Platinum vs White Gold: Which Metal Ages Better Over Time?

Understanding the Difference

At first glance, platinum and white gold look almost identical. Both have a bright, silvery-white tone that beautifully complements diamonds and other gemstones. However, their composition and long-term behaviour set them apart.

• Platinum is a naturally white metal, known for its purity, strength, and hypoallergenic properties. It is typically 95 per cent pure, making it one of the most durable metals used in fine jewellery.
• White gold is created by blending pure yellow gold with white metals such as palladium and silver, then coated with a rhodium plating to enhance its bright, mirror-like finish.

Although both start off looking similar, their appearance and performance change over time in unique ways.

How Platinum Ages

Platinum is incredibly dense, which gives it its signature weight and durability. Over years of wear, it does not lose metal through scratching — instead, the metal is displaced and develops what is known as a patina.

This soft, satiny finish is cherished by many who see it as a sign of authenticity and age, giving platinum jewellery a subtle, antique charm. For others who prefer a high-polish look, platinum can easily be re-polished by a jeweller to restore its original shine.

Because of its strength and purity, platinum holds gemstones more securely over time, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings and heirloom pieces meant to last generations.

How White Gold Ages

White gold, while equally beautiful, behaves differently. Its luminous white tone comes from its rhodium plating, which naturally wears away over time, revealing the slightly warmer tone of the gold underneath.

Depending on your lifestyle and how often you wear your jewellery, replating every 12 to 24 months may be necessary to maintain that crisp white finish. This is a simple process that refreshes the metal’s brightness and gives the piece a like-new appearance.

Without replating, white gold may develop a faint yellow tint, which some find charming and vintage, while others prefer to avoid.

Durability and Maintenance

In terms of hardness, white gold is slightly harder than platinum, which means it can resist scratching a little better in daily wear. However, platinum’s density means it wears down far more slowly — it simply displaces rather than loses metal.

For those who lead active lifestyles, platinum offers superior long-term durability, while white gold requires more regular maintenance to keep its appearance pristine.

The Cost Factor

Platinum is rarer, heavier, and denser than white gold, which makes it more expensive. The higher upfront cost is often balanced by its longevity and low maintenance over time.

White gold, on the other hand, offers a more affordable entry point into fine jewellery and achieves a similar look to platinum, especially when newly plated.

Which Ages Better

If we are talking purely about longevity, platinum is the clear winner. It retains its metal, resists corrosion, and can last for decades with minimal upkeep. Its patina adds character and signifies endurance.

White gold, while not as enduring, offers versatility and brilliance that can easily be refreshed with replating. It maintains its youthful glow as long as it is cared for properly.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic preference:

• Choose platinum if you value permanence, heirloom quality, and subtle ageing.
• Choose white gold if you prefer a lighter feel, brilliant shine, and a lower initial cost.

Final Thoughts

Both platinum and white gold age beautifully in their own ways. Platinum tells a story through its evolving patina, while white gold offers enduring brightness with a little maintenance.

At Lailah & Co, we help you choose the metal that reflects your lifestyle, your love story, and the way you want your jewellery to age with you — gracefully, authentically, and beautifully over time.