How to Tell If a Bracelet Is White Gold or Platinum

Aug 11, 2011 / By Eleanor Jewell

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Know if you're sporting platinum or white gold.

Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Are you a jewelry virgin? Come on, don't be shy -- every diva has to start somewhere. To a novice, that white gold and platinum can look a lot alike. But the difference between the two is separated by mega dollar signs. Did your hot new babe drop a huge chunk of change on your sparkly new bracelet? You'll know once you can spot the differences between the two metals. Gold or platinum -- is he a keeper?

Check the bracelet for stamps. If you don't have the best eyes, you may want to use a magnifying glass to help. This info is usually on the clasp and if the bracelet is platinum, you will see the initials "Pt" or "Plat." In some cases, you may see the full word "Platinum." A white gold bracelet will carry the "k" stamp, which stands for "karat." The most common stamps are 14k and 18k -- 18k being the higher quality gold, Girlfriend.

Look at the color of the bracelet. While platinum is very white, white gold is actually grayer. The best way to see the difference is to hold the bracelet up against a piece of jewelry that you are certain is platinum. If the color of the bracelet matches the platinum piece, you may have a platinum bracelet but don't use this as the deciding factor. Just some FYI -- white gold coated with rhodium also looks a lot like platinum.

Hold your bracelet in your hand and take note of the weight. Does it have a heavy feel? Platinum can be up to 60 percent heavier than white gold. If you hold your bracelet in one hand and white gold bracelet in the other, do they feel about the same? If so, your piece is probably white gold. If, on the other hand, your bracelet feels distinctively heavier, your bracelet may truly be platinum, my dear!

1.Magnifying glass

It is also important to note that platinum is usually not a problem for people who have metal allergies. If you are one of those women who develops a rash where your jewelry lies, see if it happens when you are wearing the bracelet. If so, you may have a white gold bracelet.

If you are unable to determine beyond a shadow of a doubt the type of metal your bracelet is made of, seek professional guidance. An experienced jeweler will certainly know the difference and finally put your questions to rest.