While the colors of platinum and white gold are certainly very similar, they are not identical, as you can see it yourself when trying them side by side. White gold is slightly more silvery and platinum is more gray. Both accent white diamonds beautifully, but should probably not be mixed in your engagement ring / wedding ring set. Stay consistent with the metal you choose, or they won’t look like they match (especially over time). 

White gold is made up of a mix of yellow gold and some other white metal (usually silver, nickel, or palladium. So, there is no such thing as “pure” white gold. Every few years it should be re-dipped in order to retain its white color and shine, otherwise it will start to revert back to the color of the main ingredient: yellow gold. This seems like it can be a hassle, but it’s a fairly simple and inexpensive process. 

Platinum has a natural grayish white color. In order for Platinum to be sold as “platinum”, it must have at least 90-95% of platinum. If it’s less, it will be sold as platinum alloy. Over time, platinum’s color will not fade towards a yellowish color like white gold will, but as years go by its shiny finish will start to turn into a dull satin type of look (which actually makes the diamond look even brighter!). If you prefer the shiny look, platinum can be shined by a professional jeweler to bring back the original shine. 

Obviously, price is a big factor to consider when selecting an engagement ring setting. White gold is less expensive due to the fact that it is more common, and mined much more often than platinum (only 160 tons of platinum are mined annually compared to 1,500 tons of gold). Platinum is also more dense than gold, so the same ring will be significantly heavier in platinum than in gold. So, it makes sense why a white gold setting will cost about half as much as a comparable setting in platinum. Depending on what you want to prioritize, it could make sense to choose white gold for the setting and throw the money you’re saving on the setting towards a higher quality center stone. 

Platinum is an extremely durable metal, and as previously mentioned, is heavier than gold. This affects more than just the price of the ring: it also makes you consider whether the bride to be would like a lighter or heavier ring. We suggest trying on both to see what feels better for you, this is totally down to personal taste. Some like a light ring as it’s easier to get used to wearing, where others like something a little heavier so it feels a bit more substantial. 

Most white gold engagement rings are offered in either 14K or 18K gold. 14K gold is just over 58% pure gold, where 18K is 75% pure gold. The higher the karat, the purer the gold, but this also means the less durable the metal. 24k gold is pure gold, but is much too soft to use in jewelry. 14K will be slightly less expensive than 18K, but will be more durable. 14K or 18K is something to consider, depending on what your priorities are. 

Throughout history, gold has symbolized wealth, divinity, and wisdom. Gold is also considered by most to be the traditional metal of engagement and wedding bands. Since gold does not tarnish over time, it symbolizes the couples eternal promises to each other. 

Though gold often symbolizes the top prize, platinum seems to be the new symbol of wealth and prosperity. Platinum status on an airline for example is higher than gold status. In a way, platinum has “become the new gold”. 

Obviously, whether you choose white gold or platinum, being educated on the pros and cons of each will help you make the best decision. Hopefully this has given you some peace of mind and caused you to think about certain things before selecting one of these precious metals. As always if you have any questions about platinum vs white gold feel free to reach out help@rachelandvictoria.com