Gold vs Platinum: Which Metal Should You Choose?
The metal you choose affects how your ring looks, how it wears over time and how much it costs. Here is a practical comparison to help you decide.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is the classic choice. It has a warm tone that complements warmer skin tones and pairs well with vintage or nature inspired designs. Gold comes in three common purities for jewellery:
9K gold is 37.5% pure gold, mixed with other metals for strength. It is the most durable and most affordable option. 14K is 58.5% pure gold, offering a balance of colour, durability and price. 18K is 75% pure gold with a richer, deeper colour and a softer feel. It is the most luxurious option but scratches more easily than 9K or 14K.
White gold
White gold is an alloy of gold mixed with white metals (usually palladium or nickel) and plated with rhodium to give it a bright, silvery finish. It looks similar to platinum at a lower price point. The trade off is that the rhodium plating wears over time and needs replating every few years to maintain its colour. Without replating, white gold develops a slightly yellowish tint.
Rose gold
Rose gold gets its colour from copper in the alloy. It has a warm, pinkish tone that is distinctive and modern. Rose gold does not need replating like white gold and actually develops a slightly richer patina over time. It complements a wide range of skin tones and works well with both diamonds and coloured stones.
Platinum
Platinum is the densest and most durable precious metal used in jewellery. It is naturally white, so it never needs replating. It does not wear away the way gold does; instead, it displaces (the metal moves rather than sheds), which means the piece retains its weight over decades.
Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. It is also the most expensive option. A platinum ring will cost more than the same design in gold, but the long term durability and zero maintenance can justify the premium.
Which should you choose?
For engagement rings that will be worn every day for years, platinum or 18K gold are the strongest choices. Platinum if you want zero maintenance and maximum durability. 18K gold if you want a richer colour and do not mind a little extra care.
For everyday jewellery that is rotated more frequently, 9K or 14K gold offers the best balance of durability and value.
All of our engagement rings and everyday rings are available in 9K, 14K and 18K gold (yellow, white and rose) as well as 950 platinum. You choose your metal when customising on the product page.
