Gold vs Platinum is the most asked question and the two most commonly used metals for wedding and engagement rings. Both metals are unique yet similar in various ways. Let’s look at how gold and Platinum are comparable in terms of comfort, cost, appearance, and durability.
Table of Contents
Gold Vs Platinum
Appearance
The main distinguishing physical characteristics between the gold and Platinum are color. While Platinum is always naturally white, gold is naturally yellow. If you are looking for a yellow ring, then gold is the best option. Moreover, if you want a white ring, then you can opt for the Platinum or White gold.
White gold rings are composed of alloys, gold, and rhodium plating, which give it a white look that is very similar to Platinum. 14K white gold and 14k yellow gold have the same gold content and purity, but the alloys in white gold make it appear white, while the alloys in the yellow gold do not.
While white gold looks very similar to the Platinum, over time, the rhodium plating in white gold will wear off and fade to a yellowish tinge. Once you re-plate and re-polish the white gold ring, it will look white again. Platinum, which is mostly white in color, will not fade to yellow.
Cost
While gold and platinum are similar in price per gram, Platinum is denser, and so more of it is required to make a ring. Apart from that, platinum rings are usually 95% pure aluminum, while 14K gold is only 58.5% gold. Moreover, platinum rings are more expensive.
Durability
Platinum is stronger and more durable
Though both the Platinum and gold are strong and durable precious metals, Platinum is the stronger and more durable of the two. For example, the prongs holding the center stone of a platinum engagement ring are less likely to break than those of a gold engagement ring.
Platinum scratches easier than 14k gold
Apart from being stronger and more durable, Platinum is a softer metal than 14K gold. This means that it will get scratched a little easier than 14K gold would. Moreover, an essential thing to note is when gold is scratched, the gold is lost, and it looks like a scratch. When Platinum is scratched, the Platinum gets moved from one place on the ring to another, and it even develops something called a Patina finish. A lot of people love and desire the patina finish.
Platinum is truly white
As mentioned above, Platinum will always stay white, but white gold needs to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow hue. This yellow usually appears several months to several years after polishing, depending on how much wear and tear the ring faces.
When choosing between 14k and 18k, pick 14k
If you decide to go with the gold, make sure that you pick 14K gold and not 18K gold. While 18K gold is more valuable, it is softer and will scratch easier than 14K gold will. 14K gold is cheaper and more scratch-resistant! Why would you not pick it?
Comfort
Because Platinum is denser than gold, platinum rings will be heavier than gold as well. Some prefer the heavier weight, but some find the lightness of gold rings to be more comfortable. It is really up to each individual person. One option for people seeking a comfortable ring is to opt for one with a comfortable design.
Another benefit of Platinum is that it is hypoallergenic. While gold rings do not create an allergy issue for most people, some can develop an allergic reaction from the nickel alloy used in gold rings.
Palladium as an alternative to Gold and Platinum
For those wanting the price of a gold ring, with some of the characteristics of Platinum, palladium may be a greater alternative to consider. Palladium is naturally white in color like the platinum but is less costly than the Platinum, a closer in price to 14K gold rings. It is also known to be hypo allergic like Platinum.
Expert Opinion
Johanna Torell
Johanna Torell says- ” Most people believe that Platinum is the “best” metal for an engagement ring. Although it is in fact the rarest metal, it’s not exactly better than gold. Your choice will depend on a few different criteria:
-If you want a color other than white, such as warm gold or cool rose, you would pick gold, and feel great about your choice. Although pure gold is softer than platinum, when it is made into a ring it is alloyed with other metals such as silver and copper, making strong enough to hold diamonds and other stones securely.
-If you would like a white metal ring, you can choose either Platinum or White gold. When your ring is new, it will look EXACTLY the same in these two metals, since they are both finished with polish in the precious metal RHODIUM, making it shiny and with a cool white color.
Whether you choose ring in either Gold or Platinum it should be looked after by a jeweler once a year, and at this time the jeweler would take care of any wear that had happened, as well as make sure that any stones are still securely set. The maintenance might look a little different for gold and platinum, but both metals are easy to restore to new condition at the checkup.
I always recommend that people stay within a budget they are comfortable with, and if Platinum should be outside of that budget, White gold will give you a ring that is just as beautiful! Just make sure that whatever you choose, you have a jeweler that you trust that will help you take care of your beautiful ring.”
Bliss from Balance
Michelle Bagnato from Bliss From Balance says-“One of the most important aspects to consider when deciding on which metal is its appearance and comfort on your finger. I found the heavier weight of platinum to be more comfortable than gold. Also, platinum will always stay white and will not change color, which was a major consideration for engagement ring longevity. Since platinum is stronger and more durable than gold I am less afraid of damage if I accidentally bump
into something. Unfortunately, the one downside is the price of platinum: however, with all the benefits over gold, I feel that it is worth it.”
The Knot Worldwide
EmilieBerman from The knot has some interesting figures. She says-“According to The Knot 2019 Jewelry & Engagement Study, more than half (54%) of ring-wearing to-be-weds opt for white gold engagement rings. Behind white gold the most popular ring metals are: rose gold (14%), platinum (13%), yellow gold (7%) and sterling silver (7%).”
Tutor The People
Eliza Nimmich from Tutor The People is advising to follow some steps. i.e.
First, concentrate on deciding the style of your fiancée, and then choose the correct metal and paint to match the design. One of the first items you need to remember when picking a metal for an environment is usually the style of jewelry your potential wife wears:
* If she’s attracted to colder hues and silver-toned jewels so the way to go is platinum or white gold.
* If she prefers to gravitate towards colder colors, yellow gold or rose gold are fine options.
* Mixing metals like white gold and yellow gold is a clever choice, as it will allow her to augment every piece of her current jewelry collection.
* And if you settle on a colder metal like yellow gold, putting the diamond in a white metal head (that keeps the diamond in place) like platinum or white gold would accentuate the diamond, showing off its beauty to sparkling effect.
With Clarity
Tamie Le from With Clarity suggests-“When it comes down to the most popular engagement ring metal settings: white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, the best choice is subjective to preference(s). In terms of fashion and versatility in wear, we recommend white gold and platinum. Both metals are sturdy for everyday wear and have a white tint that can go with any gemstone, hand, and outfit. Regarding durability between the four most common metals, platinum is one
of the most durable metals for jewelry. There is a lesser chance of platinum breaking, scratching, and repolishing because it is typically 95% to 99% pure–also making it a great hypoallergenic metal choice. However, with platinum being mostly pure, the cost and value are greater than versus white, yellow, and rose gold.”
FAQs
Is Platinum gold?
Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. It is rarer than gold and much heavier and harder. Because of its hardness, Platinum can be used in a purer form than gold, usually at around 96%.
Is Platinum good for health?
Platinum bonds are most of the time applied as a medicine to cure cancer. Some of the health benefits of Platinum are strongly dependent upon the kind of bonds that are shaped and the exposure level and immunity of the person that is exposed.
Does Platinum lose its shine?
Over time, Platinum will fade in a different way. It would not turn yellow, like yellow gold, but it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina.
Video
Also Read: What is the best metal for an engagement ring?
