When it comes to designing an engagement ring, the metal you choose forms the foundation of your story — it influences not only the ring’s beauty but also its longevity, feel, and symbolism. Among the many options, two stand above the rest: white gold and platinum. Both exude elegance and modernity, yet each carries unique characteristics that appeal to different styles and lifestyles.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we guide clients through this choice every day, ensuring that every design — from delicate solitaires to intricate vintage settings — reflects both aesthetic and purpose. Whether you prefer the radiance of white gold or the enduring strength of platinum, your decision becomes part of the craftsmanship that defines our Bespoke Engagement Rings.
1. The Essence of White Gold
White gold combines the natural warmth of gold with the sleek appearance of modern metals. It is created by alloying pure gold with white metals such as palladium or silver, and finally coated with rhodium — a member of the platinum family — to achieve its bright, silvery sheen.
Its appeal lies in its luminous tone, lighter weight, and versatility. White gold complements the brilliance of diamonds beautifully, especially in designs that require a high-polish finish or intricate detailing.
Because of its balance between luxury and practicality, white gold remains one of the most popular choices for engagement rings in South Africa and beyond — offering the perfect blend of classic and contemporary design.
2. The Nature of Platinum
Platinum is the pinnacle of prestige in jewellery metals. Naturally white and exceptionally pure, it is denser, rarer, and more durable than gold. Unlike white gold, platinum does not require rhodium plating — its colour is inherent and enduring.
Highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion, platinum’s strength makes it ideal for securely setting diamonds, particularly in heirloom-quality pieces designed to be worn every day. Its hypoallergenic nature also makes it suitable for sensitive skin, adding to its reputation for timeless dependability.
At Prins & Prins, our master goldsmiths appreciate platinum for what it represents: integrity, craftsmanship, and permanence.
3. Appearance and Feel – The Subtle Differences
While both metals share a similar colour at first glance, their nuances emerge with time.
- White gold has a crisp, mirror-bright appearance due to its rhodium plating, with a hint of warmth beneath the surface.
- Platinum, by contrast, has a natural grey-white lustre and a more substantial weight — a quality that many find reassuring, symbolising endurance and depth.
Over the years, platinum has developed a soft satin finish known as a patina, which many clients value for its vintage charm. White gold, on the other hand, can be re-polished and re-plated to maintain its original high-gloss brilliance.
4. Durability and Maintenance
Both metals are durable enough for a lifetime of wear, yet they age differently.
White gold is strong and resistant to bending, but its rhodium coating may gradually wear away, revealing a faint yellow undertone. Re-plating every few years restores its luminous surface — a simple and affordable process that keeps the ring looking new.
Platinum is naturally hard-wearing. When it scratches, the metal is displaced rather than lost, preserving the ring’s volume over time. Many find the gentle patina that forms to be part of its beauty — a visual record of years shared.
At the Prins & Prins atelier inside Huguenot House, our artisans refinish both metals using traditional techniques, ensuring each piece retains its intended brilliance and balance.
5. Weight, Feel, and Daily Wear
The tactile difference between white gold and platinum often influences the decision as much as appearance.
- Platinum feels heavier, offering a sense of solidity and presence.
- White gold feels lighter and more delicate on the hand, preferred by those who favour subtle comfort.
Neither choice is right or wrong — it’s a matter of how you wish the ring to feel as part of you every day.
6. Value and Longevity
Platinum’s rarity and density make it more expensive than white gold, yet it offers long-term value through its purity and resilience. Because it is nearly 95% pure, a platinum ring can last generations with minimal loss of metal through wear.
White gold, though less costly initially, requires periodic maintenance. For many, this balance of affordability and beauty makes it an attractive choice. Both metals, when crafted to Prins & Prins standards, promise exceptional quality — the difference lies in how you value tradition, weight, and permanence.
7. Aesthetics and Skin Tone
Your skin tone can influence how each metal complements your look:
- Platinum suits cooler complexions and enhances the brilliance of high-colour diamonds.
- White gold flatters warmer undertones and offers a slightly softer reflection under natural light.
Our gemmologists often pair platinum with classic designs that emphasise purity and heritage, while white gold suits modern, fluid forms that highlight brilliance and movement.
8. Sustainability and Ethical Craftsmanship
At Prins & Prins, our commitment extends beyond beauty — we ensure every metal and diamond used in our creations is ethically sourced and responsibly refined. Both white gold and platinum used in our workshop meet international environmental and social standards.
Inside our heritage atelier, every ring is handcrafted by expert goldsmiths using techniques passed down through generations — creating jewellery that honours not only love, but also integrity.
9. Choosing What’s Right for You
The best metal for your engagement ring depends on lifestyle, aesthetic preference, and sentiment.
Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer the lightness and brightness of white gold or the enduring weight of platinum?
- Are you drawn to high gloss or a soft patina that tells a story?
- How often will you wear and maintain the ring?
Our in-house designers can guide you through each consideration, crafting a setting that aligns perfectly with your taste and the brilliance of your chosen diamond.
10. Conclusion – Timeless Metals, Enduring Love
White gold and platinum each tell their own version of forever. One reflects light with airy brilliance; the other endures with quiet strength. Both are noble choices — and when shaped by skilled hands, each becomes a vessel for meaning.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we believe that an engagement ring is more than adornment — it is a promise expressed through craftsmanship. Whether you choose the purity of platinum or the radiance of white gold, our artisans will create a piece worthy of your story.
Explore our collection of Bespoke Engagement Rings or visit our Cape Town atelier to experience how heritage and design come together in perfect balance — just like the metal and diamond you’ll choose to symbolise your love.
