Platinum vs White Gold: Which Metal is Best For My Ring?
Platinum and white gold both remain popular choices for engagement ring settings. The classic elegance of a white metal setting offers a look that will have enduring appeal. You may be wondering “is platinum or gold better for my engagement ring or fine jewelry”? Our experts have the answer!
Is White Gold or Platinum Better for Engagement Rings?
For engagement ring settings, we recommend platinum as a superior choice. There are several factors to consider in selecting the best metal for your engagement ring.
Durability
When it comes to durability and having an engagement ring that stands the test of time, platinum is the clear winner. Platinum is about 20% denser than gold and is a more durable metal than either 14k or 18k gold.
White gold used for engagement rings is typically plated with rhodium, which provides the white shine and improved durability. However, rhodium plating wears off over time and requires additional maintenance such as re-plating which adds to the lifetime cost of white gold. Although platinum is denser than white gold, it can scratch more easily than white gold.
Platinum is also an incredibly pure metal relative to the alloys of gold. Platinum used in Ada Diamonds jewelry and engagement rings is known as “95/5”, meaning it is 95% pure platinum and 5% other alloys. This alloyed platinum is more expensive than the typical “90/10” blend used by budget e-commerce jewelers, meaning it wears better and offers enhanced durability. This particular blend also requires additional labor to finish and polish.
By contrast, pure gold is too soft for everyday wear. The gold found in engagement ring settings is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc. The karatage refers to the percentage of pure gold in the alloy: 18k gold contains 75% gold, 14k gold contains 58.3% gold.
Hypoallergic
Another reason we love recommending platinum to our clients for their bespoke engagement rings is that it is naturally hypoallergenic. Because platinum is a naturally white metal, it is not alloyed with nickel like white gold is, which can be problematic for individuals with sensitive skin or a nickel allergy.
Is White Gold or Platinum Better for Fine Jewelry?
Should you choose white gold or platinum for your fine jewelry setting? The answer may surprise you!
Our team recommends selecting white gold for most fine jewelry purchases. As mentioned before platinum is a much heavier and denser metal than alloyed 14k or 18k white gold, and thus is less suitable for jewelry such as earrings.
When it comes to jewelry, white gold also offers the advantage of being more affordable.
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.