Let’s get talking about that pretty ring on your finger! What’s the best bet if asked to choose from the platinum vs white gold treasure trove? Let us start by telling you they may look very similar, but they are as far from each other like the Earth and the Sun!
Our discussion is going to be on rings, especially the much-coveted and adored engagement rings. The engagement ring not only symbolises commitment and the eternity of the relationship, but it also serves as a piece of statement jewellery for you to flaunt in front of your girlfriends to say that you are taken! Don’t we all love to flick our diamond rock encrusted engagement rings and squeal, “We’re engaged!”
But you don’t want to run helter-skelter when they ask you about your ring? What setting is it? Is that platinum or is it white gold? How do out know them apart? Read on to understand just difference in platinum vs white gold, and which is better for a ring setting.
Platinum vs white gold: WHICH IS BETTER FOR RING SETTING?
Platinum has been trending only for about ten years now. When gold was all the rage a few years back, now platinum and its close cousin in colour, the white gold have caught the popular fancy. So why would you go for either of these metals for your ring? Let’s see.
What is WHITE GOLD?
Many people ask is white gold platinum? It looks like it, feels much like it on jewellery but is it really one thing? No. In order to achieve the silvery-white colour of white gold, yellow gold is mixed, or more appropriately alloyed, with other white metals. These metals are silver, nickel, manganese or palladium. It may also be coated with rhodium polish to give it a whiter and an even shinier finish.
To take care of white gold and retain its colour and shine, it should be brought to the jeweller every few years and re-plated with rhodium. If not done, the colour will revert back to yellow gold. The process, however, is relatively simple and won’t cost you too much.(source)
Purity of white gold
White gold used for rings is generally of 14K purity. We know that the higher the karat value, the purer the gold content of your jewellery. But at the same time, the lesser will be the durability of the metal.
Nickel is one of the most common white metals alloyed with pure gold to produce white gold. Some people are allergic to nickel, so check with your jeweller if he can get you nickel-free white gold, preferably rhodium coated one. Or else, platinum is the better choice.(source)
Get to know PLATINUM
Platinum is a natural element with a greyish tone rather than white. This is how you can differentiate it from white gold. Platinum must be at least 90-95 per cent pure. Any less than, it must be named ‘platinum alloy’.
Platinum on engagement rings
Platinum is great for a solitaire ring or an earring. Even delicate, elegant platinum necklaces complement western wear beautifully, especially if you are wearing a gown or evening dress for your ceremony.
White gold is best for bangles. It is truly flattering when gold, white gold and rose gold are used in unison in jewellery. There are also delicate thread necklaces with the three metals in intricate twisted patterns. These are ultra-stylish and make breathtaking statement pieces.
If you are looking to go easy on your budget, white gold may be your ideal choice. It looks as dashing as platinum but at a fraction of the price. But it is advisable not to invest in white gold if you plan to wear the jewellery daily. The white gold will wear off soon, and you will have to run for re-polishing now and again!(source)
Is white gold and platinum the same?
So if someone asks you this, you know the answer is no.
Over time, platinum’s polished shiny finish dulls to a natural Platinum patina or something similar to oxidised silver. Many people enjoy this finish for engagement rings as it makes the central diamond appear more sparkling by contrast. If you love vintage and rustic look, you can opt for this style. It’s similar to the oxidised gold look that we love. If you need to brush up the lustre of your patina, a professional shine will restore its original lustre. The process is also comparable in cost to treating white gold.
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Nowadays, gold and platinum are the major metals commonly used for engagement and wedding rings. Both metals have their own distinctive features, yet they are similar in several aspects. Let’s look at how gold and platinum are different in appearance, cost, durability, and comfort.
DURABILITY factor
Let’s get this straight. PLATINUM IS STRONG AND DURABLE. Although both gold and platinum are strong precious metals, it is platinum that is the stronger and extra-durable one of the two. For instance, the prongs that strongly holds the stone of a platinum engagement ring are less likely to bend and break than those of a gold engagement ring. Durability is important for the strength of your jewellery, especially when they carry larger carats of diamonds and precious stones. This is precisely the reason why diamond jewellery is set in 18k carat gold and not in 24k carat gold. Although its purity is low(due to alloying with other metals for strength), it can hold the stones firmly with very little chance of it falling off.
Scratch resistance
On the downside, PLATINUM SCRATCHES EASIER THAN 14K GOLD. Why? Despite being strong and more durable than the yellow metal, platinum is a softer metal than its counterpart, the 14k gold. This means it will get scratched much easier than your regular 14k gold. Not to worry.
On the positive side, re-polishing your ring will help bring back the ring to its original look. This applies for both platinum and gold.
PLATINUM IS actually WHITE
Platinum will always remain white colour because Platinum is indeed is a naturally white metal. Whereas, white gold needs to be polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid the yellowish tint from the gold peeking in from below. This yellow hue usually appears several months to several years after polishings, depending on how much wear the ring encounters.
The yellow hue is the actual gold from the base of the jewellery showing up as the rhodium polish wears off.
One of the most confusing decisions when buying jewellery is the type of precious metal to be used. Both metals look stunning when set well, with white diamonds, especially it looks like a dream, but it’s advisable not to mix them both in a bridal set. Keep the metal consistent for both the engagement ring and wedding bands. When the question is white gold vs platinum, which is better for ring setting, it is, of course, a tough choice.(source)
Is platinum more expensive than white gold?
The difference in cost is the first question that pops in your head, isn’t it? White gold and platinum are similar in price per gram, platinum is denser, and so more quantity is required in order to make the ring. Also, platinum rings usually comprise of 95% pure platinum, while 14k gold has only 58.5% gold. Thus, to our dismay, platinum rings are more expensive.
Is there a SELECTION difference?
Since platinum is quite expensive(not as much as you think), most jewellers have a dedicated collection of them. But unlike gold, you can’t expect a great lot of variety and may have to settle with designs they have at the store. You can also buy platinum jewellery online if you need more options. Like gold, you can also get your platinum sets custom made, but since people don’t usually do it, it may take time and may cost you even more in making a charge. If you are insistent though, you can talk to your jeweller well ahead to get your platinum ornament done in time.
Is Platinum better than white gold?
Well, the name itself is more elite when compared to white gold. If you would love to own platinum jewellery and know its value, platinum is a great choice. Platinum is also a very durable metal. It is heavier and stronger than gold; therefore white gold too is. Keep this heavier weight in mind when making sure of the comfort of your wedding bands.
- It can also look similar to silver, so we recommend you try it on may times and make sure that the price is worth the look.
- For special occasions and eternal rings, platinum is the best companion for diamonds. Platinum’s strength makes it the best deal for wedding rings as it can be worn every day. It sustains very little metal loss over a lifetime of wear thus it is a great choice for wedding rings. It will also hold diamonds and precious gems more securely than white gold.(source)
Platinum versus white gold for rings
In strength and glamour, we think platinum makes the cut in case of rings. Most preferred rings out of the metal are engagement rings, wedding rings and other special occasion rings that mark an important phase of life. Platinum is also considered to be a symbol of eternity on close lines with the favourite diamond.
Platinum vs white gold: MAINTENANCE AND WEAR
As white gold starts its life as a yellowish, orang tinted and sometimes greenish-gold and it is then literally ‘whitened’ by alloying it with whiter metals, it’s not truly a white metal.
When a white gold ring is in its finishing touches stage, the jeweller gives it a final rhodium plate for the perfect white shine. Due to this, you may need to have the rhodium re-plated once a year or so with your wedding ring.
White gold is good news in this case. White gold jewellery can be worn for far longer than platinum before you need to re-polish it. True, it can get scratched from the brunt of a well-lived life. But overall it maintains its shiny look intact for quite some time. It shines brighter for longer than a platinum ring does.
If your platinum band is plain or has a relatively simpler and shinier design, chances are it will dull a lot faster than white gold of a similar style.
Celebrities wearing platinum bands
If you need platinum ring inspiration, look nowhere else than Bollywood. Making the list first is the queen of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan who flaunts her platinum solitaire engagement ring like a boss. Dear actor Irfaan Khan too was well in love with his Platinum band as he is quoted saying about his jewellery, “Its unchanging quality ensures that it will last a lifetime, which is why I love it so much,” Soth India’s superstar Nayanthara is one for statement jewellery when she took a liking to rings, she started stacking up on platinum rings as visible in many of her pictures. You see, platinum isn’t that rare a sight anymore, especially in the celebrity circle.(source)
So, who won the platinum vs white gold war?
Well, both are great metals for jewellery. They look pretty similar, but platinum jewellery definitely costs quite a bit more. Here’s our recommendation, for engagement rings, wedding rings and forever bands, you can spend some big bucks on platinum bands. Because if you don’t splurge on love, where will you? If you are going for more elaborate and decorative pieces, white gold will match your budget. Also, you won’t be wearing big and extravagant jewellery every day, so no worries about the white gold fading off.
While our blog gives a brief insight into your precious metals and how to select them, it is best to sit down with an expert jeweller to weigh your options. Invest your precious time to get that precious ring for your beloved that she would love to cherish all her life.
FAQS
Q1. What is better white gold or platinum for an engagement ring?
For a special occasion, we recommend a platinum ring over a white gold one. Simply because platinum symbolises eternity, it has the durability to hold precious stones, and it perfectly compliments diamonds.
Q2 Can you wear platinum and white gold together?
Of course, you can. There’s no stopping you at it. Although we would advise against them rubbing against each other, which can scratch and wear both the metals. In fact, there are platinum ring with white gold bands that are very popular.
Q3. Is platinum and white gold same?
It may look the same, but they are both completely different metals. One is a pure metal, platinum whereas white gold is gold alloyed with other metals or rhodium polished to a white sheen.
Q4. What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
White gold is gold alloyed with white coloured metals like nickel, silver and palladium. They may sometimes be rhodium coated to make them appear white. Platinum, on the other hand, is a pure silvery-white coloured metal.
