White Gold vs Platinum?
Which is better? Gold or platinum? This is a very common question that jewelers get asked all the time. White gold and platinum are both excellent metals and are widely used for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry. It is sometimes hard to decipher between the two so let’s break down the differences to help decide which one is best for you.
White Gold
First, let’s talk about white gold. White gold is very popular and significantly more affordable when compared to platinum. It can easily be polished, stretched, compressed, and sized and it’s able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Naturally, gold has a yellow hue when it comes out of the ground. It is then mixed with other alloys such as zinc, nickel, and palladium to make it stronger. To finish it off, it is dipped in a liquid metal called rhodium that gives it that signature white gold shine. Rhodium also helps protect the ring from scratches. Over time, the metal can start turning slightly yellow. This happens with daily wear and can vary on how fast it turns depending on oils in the skin and how it is worn. The yellowing can easily be remedied by polishing out the scratches and dipping it back into rhodium, which is recommended to be done about once a year. It is also suggested on the engagement ring right before the wedding so it looks perfect for the big day.
Pictured above: Engagement and wedding band before and after the polish and rhodium dip process
Platinum
Now platinum, on the other hand, is a naturally white metal and is generally used in its purest form. It never yellows and when it wears, it becomes a grayish matte finish, giving it a dull appearance, which can actually be quite nice! When compared to gold, the main difference is the price. Platinum costs more as it is a denser and heavier metal. It is, however, slightly softer and can scratch easier than white gold. You may not be able to visually see the difference between platinum and white gold but you can definitely feel the difference. Platinum is also a hypoallergenic metal making it ideal for those with a nickel or gold allergy.
Choosing the Right Metal
When making the decision on which metal to choose, it all comes down to personal preference. You really can’t go wrong with white gold or platinum. They are both beautiful metals and require some kind of annual maintenance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our jewelers. We are real jewelers, real experts who are always ready to help!
