White Gold vs. Platinum - For Engagement Rings and Other Jewelry

White gold and platinum are two very beautiful metals used in making a wide variety of jewelry settings. The two are somewhat similar in appearance, and this has caused many to wonder what exactly the differences between the two are. Let's take a look:

• Appearance and Rhodium

  As far as the appearance of their color, platinum is inherently white, while white gold actually is not. Typically, white gold is plated with rhodium to give it that sleek white look. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it is simply one of the differences between the two metals. The only real downside to the rhodium plating is that, over time, it may need a refinishing for color, while platinum will always hold its white appearance. Once white gold has been properly plated with rhodium, it is actually whiter than platinum.

• Durability and Cost

  Platinum is a more durable metal than gold. While this does not make platinum immune from scratching, it does make it more resilient to external pressure or trauma. This is because platinum is almost twice as dense as gold. Generally, platinum is also about 2 1/2 times more expensive per gram than gold, so when you add these two factors together, it is easy to see why platinum bands and other jewelry is substantially pricier than gold.

• Allergies

  Another factor to be considered is if the wearer of a piece of white gold or platinum jewelry has any type of alloy allergies. Platinum is hypoallergenic, while gold can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities to alloys. These types of allergies are not overly common, but it is still a factor worth considering if you - or the intended recipient of your gift of jewelry - has any type of alloy issues.

• Damage and Repair

  Looking ahead to potential issues with your ring, it is fair to note that repairs to platinum tend to be more costly than repairs to gold. Once again, this is due to the higher price of platinum, as well as its elevated density. Over the lifetime of an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry that gets regular extended wear over a long period of time, the possibility for damage - and the resulting repair - becomes a factor worth consideration.

Conclusion

These two metals, because of their similar aesthetics, are typically used in the same types of settings. For the most part, the choice between platinum and white gold comes down to personal preference. However, it is still valuable to note the listed differences between the two.

At Brian Gavin Diamonds, Brian and his team are extremely well-versed in every aspect of the jewelry business, certainly including the different types of metals used in jewelry creation. They will be more than happy to sit down and carefully explain every aspect and answer every question about your potential jewelry purchase.

The best way to determine the best metal for your ring or other piece of jewelry is to allow the friendly experts at Brian Gavin Diamonds to be your guides through this most exciting and fun journey of buying a precious keepsake.