White gold is an alloy of yellow gold that’s rhodium-plated to appear bright white, while platinum is a naturally white, denser metal used in almost pure form. The result? White gold keeps its crisp lustre only while the plating lasts, weighs less on the finger and costs less upfront; platinum never yellows, feels satisfyingly substantial, needs little upkeep and carries the premium that rarity commands.

Choosing between them isn’t simply a matter of taste. This complete guide compares composition, colour stability, hardness, maintenance, price, ethical credentials and more, finishing with clear buying advice, side-by-side photos, maintenance timelines and cost breakdowns. We also debunk common myths about scratches, allergies and long-term resale value. Whether you’re shopping in Hatton Garden or online anywhere in the UK, by the end you’ll know exactly which metal suits your lifestyle, budget and proposal plans.

White Gold vs. Platinum at a Glance

Pressed for time? The cheat-sheet below sums up how the two metals behave day to day, what they cost and where each one shines. Scan the table, skim the pros and cons, and you’ll already be 80 % of the way to a decision.

Snapshot Comparison Table

Feature	White Gold	Platinum
Composition & Purity	Alloy of 9 ct (37.5 %), 14 ct (58.5 %) or 18 ct (75 %) gold mixed with palladium, nickel or silver, finished with a rhodium coat	Usually 95–98 % pure (Pt950/Pt980) with small amounts of cobalt or ruthenium
Natural Colour	Off-white/yellowish; depends on alloy; rhodium plating gives a bright silver tone	Naturally grey-white; no plating required
Density / Weight Feel	c. 15 g/cm³ – light to moderate on the finger	c. 21.5 g/cm³ – noticeably heavier and more “luxury”
Hardness (Vickers)	18 ct ≈ 210 HV	Pt950 ≈ 135 HV
Scratch / Scuff Behaviour	Resists scratches better but loses metal when it does mark	Scratches more readily but metal is displaced, not lost
Maintenance Needs	Re-plate every 12–24 months for colour; occasional polish	Light polish to refresh; no plating ever
Typical Cost Range per g*	~£30–£45	~£45–£65
Hypoallergenic Rating	Medium – nickel alloys can irritate	Excellent – inert and nickel-free
Ideal Jewellery Uses	Budget-friendly engagement rings, mixed-metal designs, lighter earrings	Heirloom pieces, micro-pavé settings, sensitive-skin wearers

*Indicative retail bullion pricing, August 2025.

Headline Pros and Cons

• White gold – advantages

  • Lower initial price tag
  • Lighter, easy-to-wear feel
  • Brilliant mirror-white finish straight out of the box

• White gold – drawbacks

  • Rhodium plating needs periodic renewal
  • Nickel alloys may trigger skin reactions
  • Warm undertone shows once plating wears off

• Platinum – advantages

  • Natural colour never fades or yellows
  • Dense, ductile metal secures tiny diamonds firmly
  • Hypoallergenic; ideal for sensitive skin

• Platinum – drawbacks

  • Upfront cost typically 40–50 % higher
  • Heavier weight some find too substantial
  • Develops a soft grey patina that not everyone loves

Composition and Colour Differences

Before you think about budgets or maintenance schedules, it helps to know what each metal actually is. The recipe behind a ring dictates how it looks on day one, how that look changes with wear, and why jewellers price the metals so differently.

What Exactly Is White Gold?

White gold is not found in nature; it is manufactured by blending yellow gold with light-coloured alloys and then coating the result in rhodium. In the UK you’ll usually see three purities:

• 9 ct = 37.5 % gold
• 14 ct = 58.5 % gold
• 18 ct = 75 % gold

The remaining percentage is made up of “whitening” metals such as palladium, silver, zinc or, in older mixes, nickel. Palladium-based alloys cost more but are kinder to sensitive skin and give a slightly cooler base tone.

Because even the best alloy still shows a faint champagne tint, jewellers electroplate the piece with a microscopically thin layer of rhodium. That plating delivers the crisp, mirror-white finish people love, but it also introduces a maintenance cycle: once the rhodium wears away, the underlying alloy peeks through and the ring needs a spa day.

What Makes Platinum Unique?

Platinum jewellery is remarkably pure—typically 95 % (Pt950) or, in premium lines, 98 % (Pt980). The balance is usually cobalt or ruthenium, added to improve hardness while keeping the metal hypoallergenic. Platinum is naturally grey-white straight out of the crucible, so it never needs colour treatment.

Two other traits set it apart:

• Density: at roughly 21.5 g/cm³, it feels satisfyingly weighty, a subtle cue of quality.
• Chemical inertia: platinum doesn’t tarnish or react with household chemicals, making it the go-to choice in fine, gem-intensive settings.

Its rarity—around thirty times rarer than gold—helps explain the higher price tag.

Side-by-Side Colour Tone Over Time

Brand new, both metals look ice-white thanks to that fresh rhodium coat on white gold. Fast-forward:

• Year 1–2: light surface scuffs appear on both metals; white gold may start to show a warmer blush on high-contact areas.
• Year 5: most white-gold rings need their second rhodium dip; platinum has developed a soft matte patina that many wearers find vintage-cool.
• Year 20: repeatedly plated white gold retains its brightness if serviced; unpolished platinum is a mellow dove grey yet still “white” beside yellow gold.

Quick tip: view sample bands outdoors in natural daylight. The subtle colour difference—platinum’s cool grey against rhodium’s chrome-like white—becomes obvious, helping you decide which hue flatters your skin tone and gemstones.

Durability, Strength and Daily Wear

A ring is a 24/7 companion, so the laboratory data only matters if it translates into real-world resilience. Below we break down how each metal copes with knocks, scratches and daily habits – information that often proves more decisive than the headline price when weighing up the difference between white gold and platinum.

Hardness vs. Toughness Explained

Jewellers talk about hardness (resistance to scratching) and toughness (resistance to bending or breaking).

• 18 ct white gold: ≈ 210 HV on the Vickers scale
• Pt950 platinum: ≈ 135 HV

On paper, white gold is harder, meaning keys, gym equipment and the odd tumble against a granite worktop are less likely to leave a mark. Platinum, although softer, is tougher; it can flex slightly under pressure without cracking. In practice, both metals stand up well to everyday wear, but their different behaviours influence long-term surface finish.

Scratch Resistance and Metal Loss

White gold’s higher hardness offers better scratch resistance, yet when it does scratch a tiny amount of alloy is actually removed. Over decades this gradual metal loss can thin claws and shanks, especially on vintage pieces that skip regular servicing.

Platinum scratches more readily, leaving visible scuffs sooner, but the metal is merely displaced rather than lost – a key reason antique platinum rings often survive intact. A quick refinishing brings the surface back to mirror-bright, or you can lean into the lived-in look with a brushed or matte finish that hides knocks remarkably well.

Security of Gemstone Settings

For intricate settings, density and ductility matter as much as hardness. Platinum’s heft and ability to be drawn into fine wires make it the industry favourite for:

• Micro-pavé halos and split shanks
• Ultra-slim claws securing melee diamonds
• Invisible-set baguettes

That said, 18 ct white gold holds its own for most solitaire and three-stone designs, provided the claws are checked every couple of years. The metal’s springiness lets jewellers tighten prongs efficiently during routine maintenance.

Weight and Comfort

At roughly 21.5 g/cm³, platinum feels noticeably more substantial than white gold’s ≈ 15 g/cm³. Some love the reassuring weight – a tangible reminder of quality – while others prefer the barely-there sensation of a lighter alloy. Consider:

• Occupations requiring glove use or manual dexterity (lighter ring wins)
• Cold weather finger shrinkage; heavier platinum helps rings stay put
• Statement men’s bands where extra heft adds gravitas

Try on sample sizes in both metals to judge which sensation feels “right” for everyday life.

Maintenance and Longevity

A ring should look as good on your tenth anniversary as it did on proposal day, but the care regime to achieve that differs markedly for each metal. Understanding how the surface changes, what professional services cost and how often you’ll need them is often the tipping point in the difference between white gold and platinum when it comes to real-world ownership.

Rhodium Plating: Frequency, Cost and Process

White gold owes its ice-white shine to a wafer-thin rhodium coat—about 0.25 microns, or one-hundredth the width of a human hair. Everyday friction, hand sanitisers and chlorine gradually erode that layer.

• Typical re-plating interval: 12–24 months for engagement rings worn daily
• UK workshop price: £30–£60 per ring, including polish and clean
• Process: ultrasonic clean → light buff → electroplate in a rhodium bath → final steam polish

Heavy gym use or frequent swimming can halve the interval, so budget accordingly if you lead an active life.

Platinum Patina: What It Is and How to Polish

Platinum doesn’t need plating; instead it develops a satiny grey “patina” as microscopic scratches spread light rather than reflecting it. Some owners cherish the soft glow as a badge of history, others prefer a high gloss.

• To restore shine: a jeweller can buff and refinish in 10 minutes for around £25–£45
• DIY upkeep: weekly wipe with a lint-free cloth keeps fingerprints at bay
• Good to know: polishing does not thin platinum because the metal is displaced, not removed

Resizing and Repair Considerations

White gold is soldered at lower temperatures and is quicker to work, keeping repair bills modest—£40–£60 for a simple size change. Platinum’s 1 774 °C melting point means oxygen-free torches, specialised tools and extra labour, so expect £80–£120 for the same job. Factor this in if you anticipate future resizing (pregnancy, weight change, heirloom hand-me-downs).

Long-Term Appearance Timeline

Year	White Gold	Platinum
1	Rhodium coat bright; minor scuffs	Bright, subtle scuffs starting
5	Warm tint shows; first re-plate due	Even patina; optional quick polish
10	Second or third re-plate; claws checked	Deeper matte sheen; claws firm
20	Metal slightly thinned if unserviced; plating routine	Patina rich grey; structure intact

Stay on top of these milestones and either metal will still look sensational for the next generation.

Price and Value Factors

Sticker price is only part of the equation. Because the same design can weigh different amounts in each metal—and because ongoing servicing varies—the true cost of ownership can surprise first-time buyers. Below we unwrap the money side of the difference between white gold and platinum so you can budget with eyes wide open.

Metal Market Prices and Ring Weight

Precious-metal markets move daily, yet platinum has been 30–50 % more expensive than gold for most of the past decade. Weight then amplifies that gap: platinum is roughly 40 % denser, so you need more grams to make the identical ring.

Example 2 mm solitaire band (size M)	18 ct White Gold	Platinum Pt950
Finished weight	~4 g	~6 g
Typical bullion rate (Aug 2025)	£34 /g	£46 /g
Raw metal cost*	£136	£276

*Jewellery pricing also includes labour, gemstones, VAT and retailer margin, so expect the platinum version to land £300–£500 higher at the till.

Lifetime Ownership Costs

Up-front price is only half the story. Regular rhodium baths for white gold and occasional polishes for platinum change the maths over time.

5-year cost model	18 ct White Gold	Platinum Pt950
Purchase price (band with 0.50 ct diamond)	£2,200	£2,650
Rhodium replating (£50 each, every 18 mths)	£150	n/a
Polishing (optional, year 3)	£30	£35
Likely resizing once	£50	£100
Total after 5 years	£2,430	£2,785

In this scenario the platinum ring still costs more, but the gap narrows from £450 to roughly £355. If you keep the piece for decades, the savings on repeated replating can shrink the difference even further.

Resale and Heirloom Value

Scrap returns rarely recoup retail spend: current UK buy-back rates hover around 60 % of bullion value for Pt950 and 70 % for 18 ct gold. However, platinum’s higher purity hallmark and lack of metal loss mean it often retains more structural mass, which can boost scrap payout and simplifies remodelling for future generations. Still, the real value of engagement jewellery is emotional—choose the metal whose look and upkeep you’ll love wearing every single day.

Allergies, Ethics and Sustainability

Metal choice isn’t only about looks and price; it also touches on skin comfort and the planet. Below we weigh up how white gold and platinum perform when it comes to allergies, responsible sourcing and eco-friendly alternatives.

Skin Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic Score

• Traditional white-gold alloys often contain nickel, a common irritant that can trigger redness or itching after prolonged wear.
• Modern palladium-based blends are gentler on skin, but they still sit mid-table on the hypoallergenic scale because small traces of nickel may remain.
• Platinum, by contrast, is classed as inert; a Pt950 hallmark means at least 95 % pure platinum with cobalt or ruthenium making up the balance—both non-reactive.
• If you or your partner already react to costume jewellery, choosing platinum virtually eliminates the risk, making the difference between white gold and platinum more than cosmetic.

Environmental and Ethical Mining Impact

Gold mining is energy-intensive and can involve cyanide extraction, large tailing ponds and community displacement. While platinum mining also has a heavy carbon footprint, global output is far smaller, and advocacy groups report stricter labour regulation in major producing regions such as South Africa. Ultimately, either metal’s impact hinges on the individual mine’s practices rather than the element itself, so transparency from the jeweller is key.

Recycled and Fairtrade Metal Options

Want to shrink your ring’s footprint? Ask for:

1. Recycled 18 ct white gold or recycled Pt950, refined from post-consumer scrap rather than freshly mined ore.
2. Fairtrade or Fairmined Gold, identified by a dedicated UK hallmark, guaranteeing minimum labour and environmental standards.
3. Written supply-chain proof—reputable workshops happily provide refinery certificates.

A Star Diamonds routinely works with recycled platinum and Fairtrade gold on bespoke commissions, so you can enjoy your jewellery with a clearer conscience alongside its sparkle.

How to Decide Which Metal Suits Your Jewellery

Still torn between the two contenders? Matching a metal to your lifestyle, design vision and wallet is easier when you ask the right questions in the right order. Use the checkpoints below as a reality-filter before you swipe the credit card.

Lifestyle and Daily Activities

• Do you work with your hands, lift weights or swim daily? Platinum’s toughness and chlorine resistance win.
• Spend most of the day at a keyboard or prefer something feather-light? White gold’s lower density feels less obtrusive.
• Sensitive skin? Nickel-free platinum is the safe bet, while palladium-based white gold is a solid runner-up.
  Tip: jot down a typical week’s activities and see which metal lines up with the rough-and-tumble involved.

Design Aesthetics and Stone Choice

Metal colour subtly alters how gemstones read:

• Diamonds D–F: Platinum’s cool grey keeps them icy.
• Diamonds G–H: The faint warmth of un-plated white gold (between rhodium dips) can mask tiny colour tints, stretching your diamond budget.
• Bold coloured stones: Either works, but platinum’s neutral tone lets sapphire and emerald hues pop.

Can’t decide? Mixed-metal settings—platinum claws on a white-gold band—offer the best of both worlds without doubling the price.

Budget and Long-Term Mind-set

Ask yourself:

1. Am I happy paying £300–£500 more today to dodge future replating?
2. Will I remember (and budget for) a rhodium refresh every couple of years?
3. Is heirloom durability worth extra grams and upfront cost?

If answers skew toward convenience and legacy, platinum starts to justify itself.

Professional Jeweller Guidance

Even with homework, nothing beats holding both metals side by side. A skilled jeweller will:

• Show weight and colour differences in natural light
• Explain maintenance routines specific to your design
• Estimate lifetime costs based on your lifestyle notes

A Star Diamonds’ Hatton Garden studio keeps finished samples of identical designs in 18 ct white gold and Pt950, making the comparison process refreshingly straightforward. Bring your questions—and maybe your partner—for a five-minute “metal test-drive” that often settles the debate on the spot.

Expert Answers to Popular Questions

Below are the queries our Hatton Garden consultants field almost daily. The short, jargon-free explanations should clear up any lingering doubts before you choose between white gold and platinum.

Is Platinum Always More Expensive Than White Gold?

Usually, yes—but not invariably. Platinum’s spot price per gram trends 30–50 % higher and the extra weight of the metal inflates labour costs. Yet when gold prices spike or a design is unusually light (stud earrings, for instance), the gap can shrink or even flip. Always ask for a like-for-like quote rather than assuming one metal is cheaper.

Does Platinum Discolour Like White Gold?

No. White gold relies on rhodium plating that eventually thins, revealing a creamy undertone that needs re-plating. Platinum keeps its natural hue for life; instead it acquires a soft grey patina—think satin rather than yellow. A quick professional buff will restore mirror shine should you prefer it.

Why Do Some Jewellers Find Platinum Harder to Work With?

Platinum melts at 1 774 °C—about 500 °C hotter than gold—so torches, solder and even workshop ventilation need an upgrade. The metal is also denser, wearing down tools faster and adding to labour time. Skilled goldsmiths embrace the challenge, but the extra bench hours explain the higher making charge on your invoice.

Can You Convert a White Gold Ring to Platinum?

Electroplating cannot turn gold into platinum; the only route is a full remount. The jeweller measures your gemstones, CAD-models a new platinum setting and re-sets the stones—essentially building a fresh ring. Expect a 3–5 week lead time and costs similar to buying new, minus the small scrap credit for the old mount.

Key Takeaways

• White gold is a gold alloy topped with rhodium; platinum is 95 %–98 % pure and naturally white.
• Colour stability differs: white gold needs re-plating every 12–24 months, whereas platinum never yellows and only develops a soft grey patina that can be polished away.
• On the Vickers scale white gold is harder (≈ 210 HV) but loses metal when scratched; platinum is softer (≈ 135 HV) yet tougher, merely displacing metal.
• Platinum’s higher density gives a weighty, luxurious feel and extra security for fine claws; white gold feels lighter and costs roughly 40 % less upfront.
• Nickel in some white-gold alloys can irritate sensitive skin; platinum is hypoallergenic.
• Over decades, lower upkeep can narrow the total cost gap, so choose based on lifestyle and long-term expectations rather than sticker price alone.

Still undecided? Book a side-by-side comparison or browse platinum and white-gold designs with the experts at A Star Diamonds.