This is the big question when choosing a wedding band or engagement ring: Should we favor Platinum or White Gold?
To the naked eye, when they are new, it is almost impossible to distinguish them. Yet, they are two very different metals in terms of weight, price and especially maintenance.
To help you decide immediately, here is a summary of the match:
⚡ In Brief: Platinum vs 18k White Gold
Criteria 18k White Gold (Rhodium Plated) Platinum (950) Color Brilliant white (Thanks to Rhodium) Natural grey white Price More Accessible Very High (+40% to +50%) Interview Requires rhodium plating (every 2-5 years) Requires polishing (scratches easily) Weight Lightweight and Comfortable Very Heavy (Dense) Hardness Highly scratch-resistant Scratches more easily (patina)
In this guide, The Southern Girl debunks the myths to help you make the most rational choice.
1. The Colour: Natural White or Treated White?
That's the fundamental difference.
Platinum: Naturally White
Platinum is a naturally white-grey metal. It will never change color. However, it is less "shiny" than new white gold. Over time, it develops a matte patina (industrial grey) that some love and others hate.
White Gold: Mirror Glow
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals. To give it a sparkling appearance, it is coated with a thin layer of Rhodium (a rare metal).
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The result: An ultra-bright white, mirror-like effect.
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Wear and tear: Over the years, the rhodium wears off and the gold regains its natural "champagne" hue.
The Southern Girl's Advantage:
We offer Palladium White Gold . Unlike basic rhodium-plated white gold, which can appear yellowed over time due to the rhodium plating wearing off, our alloy contains Palladium (13%), which ensures the jewelry remains grey-white, without the need for rhodium plating. It's this rare metal that makes all the difference in quality. Discover why it's so precious in our article: What is the price of Palladium?
We also use non-rhodium-plated white gold (grey gold) , which retains its natural grey colour over time.
Read also: Yellow, White or Grey Gold: The technical differences >
2. Resistance and Maintenance: Which is stronger?
There is a persistent misconception: "Platinum is scratch-proof". That's wrong.
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Platinum is "soft": It scratches very easily. But unlike gold, when it's scratched, the metal doesn't disappear; it simply shifts. This creates a matte patina. It's very difficult to polish to make it shiny again.
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18k white gold is "hard": It's more resistant to everyday scratches. However, to maintain its cool white shine, it needs to be rhodium-plated (re-dipped in a bath) every few years. This simple and inexpensive maintenance makes the piece look brand new.
3. The Price: Why is Platinum more expensive?
If you compare two identical rings, the platinum one will cost 40% to 50% more. Why?
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Density: Platinum is much heavier than gold. To make the same ring, more material (grams) is needed.
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Purity: Platinum is used in 95% pure form (PT950), gold in 75% form (18k).
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The Difficulty: Platinum is a nightmare for jewelers to work with (it melts at 1700°C compared to 900°C for gold). Labor costs are therefore higher.
White gold is therefore the most economical option while remaining a valuable investment metal. To accurately estimate your budget, consult our price guide: What is the price of white gold per gram in 2026? .
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
Choose Platinum if:
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You have an unlimited budget.
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You like feeling a heavy weight on your finger.
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You accept that your ring will become matte grey over time (patina).
Choose 18k White Gold if:
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You want it Best value for money .
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You prefer a metal that remains shiny and resists scratches.
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You want a piece of jewelry that is easy to repair or resize anywhere.
At the house of At La Fille du Sud , we favor 18-karat white gold and 18-karat palladium gold . For us, it's the perfect compromise: the nobility of gold, the durability of palladium, and an incomparable brilliance.
Ready to choose excellence?
💎 Discover our jewelry and crafting supplies in 18k Palladium White & Grey Gold >
Quick FAQ
Will my rhodium-plated white gold turn yellow?
Standard rhodium-plated white gold may yellow slightly. But gray gold ( non-rhodium-plated white gold ) and grey gold palladium (those that we sell), they do not lose their original grey-white colours.
Is platinum stronger than gold?
It is more dense (doesn't break), but it is less hard (scratches more easily). An 18k white gold ring will retain its shape and smooth appearance for longer.
How to recognize platinum?
Look at the punch mark.
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18k gold = Eagle Head (or 750).
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Platinum = Dog Head (or 950).
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See our guide: How to recognize hallmarks?