Metals
White Gold, Rose Gold, or Platinum: Which Metal Should You Choose?
Durability, cost, maintenance, and look — a straight comparison of the four metals we work with, so you can pick the one that fits your life, not just your Pinterest board.
Platinum: the low-maintenance, premium choice
Naturally white, dense, and hypoallergenic. Platinum doesn't need replating and develops a soft patina over decades that many clients grow to love rather than mind. It's the most durable option for daily wear, and the most expensive — expect roughly 30–40% more than white gold for the same design.
White gold: the popular middle ground
Yellow gold alloyed and rhodium-plated for a bright white finish. More affordable than platinum, but the rhodium plating wears over 2–4 years and needs to be redone — a normal, inexpensive maintenance step, not a defect. Still the most requested metal for engagement rings.
Yellow gold: timeless, zero maintenance
No plating, no upkeep — just gold. Available in 10K, 14K, and 18K (higher karat means more pure gold and a softer, warmer color, but a slightly softer metal). Yellow gold has come back strongly in the last few years, especially paired with vintage-inspired settings.
Rose gold: warm, romantic, increasingly popular
Yellow gold alloyed with copper for its signature pink tone. Like yellow gold, it requires no replating. It flatters most skin tones and has a softer, more romantic feel — a favorite for vintage and nature-inspired designs.
So which one is 'best'?
None of them — it depends on how you live. If you want zero maintenance for the next 20 years: platinum or yellow/rose gold. If budget matters more than upkeep: white gold, with a replating every few years. If you love the bright white look specifically: platinum or white gold, not yellow.
You're not locked in
Because every piece is built from scratch, you can mix metals — a platinum setting with a rose gold band, for example — at no extra design complexity. Bring your inspiration photos to your consultation and we'll figure out what's actually achievable within your budget.