Gold vs Platinum Appearance
The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is color. While platinum is naturally white, gold is naturally yellow. If you want a yellow ring, then gold (also termed yellow gold) is the best option. However, if you want a white ring, you can opt for platinum or white gold.
White gold rings are composed of gold, alloys, and a rhodium plating which gives it a white look that’s very similar to platinum. 14k white gold and 14k yellow gold have the same gold content and purity (58.5% gold), but the alloys in white gold (and the rhodium plating) make it appear white, while the alloys in yellow gold do not.
While white gold looks very similar to platinum, over time the the rhodium plating in white gold will wear off and fade to a yellowish tinge. Once you re-polish and re-plate the white gold ring, it will look white again. Platinum, which is naturally white, will not fade to yellow.
Platinum |
White Gold |
Yellow Gold |
Gold vs Platinum Cost
While gold and platinum are similar in price per gram, platinum is more dense and so more of it is required to make a ring. Additionally, platinum rings are usually 95% pure platinum, while 14k gold is only 58.5% gold (18k gold is 75% gold). Therefore, platinum rings are more expensive.
Gold vs Platinum Durability
PLATINUM IS STRONGER AND MORE DURABLE
Though both gold and platinum are strong and durable precious metals, platinum is the stronger and more durable of the two. For example, the prongs holding the center stone of a platinum engagement ring are less likely to break then those of a gold engagement ring.
PLATINUM SCRATCHES EASIER THAN 14K GOLD
Despite being stronger and more durable, platinum is a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will get scratched a little easier than 14k gold would. However, an important thing to note is when gold is scratched, the gold is lost and it looks like a scratch. When platinum is scratched, the platinum gets moved from one place on the ring to another, and it develops something called a patina finish (which looks like an antique or worn ring). A lot of people love and desire the patina finish.
The good thing is that re-polishing your ring will help restore the ring to near its original look for both platinum and gold. All Do Amore Rings include free lifetime polishing so if you purchase your ring from us, don’t worry, you’re in great hands.
PLATINUM IS TRULY WHITE
As mentioned above, platinum will always stay white but white gold needs to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow hue. This yellow hue usually appears several months to several years after polishings, depending on how much wear and tear the ring faces.
WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN 14K AND 18K, PICK 14K
If you decide to go with gold, make sure you pick 14k gold and not 18k gold. While 18k gold is more valuable, it is softer and will scratch easier than 14k gold will. 14k gold is cheaper, and more scratch resistant! Why wouldn’t you pick it?
Gold vs Platinum Comfort
Because platinum is more dense than gold, platinum rings will be heavier than gold as well. Some prefer the heavier weight, but some find the lightness of gold rings to be more comfortable. It is really up to each individual person.
One more benefit of platinum is that it is hypoallergenic. While gold rings do not create an allergy issue for most people, some can develop an allergic reaction from the nickel alloy used in gold rings.
Palladium as an alternative to Gold and Platinum
For those wanting the price of a gold ring, with some of the characteristics of platinum, palladium may be a great alternative to consider. Palladium is naturally white in color, like platinum, but is less costly than platinum and closer in price to 14k gold rings. It is also known to be hypoallergenic like platinum. We are able to manufacturer all of our rings in palladium.
I’m having my Ring Engraved, should I choose Gold, Palladium or Platinum?
Another common question we get is what metal choice to pick if getting a ring engraved. The answer is, it doesn’t matter! Gold, palladium, and platinum can all be engraved without any issue. We engrave all of our rings for free so make sure you think of something good, and if you need help, here is a list of the best ring engraving ideas.
Final Thoughts and Summary on Gold vs Platinum
If you still can’t decide between gold and platinum, don’t worry. If you have the budget, go for platinum. If you don’t, then gold (or palladium) is still a very precious metals and is an excellent choice. At the end of the day, all rings require some minimal upkeep and maintenance so make sure you purchase your rings from a company that has a lifetime warranty and will re-polish, clean, and re-plate your rings for free for life, like we do.
Visit our showroom in Vashi, Navi Mumbai today to purchase either Gold or Platinum Jewellery.
