White Gold vs Platinum: Which is Right for Your Ring?

Posted by My Store Admin on August 20, 2025
White Gold vs Platinum

When choosing the right metal for your ring, you might come across the two most popular choices here in the UK: white gold and platinum. The debate between white gold vs platinum has been prevalent since the modernisation of the UK’s jewellery industry, but it goes without saying that both offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that customers need to be informed of.  

This short guide will help you understand both of these metals' qualities, their worth and their benefits so that you can make a more informed decision regarding the metal for your ring, whether that's the attraction of the white gold or the supremacy of platinum.

Understanding the Allure of White Gold 

White gold vs platinum is a choice that weighs several factors. For now, let's start with the white gold. Classic and elegant, white gold has been a popular metal for wedding and engagement rings for couples in the UK for years. Despite being an alloy of gold mixed with white metal, it has a popular shine, thanks to a coating of rhodium, and the outer layer gives it the distinctive colour and in many ways can go toe-to-toe with platinum as well.  

One of the most prominent reasons why customers prefer white gold is because of its versatility, with the second reason being its malleability. The unique white gold appearance can go with any dress for any occasion, and it is great for any jewellery piece, irrespective of size, shape, or design. The malleability of the white gold allows it to be crafted into a myriad of intricate designs, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a dash of complexity or artistry in their adornments.

Traditional, modern, or contemporary, the white gold metal can encompass it all, and if customers are looking for a metal that offers a classic charm while still having a high degree of flexibility in design, then the white gold will be the perfect choice.

Understanding Why Platinum Is A Great Choice 

Of course, in the world of jewellery making, nothing comes close to the purity and eternal presence of platinum, being the rarest of precious metals and a highly sought-after metal choice when it comes to rings. Since this metal is rarer than gold, the price tag reflects this aspect, and it is only bought by customers who are drawn to the unique exclusivity that the platinum metal offers.  

There are plenty of reasons why platinum is a great choice when it comes to making jewellery. It is one of the least reactive metals, has a high degree of scratch resistance and is highly ductile as well. When finished, a platinum ring can reflect off a natural silver-grey hue, compared to the slightly warmer hue displayed by the white gold.

The only disadvantage, and a major one at that, when it comes to platinum is the price. It is one of the main drawbacks of the platinum metal, and it is why white gold has a significant demand in the jewellery market right next to gold and silver. Although the platinum metal is more cost-effective in the long run, the exorbitant price tag can lead to customers shying away from buying one and instead going for a better alternative.  

Despite this drawback, however, platinum metals complement the rings beautifully, highlighting the brilliance of diamonds and allowing the wearer to showcase a subtle hint of luxury in the silver shine of the metal. What's more interesting is that the platinum metal does not lose its shine, and customers do not have to worry about maintenance costs in the long run.

Comparing the Two Metals 

To help you better understand the pros and cons of white gold vs platinum, listed below are their characteristics and how each metal compares:  

  1. Affordability: White gold reigns supreme in this category, and if couples are looking for a cheaper option to go for, then the white gold will be well-suited as a ring. Platinum is more expensive, so only buy it if budget is not an issue or if you are looking for a long-term investment.
     

  1. Weight: White gold is lighter, more malleable and less dense compared to platinum, and this makes it perfect for everyday wear or activewear. On the other hand, platinum is heavier and denser, making it difficult for customers to wear it on their fingers at all times. For everyday wear, customers might prefer a lighter option like white gold.
     

  1. Quality: It is worth noting that in order for a product to be sold as platinum jewellery, it just needs to contain at least 95% platinum as the base material. This goes to show why platinum is more expensive. White gold is made of a mix of yellow gold and white metal alloys like nickel or silver and then coated with a sheen of rhodium.
     

  1. Durability: Platinum is more durable than white gold, as it is denser, and the quality of metal is less likely to degrade with time. The same cannot be said for white gold, as it is more prone to dents as well as wear. Platinum can be used as an everyday option, and customers do not have to worry about it losing its shine or shape. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of white gold.
     

  1. Maintenance: Unlike the case of white gold, platinum does not require regular maintenance to re-plate its finish and, if taken care of, can last a lifetime. The rhodium plating on the white gold can wear off with time and needs regular maintenance work to keep the metal’s lustrous appearance from dwindling.  

Although it’s easy to fall into the debate of white gold vs platinum, customers must understand that both are ideal choices as a metal for a ring. However, you must first weigh these factors and compare them against your lifestyle, your budget and your preferences to see which metal will be right for you.  

If you still have doubts about choosing what to go for, white gold vs platinum, you can head on to our online store, Eternity Jewels, and consult an expert to help you get an unbiased opinion based on what you are looking for.

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