White Gold vs. Platinum: A Comprehensive Guide

Contrary to what some might think, there are several different options when it comes to white metal. As it is our most popular metal colour, many people have questions about how to choose the right white metal for their engagement ring. For fine jewellery, it always comes down to the choice between white gold and platinum. Each metal has its own unique finish, and usually has different advantages. And while platinum has historically fetched a higher price than white gold, recently global economic factors and material access has caused a significant shift in the price of white gold, which will affect many people’s choice in metal.

Due to recent economic uncertainty, global markets for precious metals have experienced wide-ranging fluctuation. In uncertain times like these, the price of precious metals tends to rise as people view metals as a safe haven. Which means that in 2020 alone, the price of gold rose by 24%.

In this post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both white gold and platinum, and take a look at how the current global climate has affected the prices of both materials.

While both metals have a similar white, silvery finish, the difference between white gold and platinum is that each metal is made of a completely different mineral and alloy. White gold is created out of a composition of 75% pure gold, and 25% palladium. Platinum jewellery is made out of 95% platinum and 5% cobalt.

White gold has a slightly warmer hue, and then is usually plated in rhodium to give it a silver finish. Platinum has a naturally-occurring silver grey hue when shined and polished.

White gold engagement rings need to be maintained by occasionally re-plating the ring in rhodium. The process of re-plating over the years can become costly and time consuming. Typically, a white gold engagement ring would need to be re-plated every 2-3 years, as an engagement ring is worn almost every day. The cost to replate a ring in rhodium is around £50-£100. Over a lifetime, this can add up to be more than you would usually save on choosing white gold over platinum.

In terms of long term care, platinum is easier to maintain because of the purity of the metal. A platinum ring needs no plating and won’t tarnish, meaning that all it needs is a simple polish once in a while. Platinum’s shine can be susceptible to fading, but many don’t see this as a defect due to the natural patina that builds up over time due to the softness of the metal. But if the warm glow of a patina isn’t for you, all it takes is a simple polish to restore a platinum ring to its original shine and lustre. Some people even prefer the patina because it allows your centre diamond to shine even brighter!

Finish

Platinum also has a low reflection point, meaning your centre diamond or gemstone can shine even more brilliantly. Platinum develops a patina over time, and will lose its shiny finish that it has in the beginning. The platinum patina is a charming characteristic of the metal—but if you would like to restore your ring back to its original lustre, all you would have to do is take it back to your jeweller for a simple polish.

White gold has a lustrous, shiny white finish thanks to the rhodium plating. Without the rhodium plating, it would be off-white, or a very pale yellow. Over time, the plating will begin to wear off, and how fast this happens depends on your lifestyle. However, it is easily remedied by taking your ring back to your jewellery for a re-plating.

In our current times, you should choose white gold if you prefer a lighter engagement ring, as the metal is less dense than platinum. This would be quite useful if your preferred style is quite bold or your band quite thick or if your gemstone is quite large and you are looking to reduce the overall weight of your ring.

White gold is also a good choice for those who prefer a shinier look. If you maintain your white gold engagement ring by re-plating every three years or when needed, then your engagement ring should keep its shine and lustre.

Up until 2020, white gold was more affordable than platinum. However now, due to the rise in price of gold and palladium, platinum is now the more affordable option.

1.Metal Composition

White Gold:

White gold is an alloy created by mixing pure gold with other white metals, such as nickel, palladium, or silver. It’s renowned for its lustrous, silvery-white appearance, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a bright, reflective finish.

Platinum:

Platinum is a naturally occurring, pure white metal that is 95-98% pure when used in jewellery. Its innate whiteness gives it a fresh appeal, and it doesn’t require alloying with other metals to maintain its colour.

2. Durability and Density

White Gold:

White gold is durable but slightly softer than platinum. It may develop scratches and wear over time, but these can be easily polished by a jeweller.

Platinum:

Platinum is incredibly durable and dense, making it highly resistant to everyday wear, but it’ll also scratch and show signs of wear over time.

3. Maintenance and Care

White Gold:

White gold may require rhodium plating every 12-24 months if you wish to maintain its bright white colour and shine. Some prefer to let the rhodium plating wear away to display a very very slight yellow tinge as part of its charm.

Platinum:

Platinum naturally maintains its white colour without the need for plating over time, however it can develop a patina finish over time. This patina is often described as a slightly frosted finish which reduces the lustre of the polished metal. Many appreciate this as part of the metal’s character, but it can be easily polished to restore its original shine.

4. Weight and Price

White Gold:

White gold is slightly lighter in weight than platinum due to its alloyed composition. It used to be more affordable than platinum, but in recent years it’s become more expensive than platinum. It’s for this reason that we typically recommend platinum if a customer is solely interested in a bright white metal.

Platinum:

Platinum’s density makes it a touch heavier than white gold, and in recent years is generally more affordable than white gold.

5. Visuals

White Gold & Platinum:

White gold and platinum’s bright and shiny appearance beautifully complements all gemstones, including diamonds and colourful gemstones. It offers a clean and versatile look that suits both modern and vintage jewellery designs.

6. Resizing and Alterations

White Gold & Platinum:

Both metals can be resized within a couple of sizes up or down with relative ease by a skilled jeweller.