Customers who don’t want yellow gold are often faced with the decision of whether to go with White Gold or Platinum. Especially for wedding bands or engagement rings. It’s a personal choice but I wanted to write up a little simple to follow guide to aid the decision process.
Typically the driving force behind making a decision on this is price and Platinum has historically been significantly more expensive than gold.
Of course the price of Gold and Platinum fluctuates over time based on demand and market dynamics but as I write this Platinum is currently much cheaper per gram than gold. Gold prices are historically high and Platinum prices by comparison are as cheap as they have been.
What is Platinum?
- A beautiful naturally “white” metal.
- Currently lower in cost compared to gold per gram.
- HOWEVER, Platinum is denser than Gold, therefore the same design will weigh more in Platinum than Gold. This means that the cost saving on the price per gram isn’t as significant when you take into account how many grams are needed.
- More durable than Gold.
- Platinum scratches more easily so will need more upkeep over the course of its life.
- As Platinum is denser I would typically recommend that if you are wearing other rings on the same finger that the metal is the same.
- Platinum isn’t suitable for all designs so it will depend what type of ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings you are after.
What is White Gold?
- White Gold is an alloy of gold and other metals to improve its durability and colour.
- In its natural state it is more grey than “white”.
- Consequently White Gold is “dipped” or plated in Rhodium to make it look whiter. The downside of this is that it will need to be re-plated every few years if you want to maintain its white colour.
- Of course if you like the natural colour of White Gold it is also possible not to plate it in the first place.
- White Gold also has the option to be in different purities – 9ct having the lowest amount of gold (and therefore cheapest), 14ct (more commonly seen in America than in the UK), 18ct. The decision here really comes down to what you can afford or want to pay.
Here is an example of unpolished White Gold in its natural state (without Rhodium Plating):
https://taylorblack.co.uk/products/copy-of-yellow-gold-diamond-hula-hoop-necklace
Here is an example of White Gold that has been polished and then Rhodium plated.
https://taylorblack.co.uk/products/gypsy-set-scatter-diamond-eternity-ring
In summary I think it is always worth considering both options and being aware of the pros and cons of both. Many of my customers who have purchased their jewellery elsewhere aren’t aware of the fact that White Gold is typically plated with Rhodium and are disappointed when their jewellery starts to “grey”. So long as you are informed you can make the best choice for what your own priorities are!
I typically price both for customers and with the fluctuations in the current market price is an ever changing factor. Any questions just ask!