Difference Between White Gold and Platinum.

Platinum is an extremely rare metal what has led to its direct association with luxury and exclusivity. One of the most commonly asked questions relates to the difference between white gold and platinum. Although, it may seem from the appearance that the difference is slight it isn't the case when it comes to properties.
Platinum is a white metal known also under symbol of Pt and used in jewellery almost in its pure form. Due to its natural whiteness it doesn't have to be plated with Rhodium as it happens in the case of white gold. Widely used by watchmaking companies such as Rolex or Breitling, for limited editions of watches, platinum is greatly appreciated for its quality as it is very long lasting and less damageable.
With higher density than white gold platinum is also heavier and totally resistant to corrosion. Another significant difference is price of platinum. In the times of economic stability and growth platinum prices tend to be twice as much as gold. However, the metal being used in variety of different industries is highly fluctuable and during uncertain economical situation platinum prices drop heavily, very often falling below gold prices.
As gold naturally can only be yellow, other colours such as white, black, and green are obtained by way of mixing metals. Thus, for instance white gold is an alloy of gold and other metals most commonly palladium or nickel.
The main difference lies in properties and ultimate use of the alloy. Palladium mixed gold will be relatively soft and thus more likely used in combination with various gemstones. On the other hand, nickel alloy will be hard and perfect to be used for pins, rings, chains and other jewellery of this sort. Noteworthy, it's believed that as much as one person in eight is allergic to nickel-gold when such is worn over longer periods of time.
For this reason, some jewellers reduced or resigned from the use of nickel alloys. Rhodium being very similar in colour and properties to platinum is used alternatively for gold plating. One of the disadvantages of rhodium is that it wears out after some time and it is suggested that the item should be re-plated every 12 months.