Finalizing your engagement ring can be an overwhelming process. Deciding on a diamond or a colored gemstone to be used in your ring is not the only step that you should put your efforts in! Choosing the correct metal in which these precious gems will be set is also one of the crucial steps that you should focus on.
For engagement rings, white metal is normally preferred, as this eludes a statement of timeless elegance. Now, which white-colored metal should you choose? There are two significant metals that make a ring look chic and dazzling – Platinum and White gold.
Platinum vs White gold has always been a debate as to which one is better. However, both of these metals have e their pros and cons and one shouldn’t eliminate the other from the suggestions given by friends or family! We have listed the difference between the two striking metals that will help you decide to choose the correct metal for you!
1. White Gold
There are 3 different colors that one can choose to make their engagement ring in – white, yellow, and rose. White gold is an alloy that is made of pure gold and durable metals like zinc, nickel, or copper to harden it and make it durable to use for a long long time.
White Gold comes in 2 varieties – 14k or 18k gold. In 14k jewelry, the quantity of pure gold is 58.3% and in 18k it is 75% the rest is alloy!
2. Platinum
The white metal that is usually preferred for engagement bands is very sought-after. Platinum is used in its natural form as the purity of it stands at 95%-98% and occurs in white color, so mixing the metal to provide color to it is not required.
As mentioned in the previous article, platinum, in comparison to white gold, will demand a higher premium, and that may also be a factor in deciding which to choose.
| Pros of choosing platinum | Cons of choosing platinum |
| Hypoallergenic | Expensive |
| Rare in nature | It will get dull eventually |
| A status symbol | A good amount of cleaning and care is required |
| Highly durable | |
| Tends to shine a little brighter |
>> White Gold Vs Platinum: The Comparison
| Topic | White Gold | Platinum |
| Composition | White Gold is usually mixed with alloys and metals to make your jewelry more durable. In 14k jewelry, the quantity of pure gold is 58.3% and in 18k it is 75%. | Platinum is used in its natural form and no amount of alloy is mixed with it as it is in itself a very hard metal. 95-98% |
| Price | Lower in cost than platinum | Demands a higher price tag |
| Replating Requirement | As white gold is mixed with alloys and dipped in rhodium for its sheen, Replating the rhodium is required to keep the shine intact in the metal | Platinum doesn’t need any replating, however, it does lose its sheen over time. |
| Durability | Durable for everyday wear | Malleable in nature |
| Color | White, Shiny Surface | White, Shiny Surface |
Verdict
No doubt that the white gold vs platinum debate is here to stay, but you’re the decision-maker, and making an informed decision is your responsibility. So we would like to conclude by giving a brief idea about both metals so that the selection process becomes easier.
White gold comes in different types – 14k and 18k with different compositions of gold added to it. In comparison to platinum, it is rather affordable and economical, so if you’re on a budget without a doubt place your hands on the white gold metal.
Platinum is 95-98% in its natural form, as it is a much more durable metal. Because of its rarity, platinum falls in the expensive range, and hence showcases your status symbol in society…if the budget constraint isn’t an issue then platinum is the way to go for it won’t require to get replated and the sheen remains intact for years to come.
GemsNY is your go-to companion to make an informed decision whilst selecting an engagement ring for yourself. We have 50,000+ natural gemstones and over 5 different metals to choose from. We believe in making your dream come true “jewelry” by redefining luxury.
