Choosing between Platinum 950 and 14k/18k White Gold determines lifetime ring maintenance, metal loss during polishing, and prong retention security.
1. Metallurgy & Performance Comparison
| Metal Alloy | Purity Content | Density (g/cm³) | Rhodium Plating Required? | Wear Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum 950 | 95% Pure Platinum | 21.45 g/cm³ | No (Naturally white) | Displaces metal (Develops rich satin patina) |
| 14k White Gold | 58.3% Pure Gold + Alloys | 12.90 g/cm³ | Yes (Every 12–24 months) | Scratches off microscopic metal volume |
| 18k White Gold | 75.0% Pure Gold + Alloys | 14.70 g/cm³ | Yes (Warmer natural hue) | Softer; requires regular rhodium re-dipping |
| Palladium 950 | 95% Pure Palladium | 12.00 g/cm³ | No (Naturally white) | Lightweight; rare and difficult to resize |