It’s one of the most common questions we get at our 47th Street office: “I have this white ring — is it platinum or white gold?” The answer matters because there can be a significant difference in value between the two.
Why They Look the Same
White gold is actually yellow gold mixed with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver to achieve a white appearance. It’s then typically plated with rhodium — a platinum-group metal — which gives it a bright, silvery-white finish identical to platinum. Platinum is naturally white and requires no plating. It’s about 30 times rarer than gold.
How to Tell Them Apart: Hallmarks
The most reliable method is checking the hallmark stamped on the piece:
- Platinum hallmarks: PLAT, PT, PT950, PT900, PT850, 950, 900
- White gold hallmarks: 14K, 18K, 585, 750, 417
If your ring says 14K or 18K, it’s white gold — even if it looks completely silver-white. If it says PLAT or PT950, it’s platinum.
Physical Differences
- Weight: Platinum is significantly denser than gold — noticeably heavier than an identical white gold ring
- Patina: Platinum develops a natural matte patina over time. White gold tends to look shinier or slightly yellow when the rhodium plating wears off
- Scratches: Platinum displaces metal rather than losing it — a scratch creates a groove with raised edges
Which Is Worth More?
It depends on current spot prices and purity. Platinum jewelry is typically 85–95% pure, while white gold jewelry is 58–75% pure gold. Both have real value — the actual payout depends on weight, purity, and current metal prices. Don’t assume one is more valuable without getting a professional evaluation.
Bring your platinum or white gold to our NYC office at 30 W 47th St, Suite 906 and we’ll tell you exactly what you have and what it’s worth.