Platinum v. White Gold...what do you think?

[texaslove]

So I''ve got my heart set on a Memoire setting and now have to decide whether to get it in white gold or platinum. So here is what I''ve been told:

White Gold:
Stronger and more durable
Shows less scratches
Will have to be redipped
Can wear thin over time
Not as expensive

Platinum:
more maleable and may lose shape
may show more scratches
looks better over time
better longevity
more expensive

Opinions???? which would you chose. for me, the difference in price is manageable, so that is not a huge factor.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It all depends on the alloy used with either one.

My recommendation is 95%platinum/5%ruthenium. That is a very durable platinum and does not scratch and turn gray like a softer platinum (like 95plat/5iridium) does. This is the kind of platinum that Tiffany''s and Leon Mege uses.

 

[Cehrabehra]

I personally like the look of unplated white gold and some of the recent pieces I''ve seen like that just reinforce it. I got platinum because I swim a lot and was concerned about the prongs and what chlorine will do to the white gold... but if I was getting a bezel set piece or something I''d be like what the heck and get what I really wanted. Platinum sounds chic but it''s kinda blah to me.

 

[Rockit]

Diamondseeker''s point regarding the alloys is notable, especially as it relates to the hardness or softness of the metals. That being said, since you asked for opinions...

I''ve worn both white gold and platinum pretty much 24/7 for years (first WG, now plat). To me, the two feel very different in my hand and on my fingers. Hands down, I prefer platinum. I love the feel and weightiness of platinum, and, I prefer to wear dull platinum over worn-away white gold that needs rhodium plating. The need for rhodium drove me nuts; without it, there was an off-color cast to the metal that was not appealing at all. By contrast, if the platinum gets scratched, a jeweler can polish the metal easily and it looks lovely again.

Also, I like that platinum is more malleable, durable, and does not wear away like the gold (which is more brittle and prone to stress problems). For what it is worth, I am quite hard on my rings and do a lot of hands-on work outside gardening and in a stable. Moreover, I swim in chlorine and although I know that I should take ALL my jewelry off before swimming, I do not take-off my ER and WB (for fear of loosing them). I realize the joints of the platinum rings could be at risk in a pool, however, they are still a better bet in the chlorine over ANY gold rings that are more at risk for damage due to the chemicals.

For me, over the long haul, WG did not hold up nearly as well as platinum. However, if you are not hard on your rings, then, you may not see such an obvious difference. Also, I very much prefer a dense, heavy feeling shank. If you do not – and many people do not – then, the WG may be a better option.

Hummm:
Reading the OP''s post again, I see we differ on the issue of durability. I say platinum, you say white gold... I''m sticking to my opinion that platinum alloys are generally most durable of the two. Because platinum is more dense and malleable than gold, it is more durable than gold which is more brittle and less resistant to wear. I''m just a consumer, not an expert, so I am happy to be corrected.

 

[stone-cold11]

yap, depends on the alloy used.

Pt950/Ru for example is in general harder and more durable than general WG.

 

[Fly Girl]

Another difference between white gold and platinum that is missing from your original lists is that you could develop allergies to white gold while platinum is completely inert. That has always been the tipping point for me. I limit white gold to occasional pieces in order to save some money. I purchase platinum for pieces that I plan to wear a lot. You never know if you will develop allergies, so it is sort of a safety thing, at least in my mind.

 

[glitterata]

Add me to the list of people who love platinum and dislike white gold.

I would rather have silver than white gold.

 

[JerseyGirlOC]

I have rather large knuckles and find that white gold sits better on my hand. Platinum is heavier and tends to spin. I do have a platinum eternity ring that I love though. I also find white gold is shines more, which I like.