White gold, platinum and silver are three white metals with similar colors. All three metals are used in various jewelry such as rings and bracelets. What are the subtle differences in the colors of these three metals? What are their respective properties such as durability and price? This article helps you compare platinum vs white gold vs sterling silver from all aspects so that you can choose a satisfactory metal for your jewelry.
Table of Contents
Platinum vs White Gold vs Sterling Silver in Color
White gold vs platinum vs silver color are all similar silvery white to the naked eye, but there are slight differences in subtle aspects such as luster.
Platinum: Platinum has a natural white luster, and its white color presents a soft cold luster, which has an elegant and non-glaring visual effect. The white color of platinum is very close to cold white and ice white, and is very suitable for matching with pure diamonds or gemstones with blue and green tones (such as sapphires and emeralds).
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver presents a high-gloss white luster with a slightly cold tone and metallic reflection, which looks very bright and modern. It works best with bright-toned gemstones (such as lavender amethyst and aquamarine). This combination can show a modern and simple style. Compared with platinum, the white of silver is brighter and more reflective.
White Gold: White gold itself is made of gold and other metals (such as nickel or palladium), and its color has a slight gray-yellow hue. Through rhodium plating, white gold presents a high-gloss pure white, which is very close to the appearance of platinum. Compared to the cold white luster of platinum, white gold has a hint of warmth due to its gold content, making it look softer and brighter, and is suitable for pairing with red, pink and warm-toned gemstones (such as ruby and morganite).



Platinum vs White Gold vs Sterling Silver in Durability and Maintenance
In addition to color and luster, white gold vs silver vs platinum also have big differences in durability and preservation methods.
Platinum: Platinum durability is higher than both white gold and silver, and is the strongest of the three metals, with extremely high resistance to wear. Its shape and structure can remain stable even after long-term wear. In addition, platinum has a higher density than white gold and sterling silver, so when comparing platinum vs silver rings, platinum rings are usually heavier and appear more textured when worn. Platinum’s color and luster are natural, and it is extremely corrosion-resistant and does not require regular treatment or special care.
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is softer in texture, and although other metals (usually copper) are added to enhance its strength, it is still the most easily scratched and deformed of the three metals. Silver also reacts chemically with sulfides in the air, causing the surface to darken or blacken. Therefore, silver has higher maintenance requirements and needs to be polished regularly with a silver cloth or cleaner to maintain a bright luster.
White Gold: White gold is harder than sterling silver, but slightly inferior to platinum. Its alloy components (such as nickel or palladium) make it resistant to deformation and suitable for daily wear. The outer layer of white gold is usually plated with a layer of rhodium, which not only enhances the luster of white gold, but also improves scratch resistance. However, the rhodium-plated layer of white gold usually needs to be re-plated every 1-2 years to maintain its bright white luster. This is one of the main costs of maintaining white gold jewelry.
Platinum vs White Gold vs Sterling Silver in Cost
Platinum: When comparing the prices of platinum vs solid 925 sterling silver, you will find that the price of platinum is much higher than s925 sterling silver. The price of platinum is about $350 to $600 per gram, which is about 500 times the price of silver per gram. This is because platinum is mined in small quantities, has high processing costs, and is of excellent quality. It is often used in high-end wedding rings and other high-end jewelry. It has a high purity, usually 95%.
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver has the lowest cost, mainly because silver is less expensive to mine and process. Sterling silver usually contains 92.5% silver, and the rest is made up of other metals (such as copper) to enhance its hardness and durability. The price is about $0.7 to $1.2 per gram. Sterling silver is a more common and affordable choice in jewelry and is widely used in everyday accessories.
White Gold: The cost of white gold is between platinum and sterling silver. Platinum is an alloy of gold and other metals (such as palladium or nickel), and usually needs to be plated with rhodium to maintain its white luster. Since platinum is an alloy of gold, its cost is usually lower than platinum, but it is more expensive than pure silver. The price of white gold is about $40 to $80 per gram. Due to its good durability and beauty, white gold is often used in mid- to high-end jewelry.
Platinum vs White Gold vs Sterling Silver in Best Use Cases
Platinum: Platinum is a premium metal, ideal for high-end jewelry, especially engagement rings and wedding bands. Its dense, durable nature makes it resistant to tarnish and wear, ensuring that jewelry pieces last for many years. Additionally, platinum’s hypoallergenic properties make it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Its natural white shine complements diamonds and gemstones beautifully, offering a luxurious look. In the platinum vs gold jewelry comparison, platinum stands out for its longevity and luxury, making it the top choice for those seeking long-term investment in their jewelry.
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is one of the most affordable options for jewelry, offering a sleek, shiny finish that makes it perfect for trendy, everyday accessories. Though less durable than platinum, silver is still a popular choice for its versatility in design. It can be easily shaped into a wide variety of jewelry styles and is often used for fashion pieces that reflect current trends. However, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing over time and requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance. While it doesn’t match platinum in terms of durability, it remains a popular choice due to its affordability and ease of use in jewelry.
White Gold: White gold is a versatile metal that offers the elegance of platinum at a more affordable price. Composed of gold mixed with other metals like palladium or nickel, white gold has a similar appearance to platinum but is more budget-friendly. The addition of rhodium plating gives white gold its brilliant shine and white finish, making it an attractive option for engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. However, white gold requires periodic re-plating to maintain its pristine appearance. While white gold is durable and offers a luxurious look, in the platinum vs gold jewelry debate, platinum typically offers better long-term value due to its higher density and lasting shine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
1.Durability: Platinum is the most durable of the three metals, offering long-lasting resistance to wear and tear. It does not tarnish or scratch easily, making it ideal for high-value jewelry. Sterling silver is more prone to scratches and tarnishing, requiring regular care. White gold is durable but needs periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its shine over time.
- Maintenance: Platinum requires minimal maintenance, as it resists tarnishing and keeps its shine without much effort. Sterling silver, however, tarnishes over time and needs frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain its luster. White gold needs occasional re-plating with rhodium to keep its white finish intact, as the rhodium layer may wear off over time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Platinum offers a naturally white, lustrous shine that enhances the brilliance of diamonds and gemstones. Sterling silver has a bright, shiny finish but is more reflective than platinum. White gold provides a similar look to platinum but with a slightly warmer hue due to its gold content, offering a beautiful balance between elegance and warmth.
- Cost: Platinum is the most expensive of the three due to its rarity and density, making it a high-end choice. Sterling silver is the least expensive and ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking stylish, trendy jewelry. White gold falls in between platinum and silver in price, providing a luxurious look without the high cost of platinum.
- Allergenic Reactions: Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it the best choice for individuals with sensitive skin. White gold can sometimes contain nickel, which may cause allergic reactions, although higher-quality alloys may use palladium instead. Sterling silver is generally safe but may cause irritation if the alloy contains copper or other metals.
Conclusion
We compare platinum vs white gold vs sterling silver in terms of color, price, durability, etc. In fact, all three metals are widely used in jewelry making, and each metal has unique advantages. Amandafinejewelry provides you with gemstone rings with these platinum, silver and white gold metals, providing reliable quality and beautiful appearance for your wedding jewelry.
FAQs About Platinum vs White Gold vs Sterling Silver
What is the difference between platinum, silver and white gold? How to tell platinum from white gold?
Difference between platinum and silver: Platinum is more durable, dense, and tarnish-resistant than silver. Silver can develop a patina over time. To tell platinum from white gold, check the markings. Platinum is usually marked “PLAT” or “950,” while white gold is marked with “10K,” “14K,” or “18K.”
What is more expensive white gold or platinum or silver? Does white gold look like silver? Is silver used in fine jewelry?
Platinum is the most expensive, followed by white gold, then silver. Platinum is rare and more durable, making it pricier than white gold, while silver is the least expensive. Yes, white gold and silver look similar because both have a white, shiny finish. However, white gold has a warmer tone due to its gold content, while silver has a cooler, more reflective appearance. Yes, sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) is commonly used in fine jewelry. It’s durable, affordable, and can be crafted into elegant designs, though it requires maintenance to prevent tarnishing.
Is silver more durable than gold? Is gold cheaper than platinum? Which is more valuable platinum or gold?
Silver is less durable than gold, as gold is stronger and more scratch-resistant. Gold is cheaper than platinum due to platinum’s rarity and higher processing cost. Overall, platinum is more valuable than gold because of its density, rarity, and higher cost in the platinum vs gold vs silver comparison.
Is diamond more valuable than platinum? Why is platinum used for jewellery?
Yes, diamonds are generally more valuable than platinum due to their rarity and the factors like cut, clarity, and size. Platinum is durable, hypoallergenic, and resists tarnishing, making it perfect for jewelry, especially engagement rings and wedding bands.
How to recognize platinum? Does platinum tarnish or oxidize?
Platinum is marked with “PT” or “Plat” and has a shiny white appearance. It does not tarnish or oxidize but may develop a patina over time.
Is white gold and platinum same? What's better platinum or white gold?
No, they are different. Platinum is denser, more durable, and naturally white, while white gold is an alloy coated with rhodium. Platinum is better for long-lasting wear, but white gold is more affordable.