White Gold Bands: Soft Or Strong?

White gold is a popular choice for wedding bands, but it's important to know the pros and cons before making a decision. One of the biggest downsides is that white gold is a softer metal and is therefore less durable than other options like platinum. Every time a white gold ring is scratched, a sliver of gold falls off, leading to visible scratches over time. White gold is also not hypoallergenic, as it contains alloys that can irritate the skin. Additionally, white gold is not actually white and will start to turn yellow over time, requiring rhodium plating every 6-12 months to maintain its colour. However, white gold is a timeless and gorgeous precious metal that is less expensive than platinum and offers a wider selection of styles.

Platinum is a more durable alternative to white gold

Platinum is about 40% to 60% heavier than gold, depending on the karat weight of the gold. Its density, purity, and weight make it more expensive than white gold. Platinum is also more challenging to work with, requiring a separate set of tools and a special high-temperature gas to shape it.

Platinum is an ideal metal for wedding bands because it is durable and long-lasting. When platinum is scratched, the metal is merely moved around and develops a patina finish, which can be polished to restore its original shine. On the other hand, white gold is a softer metal that is more prone to scratches and other damage. Every time white gold is scratched, a little sliver of gold falls off, leading to visible scratches on the band. White gold also needs to be rhodium-plated periodically to maintain its colour, adding to the maintenance cost.

Platinum is a more durable and low-maintenance option for wedding bands compared to white gold. Its strength, purity, and resistance to corrosion make it an ideal choice for those seeking a long-lasting and hypoallergenic metal for their wedding jewellery.

White gold is more affordable than platinum

Secondly, platinum is denser than gold, making it heavier. As precious metals are priced by weight, platinum has long been a more expensive option for jewellery.

Thirdly, the cost of creating platinum jewellery is higher. Platinum is denser and has a higher melting point than gold, requiring separate tools and a special high-temperature gas to work with. This higher level of expertise required contributes to higher labour costs for platinum jewellery.

Finally, white gold is often chosen over platinum due to its lower price point. This increased demand for white gold may also contribute to its more affordable price compared to platinum.

White gold is not hypoallergenic

Nickel is a common allergen, with approximately 5-10% of the population having a nickel allergy. It is also corrosion-resistant, which makes white gold more durable. However, those with nickel allergies can still wear white gold jewellery by having it plated with rhodium or platinum, which are hypoallergenic.

Platinum is a hypoallergenic alternative to white gold. It is denser, purer, and heavier than gold alloys, and its price reflects this. Platinum is also more durable than white gold, which is a softer metal.

White gold requires more maintenance than platinum

White gold is a popular choice for wedding bands, but it does require more maintenance than platinum. Firstly, white gold is not a pure white metal and will start to turn yellow over time. To maintain its white colour, it needs to be rhodium-plated periodically, which can be inconvenient and add up in cost over the years. In contrast, platinum is naturally white and will not change colour, so it never needs to be rhodium-plated.

Secondly, white gold is not hypoallergenic, as it is made by mixing gold with other alloys such as silver, palladium, nickel, or zinc. Some people may be allergic to these alloys and experience skin irritation. Platinum, on the other hand, is 95% pure and hypoallergenic, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin.

Thirdly, white gold is a softer metal than platinum and is therefore less durable. When white gold is scratched, a small sliver of gold falls off, leading to visible scratches over time. Platinum, on the other hand, develops a patina finish as it is merely moved from one place on the ring to another when scratched. This gives platinum jewellery an antique look that many people find desirable.

Finally, white gold requires regular polishing to maintain its shine. While platinum also needs to be polished, it is less frequent than white gold. In summary, while white gold is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its timeless look and wide selection of styles, it does require more maintenance than platinum in terms of rhodium plating, skin allergies, durability, and polishing.

White gold is more prone to scratching than platinum

White gold is a harder metal than platinum, making it more resistant to scratches and dents. However, when white gold is scratched, the metal is lost as a sliver of gold falls off and is lost, causing visible scratches on the ring. Platinum, on the other hand, is a softer and more malleable metal. When platinum is scratched, the metal is merely moved and creates a patina finish, which can be polished off to restore its shine.

The hardness of white gold is due to the alloy it is mixed with, such as palladium, silver, or copper, which are harder metals than platinum. On the other hand, platinum's softness is due to its high purity, as it is made of 95% pure platinum.

While white gold is more resistant to scratches, it is more brittle than platinum. This means that white gold is more prone to cracking if hit just right, especially in the delicate prongs that hold diamonds in place. Platinum, being less malleable, can take more stress and will bend slightly instead of breaking.

The density and brittleness of platinum make it an ideal choice for securing gemstones. Over time, platinum will keep its form slightly better than white gold. However, both metals are very durable and excellent choices for holding gemstones.

In terms of maintenance, white gold generally requires more upkeep. White gold needs to be rhodium-plated every couple of years to maintain its white colour and shine. Platinum, on the other hand, does not require plating and is easier to maintain due to its purity. A simple polish is all that is needed to restore its shine if its patina finish is undesirable.

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