Platinum or White Gold For An Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is a bit of a minefield, with so many options to consider. However, you may already know that you or your partner prefer white metal for their engagement ring. So the next question is, is platinum or white gold better?

It’s important to understand the qualities and characteristics, and a few design tips of each, so your final choice is the one.

Platinum

Platinum is naturally very white. As a result, it doesn’t need plating to achieve the iconic crisp, shiny white look. This level of shine looks remarkable as a backdrop to frame a classic diamond, but also alongside a host of other impressive coloured gemstones too.

If you were to hold platinum in your hand it feels quite heavy- even if it’s a really delicate, dainty ring. The denseness of the metal is something some people prefer, feeling as though it makes it a bit more durable. Which is, in fact, another perk as it can tolerate a bit more, where scratches displace the metal rather than chip away like with white gold. Consequently it’s a good choice for people with more manual jobs and like wearing their ring all the time. Although we still recommend removing all jewellery for heavily manual jobs; the gym, gardening, washing up and swimming for example. You still want to protect the gemstones and avoid damage.

9ct White Gold

9ct white gold is a naturally creamier coloured metal, and is alloyed mostly with silver, resulting in a much softer metal. If you choose this, you should factor in that it may need repairing more often as, for example, claws can wear quicker. While it’s not its natural colour, the bright white look is achievable with rhodium plating. However, over time this will wear and will need re-plating. At HK Bespoke Jewellery, we don’t rhodium plate as standard as we think the natural colouring lends itself to so many incredible design options. It complements warmer or deeper tone gemstones such as cognac diamonds or yellow sapphires. Then a polished or satinised finish can intensify its hues for a striking end result.

It’s worth noting, if you’re looking to create a matching wedding and engagement set, the variations in alloy can sometimes mean colours don’t match. If 9ct white is your choice, we recommend designing at the same time or soon after, so a match is more achievable.

18ct White Gold

18ct white gold is alloyed with palladium (which belongs to the same family as platinum) resulting in a gunmetal colouring. Whilst naturally darker, it can also be rhodium plated to achieve the bright white look. As with 9ct, plating will wear and need to be re-plated to restore the distinct brightness. As with 9ct white gold, this isn’t standard at HK Bespoke because the natural colouring is a captivating feature. In fact, it’s often chosen deliberately for those interesting tones! Adding a satin finish then makes it look darker, where the matte surface bounces light differently compared to say, traditional yellow gold. If you’re seeking a more alternative engagement ring style, this is an ideal metal choice that pairs well with darker or deeper coloured gemstones.

Another factor to consider is Fairtrade white gold; choosing this could make a huge difference to miners and their communities’ lives.

Whether you choose platinum or white gold, sharing your personal style, inspiration and gemstone choices with a bespoke jewellery designer is what transforms ideas to a unique piece to say ‘yes’ to.