 14k White Gold Ring $3,736.80 |
|
|
1.35 ct Round Brilliant Cut and Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold $3,350.00 |
|
|
2.5 Carats Diamond Ring 3 Stone Past Present Future Engagement Ring 14k Gold $4,680.00 |
|
|
engagement jewelry gift Round Cut Green Emerald White Gold Plated Ring 7 O $5.99 |
|
|
Gold Turtle White Enamel Crystal Chain Pendant Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Mine Cut Diamond Ring 1.05 Carat G VS2 14k White Princes Wedding Costume 25th $5,028.00 |
|
|
Pink Sapphire White 18k Gold Plated GP Ladies Ring Fashion Jewelry Gift Size 7/O $0.99 |
|
|
1.65 CT Princess Cut Natural Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring 14k White Gold $3,280.00 |
|
|
18K white GOLD colour SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL GP HEART necklaces $0.99 |
|
|
New DELLA RIVA Made In Italy 0.8 CTW Ruby 18K Gold Ring Size 7 Weight 9.8g. $799.00 |
|
|
18K 3.76 CABOCHON EMERALD DIAMOND RING $2,880.00 |
|
|
1.82 CT Round Cut Certified Diamond Engagement Bridal Set Ring 14k White Gold $4,616.00 |
|
|
1.16 CT ROUND CUT SOLITAIRE CERTIFIED DIAMOND PENDANT W/ CHAIN 14K YELLOW GOLD $2,970.00 |
|
|
14KT YELLOW GOLD – 0.20CTW WHITE PEARL AND RUBY STUD EARRINGS $88.99 |
|
|
2.4 CT Round Cut Solitare 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring $6,500.00 |
|
|
0.40CT DIAMOND 18K W GOLD FLAME PENDANT~PRINCESS VS1 E~ $499.50 |
|
|
Wedding Band 0.70 carat Princess Cut Channel Set Diamonds 18k White Gold 3.4mm $1,185.00 |
|
|
OVAL SOLID 14K White Gold DIAMOND SETTING SEMI RING MOUNT $599.00 |
|
|
Vintage Style 1.90 ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18k White Gold $5,400.00 |
|
|
NEW!!! 1.60CT VS2 RODOLITE ROUND CUT DIAMOND RING!!! $559.00 |
|
|
2.34 Ct Round Cut 3-Stone Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold $4,012.20 |
|
|
AMETHYST WHITE GOLD GP PENDANT NECKLACE JEWELLERY CHAIN $0.99 |
|
|
18K white gold Gp Swarovski Crystal triangle necklace N57 $9.98 |
|
|
10k White Gold Chocolate-Brown Colored Diamond Cluster Halo Ring Unique WG SZ 7 $358.00 |
|
|
ARINNA stainless lady linked chain Bracelet Swarovski Crystal 18K white gold GP $8.99 |
|
|
Free shipping 18K White Gold GP Use Crystal rhinestone Pearl Rings 8# AKR011 $4.99 |
|
|
Diamond Solitaire Wedding Ring 1.2 Carat F I1 18k White Engagement Round Bridal $2,082.00 |
|
|
fashion party jewelry Round Multi-Color White Gold Plated GP Ring Size 8 Q $0.99 |
|
|
18K Gold Plated white Rhinestone Amethyst Cubic Zirconia Ring #8 $0.99 |
|
|
Round Aquamarine 18k White Gold GP Earring Stud Earing NR Lady Fashion Jewelry $0.99 |
|
|
FEATURED PURPLE AMETHYST White Gold Plated PENDANT NECKLACE $5.99 |
|
|
18K White Gold GP Austrian crystal Willow leaves Earrings $0.01 |
|
|
0.72 CT EXCELLENT ROUND I-SI1 14K GOLD CATHEDRAL SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING 2.7gm $1,138.50 |
|
|
SZ9 ARINNA Swarovski Crystal white pearl yellow gold GP 18K fashion finger Ring $5.99 |
|
|
Special Wedding Jewelry GP PEAR CUT GREEN EMERALD WHITE GOLD COCKTAIL RING 6 M $0.99 |
|
|
Estate 14K White Yellow Gold X Link Bracelet Fine Jewelry $720.00 |
|
|
The White and the Gold $13.99 The White and the Gold |
|
|
14k White Gold Cross $174.95 14k White Gold Cross. |
|
|
14k White Gold Crucifix $149.94 14k White Gold Crucifix. |
|
|
14K White Gold Crucifix $314.95 14K White Gold Crucifix. |
|
|
Farfallina Deco Gold And White $69.29 Farfallina Deco Gold And White |
|
|
White Gold Beaded Hoops $399.95 Reflective white gold balls line up in white gold hoops.. |
|
|
White Gold Diamond Ring $764.95 14k White Gold Diamond Ring.. |
|
|
Round White Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold $298 Round White Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold |
|
|
3/4ctw White Gold Cafe/White Dangle Earrings $1279 3/4ctw White Gold Cafe/White Dangle Earrings |
|
|
White Gold CZ Ring $259.95 Diamond cz stones sparkle in 14k white gold. . |
|
|
White Gold Crucifix $109.95 Lovely 14k white gold sparkles in a small crucifix.. |
|
|
Mother Ring – White Gold $299 .05ctw Mother white gold ring. Diamond clusters. |
|
|
Emerald and Diamond White Gold Ring $1179 Emerald and Diamond White Gold Ring |
|
|
6.5mm 14k White Gold Band $439.95 6.5mm 14k White Gold Band. |
|
|
Fancy 14k White Gold Crucifix $359.95 Fancy 14k White Gold Crucifix. |
|
|
14k White Gold Designer Band $1179.95 14k White Gold Designer Band. |
|
|
14K White Gold Twist Hoops $114.95 14K White Gold Twist Hoops. |
|
|
Fancy White Gold CZ Cross $184.95 Fancy White Gold CZ Cross. |
|
|
White Gold Heart Shaped Locket $509.95 White Gold Heart Shaped Locket. |