Are you planning to seal your love with an engagement or wedding ring? Then an exciting journey awaits you, where the choice of the perfect ring plays a crucial role. These symbols of love represent not only your connection but also add a special touch to your style. If you opt for a white metal, you have two excellent options: platinum and white gold.
Let's dive right in and explore the world of precious metals to help you with your decision.
Platinum or White Gold: Choosing Your Dream Ring
But before we delve into the details, let's look at an impressive statistic: according to a survey almost 75% of couples in Germany preferred platinum or white gold for their engagement or wedding rings. This shows how important this decision is. Now let's find out which metal suits you best.
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| The Difference Between White Gold and Platinum Rings In the picture, there is a white gold ring on the left and a platinum ring on the right. It's hardly distinguishable in color. |
What is platinum
Platinumis the VIP among metals. It's the superstar, known for its dazzling shine, stunning appearance, and flawless durability. And the best part: it's naturally a showstopper - no mixing needed to achieve this radiant white tone. If you're looking for pure elegance or an almost pure precious metal, platinum might be your first choice.
What is white gold?
Now let's talk about white gold. Well, let's talk about white gold. Imagine it as the cool cousin in the metal family. White gold is a mix of gold (which is naturally yellow) and at least one other white metal like palladium, nickel, silver, or copper. This combination results in a silver-white shade that can be just as impressive as platinum.
The difference between platinum and white gold
Now it gets exciting! These two metals might look similar at first glance, but they have unique properties. Let's take a closer look:
Color
White Gold: Despite its name, white gold is not naturally white. Gold is, well, gold – a beautiful yellow shade. To achieve this flawless white tone, jewelers mix gold with other metals and often apply a rhodium coating to maintain the radiant look.
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| On the left is a white gold ring with rhodium coating. On the right is white gold as it would look without rhodium. |
Platinum: Platinum, on the other hand, is naturally white, making it a rarity in the world of metals. No mixing required. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, ideal for those with metal allergies or if you are sensitive against something..
Price
Platinum: Good news! In the last years the stock market price for platinum has declined siginificantly. Through the relative high cost of gold, it sometimes happesn, that a platinum ring is the same or only slightly higher price than 18kt gold. Also through the high price of rhodium, platinum will be cheaper in the long run.
White Gold: White gold may seem more budget-friendly initially but requires a re-coating of rhodium every few years to maintain the flawless color. So, while it's cheaper upfront, maintenance costs accrue.
Good to know: Due to the current high gold price and the relatively low platinum price, it often happens that platinum rings are cheaper than (750/-) white gold rings, or only slightly more expensive. There's also a platinum 600/- alloy available instead of the 950/- alloy. The major difference is the purity content (60% pure platinum compared to 95%) and the color: Platinum 600/- is more anthracite/gray than Platinum 950/-
The price of the 600/- alloy is again 20-30% cheaper than 950/- and thus also cheaper than 585/- white gold.
DurabilityPlatinum: When we talk about durability, platinum wins the prize. It's heavy and dense, making it resistant to wear. Over time, it loses its high gloss but develops a unique patina.
White Gold: White gold may not be as dense as platinum, but it holds up well. It's more sensitive but suitable for daily wear. Just remember to give it some care and love – regular polishing and cleaning keep it fresh.
PopularityPlatinum: Trends come and go, but platinum remains a timeless favorite for engagement rings. Its rarity and durability make it the first choice. Plus, it radiates unmistakable elegance.
White Gold: White gold has been very popular in recent years, but it may not have the same enduring appeal as platinum. Nevertheless, it is versatile and suits various styles.
What Should You Buy?
Now that you are equipped with knowledge about platinum vs. white gold, here are some tips to support you in your ring purchase:
Finding the Right Jeweler
Work with a trusted jeweler who can accompany you on this exciting journey. Patience, sticking to the budget, and enjoying the process are key. We at Designer Diamonds in Munich and Augsburg can help with that. Feel free to contact us.
Choose Platinum for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, platinum is the safer choice. Some people have a nickel allergy, and white gold sometimes contains nickel.
Good to know: white gold containing Nickel is now rare in Germany. Be cautious with very cheap rings! These are often made abroad, where nickel is still used.
Consider choosing the same alloy
If possible, choose the same metal for both the engagement ring and wedding ring. This ensures a harmonious overall appearance.
Conclusion: Platinum or White Gold - Which Suits You?
Now you have all the important information to make a wise decision between platinum and white gold for your dream ring. Remember, it's not just about the metal's value, but also your personal preferences and style.
Whether you prefer the natural elegance of platinum or the versatility and affordability of white gold, the choice is entirely yours. Your ring will not only be a symbol of your love but also a piece of jewelry that will accompany you for a lifetime.
take your time to make the right decision, and enjoy your shining future! 💍❤️
