Platinum vs White Gold: Differences, Cost & Which Is Better
A side-by-side comparison of platinum and white gold with live 2026 prices. Covering purity, durability, maintenance, price per gram, and resale value to help you make the right choice.
Platinum vs White Gold at a Glance
| Property | Platinum (950) | 18ct White Gold (750) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 95% platinum | 75% gold + alloys |
| Natural Colour | Naturally white-grey | Slightly yellow (rhodium plated) |
| Density | 21.45 g/cm³ (heavier) | ~15.2 g/cm³ (lighter) |
| Metal Price/Gram | £51.07 | £91.62 |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Depends on alloy |
| Maintenance | Occasional polishing | Replating every 1-2 years |
| Hallmark | Orb & cross + 950 | Crown + 750 |
| Scratch Behaviour | Metal displaces (not lost) | Metal removed (lost) |
Metal prices updated daily from LBMA data. Last updated: 23/02/2026
What Is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy — a mixture of pure yellow gold with white-coloured metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. The most common jewellery standard is 18 carat (750), meaning 75% pure gold by weight with 25% alloy metals.
Despite the alloy, white gold retains a slightly warm tint. To achieve a bright, silvery-white finish, jewellers coat it with rhodium plating — a thin layer of rhodium (a platinum-group metal) applied through electroplating. This plating wears off over time, typically every 1-2 years, requiring replating at a cost of £30-£60.
Key Takeaway
White gold is not naturally white. Its bright appearance comes from rhodium plating, which requires ongoing maintenance. Without plating, white gold has a pale yellow or greyish tint.
What Is Platinum Jewellery?
Platinum jewellery is typically 95% pure (marked 950), making it one of the purest precious metal options available. It is naturally white-grey — it does not need rhodium plating to look bright, and it will never reveal a different colour underneath.
Platinum is significantly denser than gold. A platinum ring of the same dimensions as a white gold ring will weigh approximately 40% more, giving it a substantial, premium feel. It is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with metal sensitivities.
Price Comparison: Platinum vs White Gold
The raw metal cost tells only part of the story. Because platinum is denser, the same-size ring uses more metal by weight. Here's how the maths works out at today's prices:
Finished retail price typically £800-£2,000+ depending on design and setting
Finished retail price typically £500-£1,500+ depending on design and setting
Why Platinum Rings Cost More
Even when platinum's per-gram price is lower than gold, a platinum ring costs more because: (1) platinum is ~40% denser, so the same ring uses more grams of metal, (2) platinum requires higher working temperatures and specialist skills, and (3) platinum jewellery is 95% pure vs 75% for 18ct gold. Manufacturing costs are typically 20-40% higher.
Durability & Maintenance
- ✓Metal displaces, not lost — scratches push metal aside rather than removing it
- ✓No plating needed — naturally white, no colour change over time
- ✓Develops a patina — a matte finish that many find attractive (can be polished off)
- ~Softer than 18ct gold — more susceptible to day-to-day scratching
Maintenance: Occasional polishing (£20-£40) every few years if you want a mirror finish
- ✓Harder surface — 18ct white gold resists scratching better than platinum day-to-day
- ✗Metal is removed when scratched — gold is lost, not displaced
- ✗Rhodium plating wears off — reveals yellowish tint after 1-2 years
- ✗Nickel allergy risk — some white gold alloys contain nickel
Maintenance: Rhodium replating every 1-2 years (£30-£60 per ring)
Resale & Scrap Value
When selling platinum or white gold as scrap, the value depends on the metal's purity and the current spot price. Here are worked examples using today's prices:
Scrap Value Comparison: Same-Size Ring
Platinum ring (7g at 950)
£339.62 melt value
Dealer pays (80%): £271.69
18ct white gold ring (5.5g at 750)
£503.91 melt value
Dealer pays (85%): £428.32
Note: Gold scrap typically commands a higher percentage payout (85%) vs platinum (80%) due to a more liquid market.
Which Should You Choose?
- •You want a maintenance-free metal that never needs replating
- •You have sensitive skin or nickel allergies
- •You prefer heavier, more substantial feeling jewellery
- •You want the highest purity precious metal for your ring
- •Long-term value matters more than upfront cost
- •Budget is a priority — typically 30-50% cheaper than platinum
- •You prefer a bright, mirror-like white finish (fresh rhodium plating)
- •You want a lighter-weight ring on your finger
- •You don't mind periodic replating (quick and affordable)
- •You want more design variety — more jewellers work with white gold
How to Tell Platinum and White Gold Apart
1. Check the Hallmark
Platinum carries an orb and cross symbol (or the number 950). Gold carries a crown symbol (pre-1999) with the number 750 for 18ct. This is the most reliable method.
2. Weight Test
Platinum is significantly heavier than white gold. Two identical-looking rings will differ noticeably in weight — the heavier one is platinum.
3. Wear Patterns
White gold shows yellowish patches where rhodium has worn off. Platinum develops an even, matte patina across its surface.
4. Professional Testing
An XRF analyser gives an exact composition reading in seconds without damaging the item. Available at any verified dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is platinum more expensive than white gold?
Per gram of raw metal, platinum (£51.07/g) can be cheaper or more expensive than 18ct white gold (£91.62/g) depending on the market. However, platinum jewellery costs more because: platinum is 95% pure vs 75%, it's 40% denser (heavier ring), and manufacturing costs are higher. Expect to pay 30-50% more for a platinum ring.
Does white gold turn yellow over time?
Yes. White gold's bright white appearance comes from rhodium plating, which wears off over time. After 1-2 years of regular wear, you'll notice a slight yellowish tint where the plating has thinned. Replating costs £30-£60 and restores the bright finish.
Which is more durable, platinum or white gold?
It depends on what you mean by durable. Platinum wins for long-term wear because metal is displaced rather than lost when scratched. 18ct white gold is harder and resists day-to-day scratching better. For an everyday ring, both are excellent — platinum just lasts longer without losing metal.
Is platinum better for sensitive skin?
Yes. Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic at 95% purity. Some white gold alloys contain nickel, which is a common allergen. While many modern alloys use palladium instead, platinum is the safest choice if you have any metal sensitivities.
Which has better resale value?
Both metals hold their value well as scrap. At current prices, an 18ct white gold ring has a higher melt value per gram because gold is more expensive. However, platinum jewellery contains a higher percentage of pure metal (95% vs 75%), so the gap narrows. Check our platinum calculator and gold calculator for live valuations.
Calculate Your Metal's Value
Use our live calculators to find out what your platinum or white gold is worth today
Related Guides
Live platinum prices for 950 and 999 purity with conversion tables.
View Prices →9ct vs 18ct vs 24ct gold — understand karats, fineness numbers, and alloys.
Read Guide →Live UK platinum prices per gram, ounce, and kilo updated daily.
View Prices →Comparing precious metals as investments — returns, volatility, and tax.
Read Guide →Sources and References
Hallmark information sourced from the London Assay Office. Metal densities and properties from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Live metal prices sourced from LBMA market data, updated daily.
Last updated: February 2026
Founder & Market Researcher
Taro has been actively investing in precious metals and financial markets for over 15 years. Frustrated by the lack of transparent, accurate gold pricing information in the UK, he built London Gold Exchange as a data-driven resource for fellow investors. The site combines real-time market data, verified dealer information from 242+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
- ✓15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
- ✓Built verified database of 242+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information for comparison purposes. Metal prices change daily. Retail jewellery prices depend on design, craftsmanship, and brand. Always consult a qualified jeweller for purchase advice. Information current as of February 2026.