- 9 mins
There’s arguably never more pressure when choosing a piece of jewelry than looking for an engagement ring. You want to select the best center stone, get the setting just right, and ensure the overall aesthetic fits your partner’s unique style.
However, there’s another important consideration that is often overlooked but can make or break the ring’s appearance—the choice of the metal for the band.
Many people go with a white metal, as it perfectly complements the sparkle of the center stone and creates a classic, elegant look. But that’s not where your choices end. You still need to choose between the two popular white metals—platinum or white gold.
But don’t worry. This guide will resolve the platinum vs. white gold engagement ring dilemma for you.
Key Takeaways
- Durability and Maintenance: Platinum is highly durable and hypoallergenic but can scratch more easily, developing a patina. White gold is sturdy and scratch-resistant but requires periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its color.
- Appearance and Longevity: Platinum retains its bright white color over time, while white gold, created through alloying and rhodium plating, may develop a yellowish tint as the plating wears off.
- Cost and Weight: Platinum is generally more expensive and heavier than white gold due to its rarity and density. However, at present, recent gold price fluctuations have narrowed the cost difference, making both options similarly priced in some cases.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is a rare, precious metal predominantly mined in South Africa. To understand just how rare, all you need to know is that platinum is about 30 times rarer than gold. Only a few hundred tons of this pure white metal are mined annually, making platinum a highly prized possession.
For a platinum engagement ring—and other jewelry pieces—platinum must be formulated with an alloy. So, a platinum ring will consist of 95% platinum and 5% of a secondary metal, usually iridium, palladium, or cobalt.
What is White Gold?
Unlike platinum, white gold isn’t a naturally white metal. It’s created by alloying yellow gold with white metals like nickel and zinc, followed by rhodium plating.
Rhodium plating, a thin layer of a noble metal that belongs to the platinum group, is primarily applied to enhance the whiteness of white gold jewelry. That’s what makes platinum and white gold virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye.
What’s the Difference Between Platinum and White Gold?
From the description of platinum and white gold alone, it’s easy to infer their primary difference. These metals have a completely different chemical makeup. While they might share the same secondary metal (e.g., palladium), white gold consists of 75% pure gold, while platinum is 95% pure platinum.
This elementary difference might not mean much to you. However, this white gold vs. platinum composition difference is what dictates all the other differences between the two metals that matter, such as their appearance, durability, and price.
Platinum and White Gold: Factors to Consider for You
A white gold ring or a platinum ring: which will it be? Learn the crucial differences between the two metals stemming from their compositions, and the final decision should come easy.
Durability
As an almost pure metal, platinum is fairly durable. However, this metal is also more malleable, which makes it more prone to scratching. But don’t worry. When a platinum engagement ring gets scratched, it doesn’t lose the metal. It just develops the beautiful patina platinum is famous for.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for white gold rings. These engagement rings will lose metal when their surface is scratched. But luckily, this doesn’t happen easily, as white gold isn’t easily scratched or dented (yet, it’s still recommended not to wear the ring at the gym or while cleaning).
The alloy is what gives white gold its sturdiness, as pure gold is a very soft material. This alloy is also what makes white gold different than yellow or rose gold.
Price
Platinum has historically been valued at a significantly higher price than white gold, making it a less popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
However, recent economic uncertainty has caused gold to hit a record-high price, almost equal in price to platinum. Plus, white gold engagement rings will likely need to be re-plated in the future, which also costs money. In other words, you’ll basically end up paying the same price for a platinum and white gold ring, so choose with your heart.
Allergy Properties
Generally speaking, both white gold and platinum rings are safe to wear. However, the rhodium plating of a white gold engagement ring can wear off, exposing the white gold and potentially irritating sensitive skin. So, if you want to play it safe, go for a platinum engagement ring, as platinum is arguably the most hypoallergenic metal used in fine jewelry.
Color
At first glance, you might not see a difference between platinum and white gold. But you will, with time.
As a naturally white metal, platinum is bright white, and it will stay that way, as its color won’t fade. White gold, on the other hand, gets its whiteness from the rhodium plating. So, as the plating fades, the ring will get more of an off-white, almost grayish hue.
Weight
Platinum is a highly dense material. As such, it’s significantly heavier than white gold. So, if you want to propose with a ring that includes a diamond, the overall weight is something worth considering (but you can easily navigate this with a professional consultation).
Popularity
When it comes to popularity, platinum, and white gold are running neck and neck. Given how stunning and durable these metals are, this shouldn’t be surprising. Though, to be fair, platinum is more popular among luxury jewelry lovers, solely for its alluring rarity.
Which Engagement Ring Should You Choose?
Let’s get one thing straight right away—whether you choose a platinum or white gold engagement ring, your fiancée-to-be will be ecstatic.
However, she might appreciate a white gold engagement ring if the center gemstone is heavier, as this metal is lighter than platinum. White gold also suits people with cool skin tones beautifully, so keep that in mind. The initial lower price of white metal also allows you to either save money or allocate more money toward a bigger center stone.
As for a platinum engagement ring, it’s perfect if your partner has sensitive skin or allergy issues. Platinum should also be your choice if you’re looking for a more detailed engagement ring, as this metal allows for beautiful intricate details that will last a lifetime.
If you’re still unsure about the right choice, you can always speak with one of our jewelry consultants. With an expert’s help and guidance, the right engagement ring is just around the corner.
Get Personal Jewelry Help (and a Beautiful, Affordable Ring) with Faithful Platform
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer platinum or white gold engagement rings. What matters is finding the right jeweler to make your dream ring a reality. And that’s precisely what Faithful Platform is—a dream maker.
Our jewelry experts will help you every step of the way, from choosing the right ring for the big question to receiving it in time for the proposal. And with your future (and wallet) in mind, we prioritize you by working directly with wholesalers and cutting out retail costs so you can save on your ring and invest in your marriage.
Request a free quote to get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is white gold or platinum better for an engagement ring?
Is white gold or platinum better for an engagement ring?
When deciding between white gold and platinum for an engagement ring, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your priorities.
If durability and hypoallergenic properties are top of your list, platinum might be the better choice. It’s a rare, naturally white metal that maintains its color over time and is gentle on sensitive skin.
On the other hand, white gold is also a fantastic option. It offers a classic, elegant look and is generally more affordable upfront. However, it does require occasional rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white appearance.
Ultimately, both metals are beautiful and durable, so consider what’s important to you and your partner.
Is platinum more expensive than white gold?
Historically, platinum has been more expensive than white gold, primarily due to its rarity and density. Platinum is about 30 times rarer than gold, which drives up its price. However, as of July 2024, recent fluctuations in the gold market have brought its price to an all-time high—narrowing the price gap between a platinum and white gold engagement ring.
How to tell platinum from white gold?
At first glance, platinum and white gold might look identical, but there are subtle differences.
Platinum is naturally white and maintains its color over time, while white gold is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals and then plating it with rhodium. Over time, the rhodium plating on white gold can wear off, revealing a slightly yellowish tint.
In terms of weight, platinum is denser and heavier than white gold. So, if you have access to the ring, you might notice the difference in weight. For a definitive answer, look for the hallmark stamp inside the band—platinum rings are usually marked with “PLAT” or “950,” whereas white gold is usually stamped with “10K,” “14K,” or “18K.”
Which is prettier white gold or platinum?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and both white gold and platinum have their unique charm. Platinum’s naturally white luster remains consistent over time, giving it a timeless, enduring beauty. White gold, with its rhodium plating, offers a bright, mirror-like finish that many find dazzling.
What are the pros and cons of white gold vs. platinum?
The pros of white gold include affordability, appearance, and light weight with the cons being maintenance and allergies. On the other hand, the pros of platinum are its durability, hypoallergenic properties, and color with the cons of cost and weight.
In the end, both metals have their strengths and can create a stunning engagement ring. Consider what factors matter most to you (whether it’s budget, maintenance, appearance, or skin sensitivity) and make a choice that you and your soon-to-be fiancée will cherish forever.
