Not sure which white metal will suit your engagement ring? It's always better to know the metal well when you are spending a good amount on a diamond ring! Platinum Engagement Rings Vancouver couples choose and white gold rings both look bright and white when new. In simple words, platinum is better if you want a strong metal that needs less care, and white gold is better if you want a brighter white shine at a lower price. Keep reading the next sections to find out more about the platinum vs white gold engagement ring.
What is Platinum?
Platinum refers to a naturally white metal which is used in engagement rings in a very pure form. It should not be confused with white gold, as platinum stays white on its own and does not need any plating. Platinum is a dense and heavy metal and it is hypoallergenic, which makes the platinum engagement ring a good choice for people who have sensitive skin!
What is White Gold?
White gold refers to gold that is mixed with white metals like palladium or silver and then plated with rhodium. The rhodium plating is what gives a white gold engagement ring its bright white shine. White gold engagement rings are mostly made in 14k and 18k white gold.
Platinum vs White Gold Engagement Ring: Key Differences
The platinum vs white gold engagement ring can be compared on colour, durability, care and price. Here's the platinum vs white gold engagement ring explained:
Colour
The colour of a platinum engagement ring is a natural grey-white, while a white gold engagement ring looks brighter white because of rhodium plating. With wearing, the rhodium plating of white gold wears off and a light yellow tone of the gold can be seen.
Durability
Durability is regarded as the platinum engagement ring's most important value. Platinum is denser than gold and it holds the diamond very securely in the setting. If the platinum engagement ring gets a scratch, the metal is not lost but it moves to the side, and with years this gives the ring a soft matte finish which is called patina. The durability of a white gold engagement ring is also good for daily wear, but you should get the prongs of the white gold ring checked from time to time.
Care and Price
The care of a platinum engagement ring is easy as it needs only polishing to get back its shine. On the other hand, the white gold engagement ring will need rhodium plating again after every 1 to 2 years, and this depends on how often the ring is worn. In price, the platinum engagement ring is usually more expensive than the white gold engagement ring as platinum is denser and more metal goes into the ring. The white gold engagement ring costs less when you buy it, but the rhodium plating adds a little cost with the years.
Platinum vs White Gold: Which One Should You Choose?
Before you choose the metal for the engagement ring, it is important to learn about her lifestyle and your budget. The platinum engagement ring would be best for her if she has sensitive skin or an active lifestyle or if she does not want to visit the jeweler often for plating. The white gold engagement ring would be best for your budget if you want a brighter white shine and a lower price at the start. Both the platinum and white gold engagement rings make the diamond look bright, so either of them can be chosen for a beautiful ring!
FAQs on Platinum vs White Gold Engagement Ring
Which is better, a platinum or white gold engagement ring?
The platinum engagement ring is more durable and needs less care, and the white gold engagement ring is brighter and costs less, so it depends on what you need.
Will a white gold engagement ring turn yellow?
The white gold engagement ring may show a light yellow tone after the rhodium plating wears off, and it can be plated again by the jeweler.
Is a platinum engagement ring good for sensitive skin?
Yes, platinum is hypoallergenic so the platinum engagement ring is good for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
The colour, durability, care and price are integral to choosing between the platinum and white gold engagement ring. This helps you to pick a metal that keeps your diamond safe and bright for years. SMC Diamonds also offers annual complimentary cleaning and inspection for your engagement ring!
See Platinum and White Gold Side by Side
Visit SMC Diamonds to compare platinum and white gold engagement rings in person. Visit our Vancouver showroom or message us on WhatsApp. Book an appointment today!