White Gold or Platinum

If there wasn’t already so many factors to consider when designing an engagement ring,  there are also four different precious metals to choose from, well seven if you include the karat type too. 

Now if you or your partner aren’t a Yellow or Rose kind of person then you’re left with the two White metal options being White Gold and Platinum. Visually they are quite similar but they do have different characteristics and ways to care for them. 

WHITE GOLD

As Gold is inherently Yellow, it undergoes a process called ‘alloying’ where other metals such as nickel and zinc are mixed in to create a White appearance. As a finished product, White Gold still has a slight Yellow hue, which is why all White Gold, when used for fine jewellery, is Rhodium plated. Rhodium gives a beautiful White and bright appearance to the metal making it perfect for complimenting your diamonds and precious gemstones. 

You do also have to choose between which type of White Gold, and what we are referring to here is the karat. This is the percentage of Gold to that of other metals that have been mixed in. White Gold typically comes in 9k, 10k, 14k, and 18k, with 14k and 18k most commonly used for fine jewellery. Now with there being no real visual difference between them once Rhodium plated, the reasons for choosing one over the other usually comes down to price, perception of ‘luxury’ and to some degree, durability. 

With 14k Gold being a lower percentage of Gold to that of 18k makes this option a more robust option (given that Gold is inherently soft). It also means a lower price point too.  Whereas 18k being a higher percentage of Gold means it's a more ‘pure’ and ‘luxurious’ option to that of 14k. It is important to note that 18k is still durable for long wearing fine jewellery. 

PLATINUM

Similar to White Gold, Platinum is alloyed with metals such as palladium, copper and cobalt. Most Platinum metals used in fine jewellery contain purity levels of 85%-95% pure Platinum.

The reason Platinum is often referred to as a more premium option over White Gold comes from its purity level, being 85%-95% pure, compared to 18k White Gold sitting at around 75%. The other reason being like-for-like a Platinum ring is heavier than White Gold, and as we have been taught to believe, thanks to other luxury industries such as the luxury car industry, heavier usually means better quality. 

The main difference between the two really comes down to a slight visual difference with Platinum having an ever so slightly darker tone to that of Rhodium plated White Gold, and the maintenance of both. 

Platinum, although strong and robust does tend to micro-scratch giving the metal a dull appearance. Whereas White Gold needs to be Rhodium plated every 6-12 months in order to keep that bright White appearance. We should add that Platinum, being a more pure metal is a great choice for someone who is hypoallergenic

From our point of view, maintaining the rings by either having them plated or having the Platinum polished isn’t a bad thing. It’s always a good idea to have your high-valued and highly sentimental pieces looked at frequently to make sure that everything is tight and right! Both services of which are complimentary for life when you own a She Fine Jewellery engagement ring or wedding ring.