Which is shinier gold or platinum

Durability can be improved by using a process called rhodium plating, which also improves the hue of white within the metal. More on that below. The rhodium plating, which both 14k and 18k white gold engagement rings get, gives the setting that really white shine and luster that people love.

Why might you choose 14k white gold vs. Again, cost. But if durability is a serious concern for you — say, you're a doctor, craftsperson or in the service industry and use your hands a lot all day — you might want to look into platinum for to see if the investment is worthwhile for you. Platinum is a naturally white metal, which means that you don't need to combine it with other substances to get that cool tone. Its soft white hue is visually pleasing, but platinum is also renowned for its strength and durability — so much so, that platinum was taken off the market during wartime for military use.

It's safe to say that platinum is a great option for individuals who want a sturdy engagement ring option. Since platinum is the most durable metal in addition to being the densest, it shouldn't be a surprise that this metal is also the most expensive. Because it's less malleable, platinum is a more difficult material to work, so the cost of labor that goes into molding that piece increases.

Although scratches in rings or jewelry are inevitable, when platinum is scratched, the metal is not lost as it is in white gold. Rather, the color shifts within the ring itself, creating what is known as a patina finish.

In some cultures this is actually seen as a beautiful thing, and a symbol for how long you and your paramour have been together. In the U. Platinum Ring Catalog. In comparison to platinum, white gold is typically more prone to damage because of its use of alloys. However, white gold is also a much lighter metal than platinum, which can better suit people who don't desire heavy metals in their rings.

White gold is also of a much lower cost than platinum, making it a more affordable option. Another benefit of platinum is that it's hypoallergenic. Being a naturally white metal, there's no need to combine it with nickel, which can be an allergen for certain individuals. Nickel is one of the alloys required to create white gold's finish, which can be a problem for wearers whose skin is sensitive to this metal. This plating can wear off over the years, giving the metal a yellowish tint and requiring the ring to be replated by a jeweler, which can add cost.

Just like there are the four C's of diamonds , there are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to choosing your engagement ring metal. Cost is one of main Cs of metals. There are two things to consider when looking at price: cost of buying and cost of care. If you're looking at sticker price, white gold is the more budget-friendly option. We generally recommend purchasing white gold so you can maximize other aspects of your engagement ring, such as the diamond.

Durability and cost should be considered together. Platinum is more durable and requires less repolishing. But that doesn't mean you only need to re-polish your white gold engagement ring every so often to keep it shining. White gold is finished with a rhodium plating to give it a pure white shine and improve durability. But it does wear off over time. That means you'll need to replace it. Depending on how often and how hard it's worn, the rhodium plating could last anywhere from one to three years.

Rhodium plating costs about four times as much as platinum, but "dipping" your ring, or having it replated, is relatively inexpensive. If you need to get that done each year, the cost adds up.

Read more about ring dipping here. Here at With Clarity, we try to save our customers that cost. That's why we offer a lifetime warranty that covers ring replating and polishing.

That ensures your With Clarity ring will be beautiful for a lifetime. When cleaning white gold or platinum, a mix of simple soap and water is the best solution when trying to clean these metals.

Certain chemicals, such as chlorine, can make the ring become discolored or lose durability, ultimately damaging the piece of jewelry. In comparison to platinum, white gold requires more maintenance and upkeep. When gold is scratched, the gold is actually scratched away and lost, meaning gold will eventually need to be replated.

Gold also requires more frequent polishing every 6 months. Platinum metal requires less maintenance thang and upkeep than gold. Platinum can be cleaned regularly at home and will be kept looking shiny brand new with an annual polishing.

The mixture of durable metals helps to strengthen and increase its durability. There isn't much of a difference in style between platinum and white gold. However, jewelers usually prefer to work with platinum since it is a more malleable metal.

Ready to pick out a gorgeous ring for yourself or someone special? Before you head out to the stores or shop online, you need all the advice you can get. It is a huge decision that is incredibly exciting.

To anyone who is currently buying: be patient, stick to your budget , and have fun! Sensitive skin? You might want to choose platinum rather than white gold. Naturally, the look you go for—mixing or matching—will depend on your own style. You do you! Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Brides. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. White gold is stronger and more durable than silver, and resistant to both corrosion and impact, making it a good choice for everyday wear of engagement and wedding rings.

Platinum jewelry is very strong and maintains is shiny luster without much elbow grease. It is also the metal of choice for those with sensitive skin. And like white gold, it is perfect for engagement and wedding rings.