White Gold vs Platinum for Engagement and Wedding Rings:
White Gold vs Platinum for Engagement and Wedding Rings:
Introduction
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement or wedding ring, there are many important factors to consider - the style, the setting, the centre stone, and of course, the metal. Two of the most popular precious metals for rings are white gold and platinum. They are both stunning, durable and well-suited for showcasing diamonds and other gemstones. But how do you decide between white gold vs platinum for your ring?
In this article, we'll take a close look at the key differences between white gold and platinum rings. We'll examine the unique properties and characteristics of each metal, including its composition, colour, weight, and purity. We'll also look at the care and maintenance required for white gold and platinum rings and how to keep them looking beautiful for a lifetime.
Before we dive in, one quick note about silver and why its not included in this comparison of other white metals? Silver is too soft for most engagement and wedding ring designs. So soft that even after a couple of years of continual use a stone set engagement ring may have such warn prongs they need rebuilding and wedding rings may lose much of their detail. Unfortunately in most cases even with its low initial cost, silver is not suitable for engagement and wedding rings.
Section 1: Properties and Characteristics of White Gold and Platinum
White gold and platinum may look very similar, but they are quite different in terms of their composition and characteristics. Let's examine the key properties of each metal:
White Gold
- White gold is made of a mixture (alloy) of pure gold and white metals like nickel, silver and palladium. The most common alloys in Australia are 9k (37.5% pure gold), 14K (58.3% pure gold) and 18K (75% pure gold).
- The pure gold part of the alloys is always quoted in karats, but jewellers don't disclose the other parts of the alloy, the white metals that are added, and these are very important in determining the colour of the alloy. Jewellers often choose to use cheaper alloys that have yellow undertones.
- To cover the yellow tones, many jewellers plate with an element called rhodium to enhance its bright white colour and sheen. The rhodium plating will wear off over time and must be re-applied every few years to maintain the ring's appearance.
- At Utopian Creations we do not plate our white gold as a normal practice. We choose to use high-quality white gold alloys that don't require plating. During the ownership of the ring, this provides savings, both financial and time to the owner by not needing to re-plate.
- If we are trying to match an existing ring or you would like us to re-plate other existing jewellery you have, we can provide that service.
- Please be aware that due to not plating our white gold, it will be a slightly darker, more grey colour than platinum. Generally, the differences can only be noticed if the two metals are right next to each other.
- White gold is a lighter-weight metal than platinum or even yellow gold. A white gold ring will feel relatively light on the finger.
- Gold is a soft metal however, when alloyed with other metals, it becomes far harder and more durable but not quite as durable as platinum. It may show signs of wear more quickly and require more frequent polishing and maintenance.
- White gold is hypoallergenic as long as the nickel content is low. Utopian Creations white gold alloys are all completely nickel-free.
Platinum
- Platinum is a naturally white metal. Utopian Creations platinum rings are typically 95% pure platinum, mixed 2.5% iridium and 2.5% copper. Our platinum is cobalt-free.
- Utopian Creations platinum is not plated or treated in any way - what you see is the natural colour of the metal. Platinum will maintain its white lustre and never fade or change colour.
- Platinum is very dense and heavy. A platinum ring will feel substantial on the finger, which many people prefer.
- It is one of the strongest, most durable natural metals. Platinum is ideal for rings worn daily as it is highly resistant to wear and tear. While it may develop a patina finish (tiny dents) over time, it won't wear away.
- Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic and the best choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies to other metals. Its high purity makes it very unlikely to cause any irritation or reaction.
As you can see, white gold and platinum have some key differences in terms of their natural colour, composition, weight, and durability. It's important to understand these characteristics and how they impact the look and feel of the ring, as well as how it will wear over time. Consider which factors are most important to you when evaluating white gold vs platinum.
Section 2: Pros and Cons of White Gold and Platinum Rings
Now that we've looked at the properties of each metal let's weigh some of the advantages and disadvantages of white gold and platinum rings:
White Gold Pros:
- More affordable than platinum. White gold offers the bright, white look of platinum at a lower price point.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear. People who prefer a lighter-weight ring may find white gold more comfortable than platinum.
- Can be resized and repaired more easily and, therefore at a cheaper cost than platinum as it is a softer metal with a lower melting point.
- Available in different karats and purities to suit different budgets and preferences.
White Gold Cons:
- Less durable than platinum and may show signs of wear more quickly, especially if bumped or scratched.
- The prongs holding gemstones may wear away and need to be repaired, known as re-tipping. Depending on the white gold alloy, most will need to be retipped once every 20 years. We recommend our 14k and 18k white gold alloys for the best durability. Our 9k gold alloy is a little softer.
- If rhodium plated, the plating may wear away unevenly and cause the ring to appear more grey/yellow in some spots.
Platinum Pros:
- Naturally white colour, whiter than white gold, that will never fade or change over time. You can enjoy the ring's beauty without worrying about replating.
- Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. Platinum prongs offer better protection for diamonds and gemstones as they don't wear away very quickly. In most cases, a platinum ring will last a lifetime without requiring re-tipping. Ideal for people with active lifestyles.
- Hypoallergenic and very biocompatible with the human body. The best choice for people with metal sensitivities and allergies.
- Perceived as the most precious and luxurious metal for jewellery. Platinum rings have a high prestige value.
Platinum Cons:
- More expensive than white gold.
- Heavier weight may feel uncomfortable for some people to wear daily, especially in larger sizes.
- More difficult and expensive to resize and repair as platinum is a harder metal.
- Shows scratches more easily than white gold and develops a patina (dented) finish over time. If you prefer the "bright white" look of newly polished platinum, we can easily re-polish it for you.
Platinum and Peach lab diamond
Section 3: Cost Differences and Considerations
One of the most significant differences between white gold and platinum is the cost. Not only is Platinum a very expensive metal, it also takes far longer to make a ring from platinum than from gold and the jeweller needs to have a higher skill level.
- Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold and mined much less frequently. Its scarcity contributes to its higher price.
- Platinum rings are 90-95% pure platinum, while 14K white gold is only 58.3% gold. More pure metal content means more of the expensive part of the alloy which leads to a higher cost per gram.
- Platinum is more dense than gold, so more metal weight is required to make the same ring. A platinum ring will cost more than an identical white gold ring.
- Platinum is harder and more difficult to work with than gold. It requires more time, skill and specialised equipment, which increases labour costs.
When deciding between white gold and platinum, it's important to consider your budget and what you're comfortable spending. Platinum rings offer beauty and durability that may be worth the higher price tag for some people. However, you can still get a gorgeous, high-quality ring in white gold at a more affordable price. Consider the long-term value of the ring and balance that with your other financial priorities.
Australian Argyle Diamond and 18k White Gold
Section 4: Care, Maintenance and Durability
Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your engagement or wedding ring looking its best over time. Here's what you need to know about caring for white gold and platinum rings:
White Gold Care:
- Clean your white gold ring regularly with a mild soap and warm water solution. Use a soft brush like the one we provided you with to remove dirt and debris, especially around the prongs and setting.
- Have your ring inspected by a professional jeweller, preferably us every 6-12 months to check for signs of wear, loose stones or damage. If you bring it back to us for a check, we will also give it a deep clean at no charge.
- Remove your ring before engaging in manual labour, sports or other activities that may cause impact or abrasion. White gold is a softer metal that can scratch, and dent.
- Never swim with your rings on, especially in the sea. It will not damage your rings, but more are lost this way than any other.
- Store your white gold ring separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches and damage. Keep it in its original jewellery box when not being worn.
- If your white gold ring is rhodium plated, you will need to book it in for re-plating with rhodium every 1-3 years, or as needed to maintain its bright white colour and lustre. This typically costs around $80 to $150.
Platinum Care:
- Clean your white gold ring regularly with a mild soap and warm water solution. Use a soft brush like the one we provided you with to remove dirt and debris, especially around the prongs and setting.
- Have your ring inspected by a professional jeweller, preferably us, every 6-12 months to check for signs of wear, loose stones or damage. If you bring it back to us for a check, we will also give it a deep clean at no charge.
- Platinum does not require any replating or special treatments to maintain its natural white colour and lustre. It may develop a patina finish over time, which some people prefer however, if you prefer a highly polished appearance, consider booking it in for a polish when you bring it in for a clean and check.
- Remove your ring before engaging in manual labour, sports or other activities that may cause impact or abrasion. While platinum is more durable than white gold, it can dent more easily than white gold.
- Never swim with your rings on, especially in the sea. It will not damage your rings, but more are lost this way than any other.
- Store your platinum ring separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches and damage. Keep it in its original jewellery box when not being worn.
In terms of durability, platinum is generally considered the most durable and long-lasting metal for engagement and wedding rings. Its high purity and density make it resistant to wear, corrosion and tarnish over time. Platinum prongs offer better protection for diamonds and other precious stones, reducing the risk of them coming loose or falling out.
White gold is still a durable choice for rings, but it may show signs of wear more quickly than platinum. White gold prongs may also need to be re-tipped more frequently to secure the centre stone. If buying from another jeweller who rhodium plates their white gold keep in mind the rhodium plating will wear away over time, exposing the natural yellow colour of the gold underneath.
Ultimately, both white gold and platinum rings can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing between a white gold or platinum engagement or wedding ring is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of your style preferences, budget, lifestyle and long-term priorities. While both metals offer a stunning, timeless look, they have distinct differences in terms of cost, durability, maintenance and overall appearance.
Platinum rings are the ultimate symbol of luxury and prestige, with a naturally white colour that will never fade or change over time. They are also the most durable and hypoallergenic choice, making them ideal for daily wear and active lifestyles. However, platinum rings come at a higher price point that may not be feasible for everyone.
White gold rings offer a similar bright, white look to platinum at a more affordable cost. They are lightweight, comfortable and easy to resize or repair if needed.
By weighing the pros and cons of white gold vs platinum rings and considering your individual needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision that you'll be happy with for years to come. Rest assured that Utopian Creations white gold and platinum alloys are of the highest quality and either are an excellent choice for a special piece of jewellery. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a ring that reflects your personal style, symbolises your love and commitment, and fits within your budget. Whether you choose white gold or platinum, your ring will be a cherished symbol of your unique love story.
