Request An Appointment In-Store / Virtual
Proudly Malaysia / Ethical Choice / Bigger and Better Stones / Real Diamonds
Dec 15, 2022
Engagement Rings
Platinum VS White Gold – Platinum is the winner (And here’s why)

Aside from its value as a precious metal, gold is widely recognized for its signature deep, radiant yellow hue. Surprisingly, gold can also be found in white. But what exactly is "white" gold and how do we achieve a white appearance for the typically yellow gold?

 

The most prevalent type of white gold, 18-karat white gold, is comprised of 75% pure gold. White gold is an alloy that is formed by mixing gold with other metals, such as nickel or palladium, which make up the remaining 25%. These added metals have a silver-like color and when blended with gold, they give it a white appearance. However, the alloy still has a subtle yellowish tint. To conceal this tint and enhance the appearance of the white gold, it is covered with a layer of rhodium. Rhodium is a metal known for its bright silvery color and exceptional hardness, and when it is evenly applied to the white gold alloy, the yellow tint is masked, giving it a brilliant white-silver color.

UNBEATABLE VALUE ON LAB DIAMONDS

PLATINUM MAINTAINS ITS COLOUR WHILE WHITE GOLD CHANGES COLOUR

One might think that rhodium plating is the answer to all problems, but that's far from the truth. The plating has a significant drawback - it doesn't have a long lifespan. The rhodium layer can deteriorate and peel off within a few months, depending on the level of daily wear and stress on the ring, exposing the original off-white, yellowish color of the gold alloy beneath.

To keep the ring shining with its white color, it's necessary to get it re-plated professionally. The process involves removing the old rhodium layer and reapplying a fresh coating evenly. This cycle of removing the old layer and re-plating is necessary to preserve the ring's appearance. It's important to keep in mind that owning a white gold ring is a lifelong commitment to regular maintenance, typically every six months, to keep it looking its best.

Despite its drawbacks, why is white gold still so popular? The answer is simple - profit. Many jewelers are more than happy to steer their customers towards white gold. The frequent maintenance required for a white gold ring provides a steady and predictable source of income for the shop. In addition to the service fees, customers physically coming in the store is a golden opportunity for store owners to sell more stuff to customers.

In contrast, platinum offers a superior alternative. It is a precious metal that is naturally silver-white in color and brilliance, and it requires very little maintenance. A light polish every couple of years is all it takes to keep a platinum ring looking its best.

It's clear that when it comes to white engagement rings, or any jewelry for that matter, platinum is the superior choice. At Novita Diamonds, we believe that our platinum is of the highest quality and we would love to explain why it's a better option than white gold.

WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE, PLATINUM OR WHITE GOLD?

Unlike many diamond retailers, Novita offers competitively priced platinum rings, with just a slight 10% increase compared to white gold rings. One might ask why platinum is more expensive than white gold, and the answer lies in three factors. Firstly, platinum rings are comprised of 95% pure platinum, while white gold rings are only made up of 75% pure gold.

In comparison, 18-karat gold rings consist of only 75% pure yellow gold. Secondly, platinum has a melting point that surpasses 1,700°C, compared to just 1,100°C for white gold. Lastly, the process of working with platinum is more challenging and requires more effort due to its high operating temperatures.

Why do other jewellers usually charge double for Platinum?

Many conventional jewelry retailers, unlike Novita Diamonds, have much higher prices for Platinum rings, with a cost that's about double the price of white gold rings. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, most jewelers do not have the capability to work with Platinum and have to outsource its production to a company like Novita. Secondly, the high price is a way for the jewelers to compensate for the potential loss of revenue from regular touch-ups required for white gold rings. At Novita, we manufacture all our rings and jewelry in-house, which enables us to offer them at much more reasonable prices to our customers. 

PLATINUM VS WHITE GOLD - WHICH ONE IS STRONGER? 

Platinum and white gold both possess exceptional strength and endurance, yet white gold is more prone to scratches on its delicate rhodium plating from normal wear. Now that you have a better understanding, you can easily identify any misleading or untrue claims made by salespeople who may try to promote white gold as being stronger.

 

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLATINUM RING FROM NOVITA DIAMONDS TODAY!

At Novita Diamonds, we are dedicated to enhancing the experience of our customers, and for this reason, we firmly recommend choosing platinum over white gold. There is no valid reason to opt for a white gold ring when Platinum offers a brighter appearance and superior durability. If cost is a concern, you can have peace of mind knowing that we always offer exceptional value by never overcharging. Our commitment to keeping prices at wholesale levels, unmatched in the industry, makes it possible for you or your loved one to own a diamond ring that will remain gleaming forever. We hope this brief but informative article will help you make an informed decision between platinum and white gold

 

For related search terms for similar articles, you can use any of the following search terms: 

Platinum vs white gold, white gold vs Platinum, is Platinum better than white gold, Platinum or white gold, what is better white gold or Platinum for engagement ring, platinum ring vs white gold, white gold vs platinum ring, Platinum vs gold etc...