When someone looks for a wedding ring or an engagement ring in a white colour, they almost always think of white gold. But there is a metal that beats it in exactly what matters most in the long run: platinum. We explain what it is, how it differs from white gold and why we consider it the best alternative to white gold.
What is platinum?
Platinum is a precious metal, like gold or silver, but much rarer than gold. Its natural colour is a bright greyish white: nothing needs to be added for it to look white. In jewellery it is used at a very high purity, usually 95%, which is why platinum pieces normally carry the hallmark 950 or PT950.
It is a very dense and strong metal that does not oxidise, does not tarnish and does not lose its colour with water, sweat, soap or the passing of the years.
Why platinum is the best alternative to white gold
White gold is not completely white. It is 18 carat gold mixed with other metals to lighten it, but it still keeps a slightly yellowish tone. To make it look white and bright, the finished piece is given a rhodium plating.
The problem is that this plating wears away with use, especially on rings and wedding bands, which rub against everything every day. When the rhodium wears off, white gold turns yellow and has to be taken to the jeweller to be re-plated every so often.
Platinum does not have this problem. Because it is naturally white, it does not depend on any plating: it always keeps its bright platinum colour, today and many years from now. That is why, if you are looking for a white piece of jewellery to wear for a lifetime, such as a wedding ring or an engagement ring, platinum is the best choice.
White gold and platinum: the differences
| 18k white gold | Platinum | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | White thanks to the rhodium plating | Naturally white |
| With wear | Turns yellow when the plating wears off | Always keeps its colour |
| Maintenance | Re-plating every so often | Just a polish if you want to bring back the shine |
| Purity | 75% gold (750 hallmark) | 95% platinum (950 hallmark) |
| Price | More affordable | Higher |
Why does it cost more than white gold?
For two reasons. First, a platinum piece contains 95% precious metal, compared with 75% in 18 carat gold. Second, platinum is denser than gold, so the same piece needs more metal. It is also a harder metal to work in the workshop. In return, you will never have to re-plate the piece again.
Does platinum scratch?
Like any precious metal, with daily wear platinum picks up small marks and gradually takes on a slightly more matte finish. The difference is that platinum does not lose material or colour: after a polish at the jeweller it looks as bright as on the first day.
Platinum wedding rings and solitaires
For all these reasons, platinum is the ideal metal for jewellery that is worn all the time: wedding rings and engagement rings. In our shop you will find plain platinum wedding rings 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 mm wide, and platinum solitaires with a lab-grown diamond.
Platinum lab-grown diamond pavé solitaire
Platinum lab-grown diamond tension solitaire
Platinum lab-grown diamond square-set solitaire
Platinum lab-grown diamond filigree solitaire
Frequently asked questions
Does platinum turn yellow?
No. Platinum is naturally white and has no rhodium plating, so it never turns yellow.
Can a platinum wedding ring be engraved?
Yes, it is engraved just like a gold one. Just tell us in the order notes.
Are platinum and white gold the same?
No. White gold is 18 carat gold lightened with other metals and given a rhodium plating; platinum is a different precious metal that is white in itself.
All our platinum jewellery is sent with a certificate of authenticity, free insured shipping, 15 days for exchanges or returns if the piece has not been engraved, and payment in up to 12 interest-free instalments. If you have any questions about which metal to choose, message us on WhatsApp.