We are often asked what is the difference between white and gold and platinum. Which one is better is not a simply yes or no question. Let's look at each metal to help weigh the benefits of each.


PLATINUM is a brilliant, pure white precious metal.

PRO'S
Platinum is extremely dense, so the metal does not wear away over years of wear like gold does. This wear is typically seen in two places, the prongs that hold the gemstones and the shank at the bottom of the ring. Over many years, usually 10 or more, gold rings thin at the bottom and the prongs wear done. Platinum is amazing at its ability not to wear thin, often for a lifetime of the wear.
Platinum jewelry is typically made of 90% platinum and 10% iridium, another white precious metal. This purity is compared to 14kw gold at 58.5% gold and 18kw gold. This purity along with the fact that platinum is heavier than gold, is what makes platinum jewelry more valuable. It also feels substantial and luxurious.
Platinum is extremely hypoallergenic. If other metals bother your fingers or earlobes, platinum is usually your best answer.


CON'S
Platinum jewelry is more expensive to purchase and more expensive to size and repair.
When both platinum and white gold jewelry are new it has a bright, mirror like polish. Platinum loses that finish much quicker than gold. It develops a "patina" that looks like a very fine brushed or powdered finish.


WHITE GOLD is mined exclusively in the White Mountains of Bulgaria. Kidding- that's an old jewelers joke. All gold is yellow when it comes out of the ground. It is mixed with white metals (silver, palladium, nickel or platinum) to make it white.

PRO'S
Modern technology is producing better white gold than ever. For most wearers there is very little discoloration that has been associated with white gold in the past.
White gold holds its polish much longer than platinum does.
White Gold is less expensive to size and repair.
White gold is more rigid than platinum, so for very thin and delicate ring styles, it is a better choice. White gold does not bend as easy as platinum does in thin designs.


CON'S
As discussed below, white gold wears more over the course of many years
Some people's body chemistry does not agree with white gold and the ring yellows quickly.


As you can see, the list of pro's is longer than the list of con's for both metals. If you plan on wearing a ring everyday for the rest of your life and your budget allows, platinum is worth the investment. A thin, delicate design is more durable in white gold.
Neither is a choice you are likely to regrete.