BlogJewelleryPlatinum vs white gold engagement ring: what’s the difference?

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Category:
Jewellery Engagement rings
Posted at:
05-08-2024
Author:
Stephanie Hesters
BAUNAT Antwerp
Reading time:
7 minutes

Platinum vs white gold engagement ring: what’s the difference?

Are you hesitating between choosing a platinum vs white gold engagement ring? Buying an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions you'll make, a testament to your love and commitment.

Picture this: you're standing in a jewellery store, surrounded by glittering options, each one more dazzling than the last. Your heart races as you ponder which ring will symbolise your unique journey together. And yes, one of the critical choices you'll face is selecting the right metal. Are you drawn to the timeless elegance of white gold, or does the enduring rarity of platinum speak to your heart? For those torn between these two exquisite options, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we'll dive into the nuances of platinum vs white gold engagement rings, covering their composition, colour, pricing, maintenance, and symbolism, ensuring you find the ring that truly tells your love story.

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What's the Difference Between Platinum and White Gold for Your Engagement Ring?

Choosing between platinum and white gold for your engagement ring comes down to several key differences. White gold is an alloy containing 75% pure gold mixed with metals like palladium, giving it a bright silver appearance after rhodium plating. Platinum is naturally white, containing 95% pure platinum and weighing about 34% more than gold.

While platinum maintains its color permanently, white gold may develop a yellowish tint over time, requiring occasional rhodium replating. Platinum is rarer and typically more expensive, but it's also more malleable and shows scratches differently than white gold.

Both metals are excellent hypoallergenic options, especially when white gold is alloyed with palladium instead of nickel. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, aesthetic preference, and how much maintenance you're willing to undertake.

Composition

White gold

Most white gold diamond jewellery is offered in 18 karat, which consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, necessary for colour and strength. To achieve the white colour, pure gold (which is naturally yellower) is mixed with additives such as silver and palladium.

BAUNAT for example alloys its white gold with palladium, a rare precious metal which ensures a long lasting colour of the white gold. At the end, white gold jewellery gets rhodium plated, which gives the jewel its bright white colour.

Discover BAUNAT's white gold rod earrings

In terms of allergies, it’s a tie. Even though platinum is known to be both hypoallergenic and durable, European guidelines ensure that 18 carat jewellery may only contain a minimal amount of nickel, which makes white gold an excellent hypoallergenic alternative to platinum.

At BAUNAT, we go one step further. By composing all of our white gold jewellery with palladium instead of nickel, the jewellery retains its white colour longer and is an excellent choice for those with nickel allergies or sensitive skin.

Platinum

Platinum is a naturally white metal known for its purity and density. It is usually made using 95% pure platinum in combination with 5% other metals, making it softer, more scratch-resistant, and more likely to bend than break. Because of its density, jewellery in platinum weighs around 34% more than gold jewellery. So, if you seek large earrings, we recommend going for white gold as heavy earrings might feel uncomfortable.

Colour

White gold

White gold engagement rings are recognized for their pronounced silver sparkle, thanks to their rhodium plating, which gives them a bright and reflective finish.

Find these unique designer earrings from BAUNAT online

Platinum

Platinum rings have a natural grey hue, exuding a more subdued and timeless elegance. This subtle difference in colour can help you distinguish between the two metals and choose the one that best matches your style and preference.

Due to the colour difference between platinum and white gold, experts don’t recommend a combination of these two precious metals. If your partner chooses a platinum engagement ring, then also go for a platinum wedding ring.

Pricing

Cost of platinum ring vs white gold

Platinum jewellery is usually more expensive than white gold and there are several reasons for this. Although pure gold is more expensive than pure platinum, less gold is needed to make the same jewel. Not only because of platinum’s high density, but also because the alloy contains 95% pure platinum whereas white gold only contains 75% pure gold.

Admire this beautiful white gold ring from BAUNAT online

Another difference is that platinum is much rarer. Each year, fewer platinum ore is mined than gold ore. It concerns just under 200 tonnes compared to 1500 tonnes of gold ore respectively.

Admire this beautiful white gold ring from BAUNAT online

Maintenance

White gold

Given that white gold jewellery consists of 75% pure gold and thus yellow components, it can show a yellowish undertone after a few years, when the rhodium wears off. Fortunately, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to have your jewel rhodium plated again. Depending on the usage of the jewel, a rhodium dip can stay perfect for a few years or even decades and will mainly wear at the bottom of the ring.

Since 18 carat gold is harder than platinum, it is more likely to lose a little of its metal when scratched.

Last but not least, white gold jewellery can more easily be adjusted in size and the adaption is less visible.

Platinum

A platinum ring on the other hand retains its white grey colour for life. A scratch in platinum actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch.

When it comes to adjusting your jewellery, platinum is harder. Due to the specific properties of platinum, you will most likely be able to see a line at the joint, even when the resizing was done properly because the soldering is of different alloy.

We do recommend that you clean platinum and gold jewellery yourself on a regular basis. You can easily do this by soaking the jewellery in a mixture of lukewarm water and soap. In time, it is recommended to have your platinum and white gold jewellery cleaned professionally by a jeweller.

Ready to choose your perfect engagement ring metal?

Choosing between a platinum vs white gold engagement ring ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and the significance you attach to each metal's unique qualities. Both metals offer distinct advantages:

White gold: Affordable, bright appearance, requires periodic maintenance.

Platinum: Durable, naturally white, low maintenance, higher cost.

No matter your choice, both platinum and white gold create stunning engagement rings that beautifully symbolise your love and commitment.

If you're still uncertain, book a consultation with one of our expert jewellers at BAUNAT. We’re here to help you find the perfect ring that matches your style and budget. Experience the elegance and craftsmanship of our exquisite diamond jewellery today.

Stephanie Hesters
BAUNAT Antwerp
As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.

As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.