According to the Newlywed Report 2020 by WeddingWire—a study consisting of data for more than 25,000 couples married in the United States in 2019—the most popular feature of an engagement ring, at 87 percent, is the diamond. The third most popular feature, at 54 percent, is white gold.
When it comes to crafting the perfect ring, most people focus on the diamond or gemstone that they want in the center. Another crucial aspect to consider is the band on which you set the stone. White gold is a popular band choice that looks similar in appearance to platinum. This similarity has people questioning which of the metals is the better choice for a ring.
While platinum and white gold both have a silver-like hue, that’s where the similarity stops. These two metals differ in terms of durability, price, color, and other properties. Compared to white gold, platinum is slightly whiter, stronger, and more expensive.
Learning the differences between these two metals can help you decide which one is better for you.
Characteristics of Platinum
Platinum has qualities that contribute to it being the most expensive metal. Compared to white gold, platinum can be between two-and-a-half to five times more expensive. It’s the densest metal—an estimated 20 percent denser than white gold. The labor costs that go into molding this material increase.
Another reason platinum is more expensive is that it’s a naturally white metal that doesn’t require combining with other substances to achieve its tone. Almost all platinum is 95 percent platinum and five percent other pure alloys. Not needing to mix with other materials makes this metal hypoallergenic. Nickel, for example, can be an allergen for some people, but platinum lacks this substance.
Characteristics of White Gold
White gold is a popular metal with a somewhat silver-tone within its white hue. Mixing gold alloy with white metals like silver, palladium, and nickel creates white gold. The amount of gold to alloy creates the karat—the purity of gold. Twenty-four-karat gold is pure gold, but it’s soft and easily damaged, making it impractical to wear. Alloying gold makes it more durable and practical to wear.
Eighteen-karat white gold is high in purity level, consisting of 75 percent gold and 25 percent alloys; the higher purity level of 18-karat white gold is why it typically looks brighter and whiter compared to 14-karat white gold. Fourteen-karat white gold pieces of jewelry usually last longer and have increased durability, as they contain an estimated 58 percent of gold and roughly 42 percent of pure alloys. Rhodium plating is a process that improves strength as well as the white hue of white gold; this plating gives white gold the luster people love.
Deciding Which is Better
Weighing the pros and cons of platinum compared to that of white gold and deciding which one is superior depends on individual preferences. If you prefer having a lighter metal ring, white gold is the choice for you. Nickel is a required substance in white gold, however, so if your skin is sensitive to this metal, platinum may be the better option.
While white gold is the more affordable choice, people can get the white gold or platinum ring of their dreams at a satisfactory price from a reputable jewelry brand such as Agape Diamonds. Agape Diamond reviews from online shoppers inform ring wearers and potential buyers of the satisfying products and excellent customer service they received from Agape Diamonds.
Agape Diamonds provides shoppers with gorgeous, conflict-free lab-created diamonds, simulated diamonds, and ethically sourced, stunning Earth-grown diamonds with beautiful cuts. Whether you desire a natural diamond or a simulated diamond, Agape Diamonds guarantees you a beautiful diamond ring or pair of earrings.
Shoppers with Agape Diamonds receive certificates of authenticity with each purchase. As Agape Diamonds sells new jewelry only, customers can enjoy unique engagement rings, earrings, pendants, tennis bracelets, and loose stones.
