PLATINUM OR WHITE GOLD: WHICH IS BEST?
When choosing between platinum and 18k white gold for your engagement ring, it often comes down to personal preference and which qualities matter most to you.
Both metals are timeless and high quality but they have key differences worth knowing!
Appearance
18k white gold naturally has a warm, yellow undertone due to its high gold content. To achieve its bright white shine, it’s coated in rhodium. Over time, this plating can wear off, especially with exposure to cosmetics, cleaning products, or certain skin pH levels, but it can be easily reapplied. White gold is more scratch-resistant and tends to maintain a polished, reflective look for longer.
Platinum is naturally white, so it doesn’t need plating. However, it’s more prone to surface scratches, developing a soft matte “patina” that some people love for its vintage feel.
Composition and Purity
Platinum is denser and heavier than gold, giving your ring a more substantial feel. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. Most platinum used in fine jewelry is 95% pure, alloyed with metals like ruthenium or iridium for added strength.
18k white gold contains 75% pure gold, blended with other metals to improve durability. Nickel is a common alloy, which is what can sometimes cause irritation, but it's not found in all white gold. Other common metals are silver, zinc, and occasionally palladium.
Durability and Wear
There’s ongoing debate over which metal is “harder.” Platinum is more malleable, meaning a prong hit hard enough is likely to bend or shift rather than break. White gold is more brittle its prongs tend to hold their shape, but under extreme stress, they can snap instead of bending. Neither metals are indestructible, so it is important to be mindful with your jewelry and follow our care tips!
Platinum vs. 14k White Gold vs. 18k White Gold
Curious what 14k white gold, 18k white gold, and platinum look like side by side? We’ve got you covered. See below for a comparison of 14k and 18k white gold and platinum engagement rings and fine jewelry.