White gold vs. platinum? Is one better than the other? Is there a right answer to this question?
In my five years as a full-timer at A.H. Fisher Diamonds, these are common questions our customers ask when purchasing engagement rings and wedding rings. Here are a few pros and cons of each.
Color
White gold is not naturally white in color. It is actually yellow gold mixed with white metals such as nickel, silver, or palladium. It is also usually coated in rhodium to give it a whiter finish.
Because of this, white gold must be re-coated or “dipped” to retain its white color or it will revert back to the color of its main ingredient — yellow gold. While this may seem like a pain in the you-know-what to fix, the truth is it’s a relatively inexpensive and quick process to make the ring look as good as new.
Platinum, on the other hand, is naturally grayish-white in color. Platinum will not fade over time like white gold, however its shiny finish will dull to a natural patina. Some people actually like when platinum dulls down because it makes the diamond appear even more brilliant by contrast. Platinum, in a process similar to that of white gold, can be shined up to restore its original luster.
While white gold and platinum appear very similar in color, they are not exactly the same. The best way to see the difference in color is to see the two metals next to each other on the same hand. White gold appears more silver in color, while platinum is grayer
Even though both colors complement a white diamond beautifully, it is not recommended to mix the two metals in a wedding set. If your engagement ring is white gold, stick to white gold for the wedding ring; the same goes with platinum (especially if you plan to wear them on the same finger).
Cost
The largest advantage of white gold over platinum is the cost. Platinum is more expensive for many reasons, starting with its rarity. Platinum is mined one tenth the amount as gold. Also, platinum is a denser metal than gold (precious metals are priced on weight). As a result, identical rings will weigh AND cost considerably more when made with platinum. At today’s prices, the price of platinum can be more than double the price of gold.
Composition
The natural properties of the two metals also present major differences. Gold in its purest form is 24karat (k). The purer the gold is, the softer it is. As a result, most gold jewelry is composed of 14k (58.3% pure gold) and 18k (75% pure gold).
In contrast, platinum is 90-95% pure. It is naturally more durable, heavier and stronger than pure gold. In addition, if the bride-to-be has an allergy to nickel, platinum is the better option. Nickel is usually one of the white metals mixed with yellow gold to produce white gold. Platinum is purer and is considered hypoallergenic. (It is possible to find nickel-free white gold, where the yellow gold is mixed with palladium)
Culture
Gold has been considered by most to be the traditional metal for engagement rings and wedding rings. Gold over time has symbolized wealth and wisdom. Also, a couple’s 50th anniversary is known as their golden anniversary. Gold often implies the top prize, such as in the Olympics.
In today’s culture, platinum seems to have taken over as the new symbol of prestige. For example, a “platinum” credit card has greater benefits than the benefits of a “gold” credit card. Hollywood’s obsession with platinum has influenced many to feel that platinum has become the new gold.
From my personal experience, some people who choose platinum rings already have the idea of platinum even before they walk into our store, whether they know the pros and cons or not.
If someone comes in completely unbiased to the two metals, budget is usually the deciding factor. With that being said, platinum is our most popular selling metal for engagement rings and wedding rings.
My personal opinion would be to go with platinum. I like the heavier weight of the platinum, I like how it will hold a diamond in place better, and I like how it looks when it dulls down over time. I feel that the difference in price, spread out over the course of your marriage (till death do us part!), can be justified.
But there is one caveat. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, if the diamond you want plus the platinum is over budget, do not sacrifice the diamond to stick with platinum. The diamond is the centerpiece of any engagement ring, and should be your primary focus
Still have questions about the differences between gold and platinum? Give me a call at 732-741-6262 or stop by the store and I’d be happy to help you make the best choice.