Platinum Vs. White Gold: Which Metal is Best For Your Ring?
If you have been shopping for your wedding ring lately, we know it can be pretty baffling. Especially when you have to choose between two identical metals - platinum and white gold. Although they both have a white and silvery sheen, there lies a vast difference. So, the next time you buy women's white gold rings, here is a quick comparison guide you can refer to.
What is platinum?
Platinum is a naturally occurring metal with a silvery white appearance. It is denser, harder, and rarer than gold. Platinum can be utilised in a purer form than gold due to its hardness. Jewellery composed of platinum contains 5% cobalt and 95% platinum.
What is white gold?
White gold comprises 75% pure gold and 25% other metals like palladium, zinc, or nickel. This alloy was created by combining yellow gold with other metals to give it its white colour and increase its hardness. White gold typically has a somewhat warmer hue before being rhodium-plated to give it a silver appearance.
Differences between platinum and white gold jewellery
- Weight
Platinum is a dense metal, over 20% denser than 18ct white gold. Hence, a platinum ring is best if the wearer often participates in heavy physical activity or manual work. Whereas the faith 18k white gold ring is best for people looking for lighter options.
- Maintenance
Although white gold is a lovely white metal, keep in mind that it is an alloy of yellow gold and other white metals like silver, palladium, or nickel. It is "rhodium plated" to give it a whiter, glossier sheen. This is why a brand-new white gold item and a platinum piece have the same appearance. However, the ring's yellowish tint gets restored as the rhodium plating wears off over time.
On the other hand, platinum won't turn yellow like white gold. It will start to lose its glossy sheen, which can be easily polished by jewellery repair services in Bournemouth to restore its original appearance.
- Hypoallergenic properties
Since platinum is a very pure alloy composed almost entirely of pure platinum, it is the most hypoallergenic metal utilised to make jewellery. Whereas a white gold ring might cause an allergic response may occur due to metals in alloy if the rhodium plating wears off. Overall, platinum is a safer option for an engagement ring if you have sensitive skin.
- Cost
Platinum is far more expensive than White Gold because it is produced significantly less and is 30 times rare than gold. Also, since it is heavier and purer than gold, platinum rings weigh more, even if they are the same. Because weight and purity determine the price of precious metals, the identical platinum ring would cost more.
The verdict
While there is no straightforward answer to which one is better, it entirely depends on your preferences and budget. Jewellers at ASR Gems are highly experienced in working with various metals, so if your design calls for a specific option, we will be pleased to offer our advice. Hence, we have emerged as the most trusted jewellery store in London, offering bespoke wedding rings in Southampton. Looking for custom-made jewellery or loose diamonds in the UK? Talk to our experts today.
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