When buying an engagement or wedding ring, most of us focus on the carat or clarity of the diamond. But the band's material is equally important as well. White gold and platinum are favoured choices due to their similar appearances and appealing silvery sheen, which enhances the brilliance of a diamond.
However, when choosing between white gold vs. platinum, it is crucial to look beyond their white hues and observe the differences between their costs, durability and maintenance in deciding which metal best suits your needs and preferences for your ring.
Read on and discover insights and tips for choosing between white gold and platinum for your engagement and wedding rings.
White gold is an alloy made by combining yellow gold with a silvery metal (e.g. silver, palladium and nickel), creating its namesake white appearance. The exact alloy mixture depends on the metal’s carat. For example, 18ct white gold, the highest carat of white gold available, is made using 75% gold and 25% palladium.
One of the rarest precious metals, platinum is prized for its high corrosion resistance and malleability. These traits make it popular in automobiles, electronics and, of course, jewellery. As pure platinum is too soft to be used in practical jewellery, it is alloyed with 5% cobalt or palladium to grant durability. If you notice the “950 platinum” seal, it is meant to show that the jewellery contains 95% platinum.
White gold and platinum are both prized for their silvery-white lustre. But despite their visual similarities, there are some subtle differences. Whereas platinum is a naturally-white metal, white gold, by itself, is actually warm grey due to its yellow metal content. As such, white gold is electrically plated with rhodium to achieve a brighter white colour. Overall, while platinum is a shinier metal, white gold has a much brighter lustre.
Because of their lustre, both metals are commonly used in engagement and wedding rings, with their bright white colour pairing perfectly with diamonds. White gold is more commonly used in lighter rings or earrings due to its lower weight compared to platinum, in addition to possessing a shinier look overall. Platinum, on the other hand, is more popular due to its rarity, and its low shine means that a set gemstone’s radiance is better highlighted.
Both platinum and white gold are extremely durable metals that are resistant to corrosion and wear. However, their different properties mean that they respond to everyday wear differently.
Platinum’s high density renders it less malleable than white gold. This grants the metal a very high wear resistance; you can wear a platinum wedding ring for decades, and it will still maintain its thickness. It is, however, far more prone to scratching and denting. It is because when a platinum ring is scratched or dented, the metal is moved around like clay instead of being chipped off. As these scratches and dents build up, they will eventually create a patina.
While white gold is less dense than platinum, it is overall a much stronger and harder metal due to being alloyed with hard metals such as copper or palladium. This makes it better suited for intricate designs on rings or jewellery pieces such as hand engravings, milgrains or filigree than platinum.
Both platinum and white gold will tarnish as a result of daily wear. Platinum will become duller more swiftly than white gold, but because nothing is lost to wear, a platinum diamond ring can regain its shine with a simple repolishing. However, some people find the patina of a well-worn platinum ring appealing.
A white gold engagement ring, on the other hand, maintains its shine much longer but gradually loses its rhodium coating over time, removing this precious shine. Because of this, a white gold ring will need to undergo a replating process. Depending on how well you take care of your white gold engagement ring, its rhodium coating can last around three years.
As you wear your ring every day, a platinum ring will continue to maintain its shape. Its high density and brittleness ensure that nothing is lost with any damage it receives. On the other hand, a white gold ring, while less susceptible to damage, becomes thinner and more fragile every day it is used. This information should reassure you about the longevity of your purchase.
Both white gold and platinum rings are completely safe to wear, as they are relatively pure metals. White gold does, however, run the risk of causing an allergic reaction depending on its composition. Some compositions contain high amounts of nickel, which can cause irritation to those allergic to the metal.
For those with sensitive skin, platinum is a far more hypoallergenic metal. This means that a platinum engagement ring is a much safer option.
Platinum is a more expensive metal overall. In addition to its rarity, platinum’s poor malleability makes it difficult to process, and its high-density results in a greater need for raw platinum. Since white gold is a highly malleable alloy of cheaper metals, its price is significantly lower by comparison.
Besides up-front costs, maintenance and upkeep costs must also be considered. As a white gold wedding ring will lose its rhodium coating over time, it will need to be replated every three years or so. While the process is relatively cheap, depending on the complexity of the ring’s setting and style, the costs do build up eventually. As such, most people prefer a pricier platinum engagement ring simply for the cheaper maintenance.
Choosing which metal best fits your needs will ultimately depend on your budget, priorities and preferences.
Besides being more affordable than platinum, a white gold diamond band is also lighter as the metal has a lower density. This makes it a good choice for thicker bands or if your gemstone is quite large and you want to reduce the weight of the ring itself.
Those who prefer a shiny lustre to their ring may be drawn to white gold. As long as you maintain your white gold diamond wedding ring by replating the rhodium coating every three years or so, it should maintain its shine.
Platinum wedding rings are more than just an embodiment of wealth and luxury. Platinum’s natural white lustre and resistance to tarnishing ensure that it does not need to be replated like white gold does. Instead, a simple polish is all that is needed to restore a platinum wedding ring’s lustre, making it much cheaper to maintain. Platinum’s lower reflection also makes it a good choice for highlighting a diamond’s brilliance.
In terms of durability, platinum meets no rival. The metal’s high wear resistance makes it the perfect choice for long-lasting, sentimental rings. This durability also makes platinum suitable for those who enjoy a sturdy engagement ring that they can wear during sports activities or in a manual job.
Finally, platinum’s purity makes it the most hypoallergenic of all metals. Therefore, a platinum wedding ring is perfect for those with sensitive skin or an allergy towards metals like nickel or zinc.
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White Gold |
Platinum |
|
Less expensive than platinum |
More expensive than 18ct white gold |
|
May contain high levels of nickel, potentially triggering allergies |
Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skins |
|
Stays polished longer and more resistant to scratches and dents |
Quicker to tarnish and easily dented |
|
Naturally warm-grey in colour, requires a rhodium coating to achieve a bright white finish |
Natural silvery-white colour remains over time |
|
Requires rhodium replating every three years or as needed |
Can be easily polished at home |
|
Loses pieces when damaged, and will become thinner with wear and tear |
More likely to bend and reshape without losing metal |
|
Good for larger or thicker rings with more detailed designs or a larger gemstone |
Good for sentimental rings intended to be worn over a lifetime |
|
White Gold |
|
Less expensive than platinum |
|
May contain high levels of nickel, potentially triggering allergies |
|
Stays polished longer and more resistant to scratches and dents |
|
Naturally warm-grey in colour, requires a rhodium coating to achieve a bright white finish |
|
Requires rhodium replating every three years or as needed |
|
Loses pieces when damaged, and will become thinner with wear and tear |
|
Good for larger or thicker rings with more detailed designs or a larger gemstone |
|
Platinum |
|
More expensive than 18ct white gold |
|
Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skins |
|
Quicker to tarnish and easily dented |
|
Natural silvery-white colour remains over time |
|
Can be easily polished at home |
|
More likely to bend and reshape without losing metal |
|
Good for sentimental rings intended to be worn over a lifetime |
Ultimately, platinum and white gold aren’t inherently better than the other, and both have their unique advantages over each other; it all depends on which metal is best suited for your needs and preferences.
Platinum is a solid choice for a durable, long-lasting sentimental ring that is cheap and easy to maintain and will not irritate one’s skin. On the other hand, white gold is preferable if you want a more cost-effective ring that still maximises its other aspects, such as intricate details or a larger gemstone.
Whether you choose a white gold wedding ring or a platinum diamond ring, it all comes down to your priorities.
Whether it's a white gold or platinum ring, ZCOVA offers the finest selection of wedding and engagement rings in Malaysia and Singapore. If you’re looking for an intricate yet affordable ring, then check out our collection of white gold wedding rings or white gold engagement rings. If you prefer a durable and long-lasting ring that’s easy on his or her skin, then visit our collection of platinum wedding rings or platinum engagement rings.
Still unsure about which metal to invest in? Then book an appointment with our ZCOVA Curators and we will happily assist you in choosing a platinum or white gold ring according to your style.
Enjoy our signature 1-on-1 personal consultation! The Diamond & Gemstone Buying Experience that is Rated 5 Stars by 900+ online reviews. Speak to our Curators online or visit a Galeria!
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