Gold vs Platinum

What’s the Best Metal for Your Ring?

Gold and platinum are the two most commonly used metals for engagement and wedding rings. Both metals are unique, yet similar in several ways. Let’s look at how gold and platinum compare in appearance, cost, durability, and comfort.

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.

Can you tell the difference between platinum and white gold?

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. White gold turning yellow is a huge problem, and that’s why we decided to give all our ethical rings a lifetime warranty that covers re-polishing and re-plating, so this should not be a concern if you go with us.

Which is more valuable gold or platinum?

Because platinum rings are heavier, rarer, and more pure than gold, they are more valuable. Even though pure gold may be more expensive per ounce, because platinum is denser, more of it is used when making a ring. Additionally, platinum rings are usually 95% pure platinum, while 14k gold is only 58.5% gold (18k gold is 75% gold).

Gold vs Platinum Durability

Platinum is More Durable

Though both gold and platinum are strong and durable precious metals, platinum is the more durable of the two. This is a result of platinum’s extreme density and chemical structure. 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. Pretty neat right? Platinum’s density means that it will take longer to wear away than gold. And, its chemical structure means that when someone strikes a platinum ring, the metal only moves, instead of being scratched off.

Platinum Scratches Easier than 14k Gold

Despite being more durable, platinum is actually a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will scratch a little easier than 14k gold. However, an important thing to note is that when gold is scratched, the gold is lost (and it looks like a scratch). When platinum is scratched, the platinum only gets moved from one place on the ring to another. And, it develops something called a patina finish (the look of an antique ring). A lot of people love and desire a patina finish!

How do you keep platinum from scratching?

It’s difficult to keep any kind of precious metal ring from scratching, but the good news is that platinum can be polished back to a high shine! While polishing a white gold ring may thin it out, polishing platinum just moves the metal back to a smooth finish. While many of our customers prefer to keep their platinum’s patina intact, some prefer high shine!

Pro Tip: 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, depending on how much wear and tear the ring faces. Since all Do Amore rings come with free lifetime warranties that cover this, don’t worry if you’re getting the ring from us.

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 option for people seeking a comfortable ring it is to opt for one with a comfortable design, like this men’s fingerprint wedding band.

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.

I’m having my Ring Engraved, should I choose Gold or Platinum?

Gold, palladium, and platinum can all be engraved without any issue. Another common question we get is what metal choice to pick if getting a ring engraved. The answer is, it doesn’t matter! 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.

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, more durable, and more scratch resistant! Why wouldn’t you pick it?

Final Thoughts on Gold vs Platinum

If you still can’t decide between gold and platinum, don’t worry. We’re here to help! If you have the budget, go for platinum. It is a classic, high end metal that requires less upkeep and keeps diamonds safer! However, if your budget does not allow for platinum, then gold is a great precious metal that has been used in engagement rings for hundreds of years! At the end of the day, all rings require some 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.

If you have any questions on your rings metal choice, please don’t hesitate to contact me and ask your question. My name is Krish and you’re welcome to call and ask for me personally. I’d love to help answer any questions you have about gold vs platinum!