Choosing the right metal for an engagement ring is essential for those seeking both beauty and true everyday durability. In Australia, platinum and 18K gold remain the most popular choices — but their properties, maintenance needs and cost differences can make one a better fit for daily, lifelong wear.
Platinum: The Low-Maintenance Powerhouse
- Strength & Durability: Platinum is renowned for being denser and more durable than 18K gold. It holds stones securely and doesn’t thin over decades, making it exceptionally robust for active lifestyles.
- Colour Retention: Naturally bright white and never requiring rhodium plating, platinum won’t fade or yellow over time.
- Hypoallergenic: Platinum is less likely to cause skin reactions, ideal for those with sensitivities.
- Maintenance: While platinum can scratch more readily at the surface, the metal simply shifts (not lost), developing a soft patina that is easily polished back to shine.
- Cost: Platinum is more expensive upfront due to rarity, purity, and density—plus higher labour costs for resizing or repair.
18K Gold: The Classic, Customisable All-Rounder
- Composition: 18K gold is 75% pure gold, alloyed for strength and available in yellow, white, or rose finishes.
- Durability: Strong enough for daily wear, but softer and more susceptible to scratching, bending, and thinning over time (especially for slimmer bands and prongs).
- Colour Options: Choose classic yellow, contemporary white, or romantic rose gold—18K gives more design flexibility.
- Maintenance: White gold needs rhodium plating every 1–2 years to maintain brightness. Gold alloys can wear away, requiring more frequent professional upkeep as the metal thins over years.
- Cost: Less expensive upfront than platinum, but may cost more in the long run due to maintenance and repairs.
Platinum vs. 18K Gold: Durability and Maintenance Comparison
|
Feature |
Platinum |
18K Gold |
|
Durability |
Superior, lasts generations |
Very good, but can thin/bend |
|
Scratch Resistance |
Scratches, but metal shifts |
Scratches, metal wears away |
|
Holds Gemstones |
More secure, dense |
Strong, but can loosen with wear |
|
Maintenance |
Needs rare polishing only |
Needs re-plating (white gold), more regular repair |
|
Colour Retention |
Natural white, never fades |
White gold fades, needs plating; yellow/rose retain hue |
Diagram: Everyday Metal Wear & Resilience
Cost Comparison (Australia, 2025)
|
Metal |
Upfront Cost (AVG 3mm Band) |
Long-Term Maintenance (10yr) |
|
Platinum |
$1,800–$2,400 |
Low |
|
18K Gold |
$1,200–$1,800 |
Moderate–High (e.g. plating, repairs) |
When choosing between platinum and 18K gold for your jewellery, there’s no absolute right or wrong answer — only the option that best suits your lifestyle and values. Platinum offers unmatched durability and minimal maintenance, making it ideal for those who want security and longevity. Meanwhile, 18K gold continues to shine as a timeless favourite, beloved for its warmth, elegance, and design flexibility.
At The Diamond Club in Joondalup, our expert jewellers can guide you through both metals, ensuring your choice not only enhances your piece but also stands the test of time. Whether you’re investing in an engagement ring, a statement necklace, or a family heirloom, your jewellery deserves a foundation as enduring and meaningful as the memories it represents.