Is the color of white gold different than platinum? If a white gold wedding ring is in pristine condition and rhodium plated, you probably could not tell a difference between white gold and platinum from first appearances. Platinum, being a more expensive precious metal saw a dramatic increase in sales beginning around 1990, but these numbers reached their pinnacle in 2008. According to Google's history of popularity and sales, platinum faced a gut-wrenching decline in sales in 2009 and so far in 2010. A decrease in demand will likely follow with a decrease in price, but until then, the less expensive white gold wedding band, for example, may see a more popular debut since hiding under platinum's shadow for the last ten years.
White gold is a strong metal that when rhodium plated is similar in sheen and color to platinum. In the last twenty years, people have been leaning towards the silver color, because of its association with modern appeal. With stainless steel appliances, new designer fixtures, yellow gold was out and the silver color was in. Wedding bands and engagement rings were readily accepted in platinum, because as an everyday worn accessory, people preferred something that would stand up to the tough environment hands are put through. Platinum is seen as an investment, or some even see it as a reduction in trips to the jewelry store to get a ring re-plated with rhodium. On the other hand, white gold, which is less scratch-resistant, is seen by many to have more character. Nicks and scratches are symbolic of the endurance of marriage.
Sales of white gold has increased over the last ten years, but not in the same quick fashion as platinum has. In 2009, white gold increased substantially;
