Choosing the Best Metal for Your Engagement and Wedding Rings: White Gold or Platinum?
Deciding between white gold or platinum for your engagement and wedding rings is a significant choice. It involves balancing aesthetics, durability, cost, and personal preference. Both offer unique advantages. Let’s explore the factors that will help you make the best decision for your rings.
Understanding Colour Differences between the two metals
The first consideration when choosing between white gold or platinum is the colour. White gold, despite its name, isn’t purely white. It’s a blend of yellow gold with metals like silver, palladium, manganese, and sometimes nickel. This combination gives white gold its distinctive appearance, but it can never achieve a true white. High-quality jewellers, like DDS Diamond Design Studios, use palladium-rich white gold to achieve the whitest possible shade. To enhance its whiteness, we apply a rhodium plating to all white gold pieces, giving them a shiny, reflective finish.
However, this rhodium plating eventually wears off. If your ring is made from high-quality, palladium-rich white gold, the underlying metal stays relatively white, so the change is subtle. In contrast, lower-quality white gold, often containing more nickel, reveals a yellowish tint as the rhodium wears off. This can be disappointing, especially if you chose white gold for its bright appearance. At DDS Diamonds, we use only the highest quality palladium-rich white gold to prevent this issue.
Platinum, by contrast, has a naturally greyish-white tone that never fades to yellow. It doesn’t require rhodium plating. Over time, platinum loses its shiny finish, becoming slightly duller. Some people prefer this muted look because it makes diamonds stand out more. Platinum can be polished and cleaned every few years to restore its shine without needing to be Rhodium plating.
When choosing between metals for your rings, consistency is key. Using the same metal for your engagement ring, wedding ring, and eternity ring ensures a uniform look and prevents noticeable colour differences.
Price Comparison Between White Gold or Platinum
Cost is another crucial factor when deciding between white gold or platinum. White gold is generally more affordable. Platinum, being denser and scarcer, often costs nearly double per gram compared to gold. However, recent increases in palladium prices have narrowed the gap between the two metals, making the cost difference less significant than before.
Platinum’s scarcity and its use in technology add to its value. While a set of three rings in platinum can be costly, those who value durability and the metal’s unique properties may find the investment worthwhile. This decision ultimately depends on your budget and what you prioritize in a ring.
Considerations for Metal Allergies
If you or your partner has metal allergies, this is another important factor in choosing between white gold or platinum. Nickel, commonly found in lower-quality white gold, often triggers allergic reactions. At DDS Diamonds, we use palladium-rich white gold, which is typically safe for those with metal sensitivities. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
Making the Right Choice for you
Choosing between white gold or platinum depends on your priorities, budget, and personal taste. White gold offers affordability and a bright, reflective finish but requires periodic replating. Platinum, while more expensive, provides durability, a naturally beautiful tone, and is low-maintenance over time.
At DDS Diamond Design Studios, we understand that selecting the perfect metal, whether white gold or platinum, for your rings can be challenging. Our design team guides you through the process, ensuring that your choice matches your style and needs. For more information or to book a consultation, call us at (08) 8332 0707 or request an appointment via the ‘Book a consultation’ button below.
We look forward to helping you create the perfect set of rings, that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
