Though white gold and platinum share a similar silvery look, they differ significantly in aspects like color, durability, and cost. Platinum is slightly whiter, more robust, and considerably pricier than white gold. Continue reading to determine which option aligns best with your preferences and budget.
The Quality & Purity of White Gold
The initial step in selecting the ideal metal for your engagement ring is understanding their differences. White gold is a favored choice for engagement rings, offering a more silver-toned hue within its white color.
24 Karat vs. 18 Karat vs. 14 Karat White Gold:
White gold is created by blending gold with various white metals, such as silver, nickel, and palladium. The proportion of alloy to gold determines the karat, or purity, of the gold. Twenty-four karat gold is pure but also soft and prone to damage, which makes it less practical for daily wear. To enhance its durability, gold is alloyed. Eighteen-karat white gold is a classic choice with high purity, consisting of 75% gold and 25% alloys, which gives it significant value. Fourteen-karat white gold is more durable, with a composition of 58.3% gold and 41.7% pure alloys.
14k vs. 18k White Gold
The distinctions between 14k and 18k white gold extend beyond their purity to include durability: Since 18-karat white gold is softer and more malleable, 14-karat white gold is often regarded as the superior option. While the quality of the gold is diminished by the addition of alloys, it becomes stronger, more durable, and scratch-resistant. (Durability can be enhanced through rhodium plating, a process that also improves the whiteness of the metal. More on that later.)
There is also a color difference: Due to its higher purity, 18k white gold appears whiter and brighter than 14k white gold, but it’s rare to find engagement rings in white gold without rhodium plating. The rhodium plating, applied to both 14k and 18k white gold engagement rings, delivers the brilliant white shine and luster that many people admire.
Factoring in Durability and Lifestyle
We’ll delve deeper into durability later, but a quick note for now. When considering yellow or rose gold, there’s a notable disparity in durability between 14k and 18k. This discrepancy doesn’t apply to white gold, as the difference in strength is minimal due to the rhodium coating on both types.
Why opt for 14k white gold over platinum? Cost is a significant factor. However, if durability is a critical concern — for instance, if you work in a field such as medicine, craftsmanship, or the service industry that requires frequent hand use — investing in platinum might be worthwhile.
The Quality & Purity of Platinum
Platinum, a naturally white metal, doesn’t need to be combined with other substances to achieve its cool tone. Its typical composition is about 95% platinum and 5% other pure alloys, contributing to its higher cost.
Platinum’s soft white hue is visually appealing, and its renowned strength and durability make it a top choice — so much so that it was used in military applications during wartime due to its properties. Platinum is an excellent option for those seeking a resilient engagement ring.
Platinum Reigns in the Durability Stakes
Given that platinum is the most durable and densest metal, it’s no surprise that it’s also the priciest. Platinum’s density is about 20% greater than white gold, making it roughly two-and-a-half to five times more expensive. Its lower malleability increases the labor cost involved in crafting platinum pieces.
Scratches are inevitable, but unlike white gold, platinum maintains its metal rather than losing it when scratched. Instead, it develops a patina finish. In some cultures, this patina symbolizes a long-lasting relationship, a sentiment appreciated by many in the U.S. as well.
Advantages of White Gold and Platinum
Compared to platinum, white gold is generally more susceptible to damage due to its alloy content. However, white gold is also a lighter metal, suitable for individuals who prefer less weighty rings. Additionally, white gold is a more cost-effective option.
Hypoallergenic Rings
An additional benefit of platinum is its hypoallergenic nature. As a naturally white metal, it doesn’t require nickel, a common allergen found in some alloys used to create white gold’s finish. Sensitive wearers may react to nickel.
However, rhodium plating on white gold can reduce or eliminate direct contact with nickel, though this coating may wear off over time, necessitating re-plating by a jeweler, which adds to the cost.
The Price of White Gold vs. Platinum
Much like the four Cs of diamonds, various factors must be considered when selecting your engagement ring metal. Cost is one of the primary considerations. Price evaluation should include both purchase cost and maintenance expenses. For those on a budget, white gold is generally more affordable, allowing for investment in other elements of the engagement ring, such as the diamond.
Durability of White Gold vs. Platinum
When assessing durability in conjunction with cost, platinum stands out with its robustness and lower maintenance requirements. However, white gold’s rhodium plating provides a white shine and enhances durability, though it does wear off eventually, requiring re-plating.
The longevity of rhodium plating varies from one to three years, depending on wear and tear, with rhodium plating being approximately four times the cost.Although platinum ring maintenance can be costly, having your ring “dipped” or replated is quite affordable. Generally, you can expect to pay between $60 and $120 to have your ring dipped, depending on the setting’s complexity. If this maintenance is needed annually, it can become expensive over time. (Read more about ring dipping here)
At Artful Bracelets, we aim to save our customers from this expense by offering a lifetime warranty that includes ring replating and polishing. This ensures that your Artful Bracelets ring remains stunning for life.
White Gold vs. Platinum: Care and Cleaning
For cleaning white gold or platinum, a mixture of simple soap and water is ideal.
- First, combine dishwashing soap with warm water.
- Next, soak your jewelry in the solution for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the level of dirtiness.
- If stubborn residue remains (such as lotion), use a soft toothbrush to gently remove it.
- Then, rinse the jewelry under warm water (make sure the plug is closed).
- Finally, dry the ring with a nonfibrous cloth, and it will be ready to wear!
*Note: When using a jewelry cleaner or polisher, check for any abrasive chemicals. Substances like chlorine can discolor the ring or reduce its durability, which can damage your jewelry.
More about: White Gold Metal Care
Compared to platinum, white gold requires more maintenance. When scratched, white gold loses material, necessitating eventual replating. It also needs more frequent polishing, typically every six months.
More about: Platinum Metal Care
Platinum requires less upkeep than gold. Regular at-home cleaning and an annual polish will keep it looking shiny and new. Scratches in platinum merely move the metal around rather than losing it, so a quick buff and polish will restore the metal.
Is Platinum Better than 14kt White Gold?
Both metals have distinct advantages. Platinum is:
- More hypoallergenic
- More durable (requiring less repolishing)
- Naturally white (so no plating is needed)
- Heavier and thus more valuable compared to white gold
On the other hand, white gold is:
- Slightly shinier
- Less expensive than platinum
- Very durable for protecting stones
- The most popular choice for rings
Choosing between platinum and white gold for an engagement ring depends on your budget and priorities. White gold might be preferable if you want to allocate more budget towards a better diamond or intricate setting. However, if you prefer platinum, its increasing value over time could justify the higher cost. Though 14-karat white gold is less valuable due to lower purity, it remains a more affordable choice than platinum.
Ultimately, neither platinum nor gold is better; it depends on your preferences.
Our Favorite Settings for Platinum & White Gold Rings
All of our engagement ring settings are offered in platinum and either 14k or 18k white gold. Here are some of our favorite pairings for that clean white hue, designed to highlight your hand-selected diamond.
Braided Solitaire Engagement Ring
This intricate design is ideal for a braided solitaire engagement ring, where the band can be made of white gold and the prongs of platinum.
Grace Solitaire Diamond Ring
The open solitaire setting can be enhanced with platinum spiral metalwork in the cathedral-style windows, offering a stunning choice for a diamond engagement ring.
Cathedral Weaved Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
The trellis design, which complements the center diamond, benefits from being made of platinum to add extra durability.
Flourish Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Both the prongs and the setting of the Flourish Diamond solitaire engagement ring can be crafted from either white metal.
Sleek Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
The sleek cathedral solitaire engagement ring looks fantastic in white gold, but for a more durable option, platinum is the ideal choice.
Regal Diamond Trellis Engagement Ring
The regal diamond trellis engagement ring can be created in either white gold or platinum, offering a range from affordable to luxurious with platinum.
Traditional Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
For an engagement ring metal, a traditional pave diamond engagement ring made in platinum or white gold is a clear choice, depending on your preference.
Twirling Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
The twirling band of a solitaire diamond engagement ring is often crafted in white gold due to its malleability, while the prongs are made of platinum.
Lily Diamond Engagement Ring
For an engagement ring featuring delicately sculpted lily petals, platinum is recommended, given the prongs that secure the diamond. The greater the metal’s durability, the longer-lasting the ring.
Poised Basket Diamond Engagement Ring
The basket that holds the center diamonds can be fashioned in either white gold or platinum.
