Choosing the right metal for an engagement or wedding ring is just as important as selecting the design. The two most popular choices - Platinum and Gold, each offer distinct benefits, affecting durability, maintenance, and overall appearance.
At Lilia Nash Jewellery, we work exclusively with 100% recycled solid 950 platinum and 18ct gold, ensuring that every piece meets the highest ethical and quality standards. If you’re weighing up which metal is right for you, here’s what to consider.
Platinum: Strong, Timeless, and Low Maintenance
Platinum has long been associated with luxury, valued for its natural whiteness and exceptional strength.
Why Choose Platinum?
✔ Durability & Density – Platinum is one of the strongest metals used in jewellery. Its high density makes it incredibly resistant to everyday wear, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance ring.
✔ Naturally White Metal – Unlike white gold, which contains other elements such as silver or palladium to change the colour from yellow to white, and particularly with High Street rings, requires rhodium plating to maintain its colour, platinum is a naturally crisp white metal, which will never fade or discolour over time.
✔ Hypoallergenic & Pure – Lilia Nash uses solid 950 platinum, meaning it contains 95% pure platinum with minimal alloys. This purity makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
✔ Stone Security – Platinum's strength ensures a secure setting for diamonds and sapphires, reducing the risk of loosening over time.
Considerations for Platinum
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Weight – Platinum is a slightly heavier metal, which gives it a luxurious feel but may not be ideal when choosing wider rings that contain a lot of metal.
- Patina Development – Over time, platinum develops a soft, matte-like patina. While some love this vintage effect, others may prefer to have it polished back to a high shine.
Gold: Classic, Versatile, and Available in Two Shades
Gold has been a staple of Fine Jewellery for centuries, loved for its warmth, elegance, and adaptability. Lilia Nash works with 100% recycled 18ct gold, available in yellow and 18ct palladium white gold.
Why Choose Gold?
✔ Two Colour Options – Unlike platinum, gold comes in yellow and white variations:
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Yellow Gold – A rich, classic tone that suits traditional and vintage styles.
- Palladium White Gold – A natural white gold alloy without the need for rhodium plating.
✔ Lighter Weight – Gold is less dense than platinum, making it a great choice for those who prefer a ring that feels lighter on the hand.
✔ Easier to Resize – While both metals can be resized, gold is generally more adaptable if adjustments are needed in the future.
Lilia Nash’s Palladium White Gold – No Rhodium Plating Needed
Many jewellers offer white gold that requires rhodium plating to achieve a bright white finish. Over time, this plating wears off, revealing a slightly yellowish tone beneath and requiring regular replating. This can also expose the skin to nickel, which is often used in High Street and mass produced rings to coat the rhodium to the gold surface. This can cause an allergic reaction is some people.
At Lilia Nash, we only use 100% recycled 18ct palladium white gold, which is naturally a soft warm white colour, without the need for rhodium plating. This means your ring will maintain its natural beauty without the upkeep that plated white gold requires.
Considerations for Gold
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Softer than Platinum – While 18ct gold is durable, it is slightly softer than platinum and may show signs of wear more quickly, particularly in high-contact settings.
- White Gold vs. Platinum – If you want a naturally white metal that will never change over time, platinum is the best option. If you prefer the lighter feel of gold, palladium white gold provides an excellent alternative without the need for plating.
Which Metal is Right for You?
When deciding between platinum and gold, consider your lifestyle, personal style, and how much maintenance you prefer.
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For a naturally white, ultra-durable, and low-maintenance metal, platinum is an excellent choice.
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For a more traditional look, a lighter feel, and a choice between yellow or white tones, 18ct gold is a great option.
Regardless of your choice, all Lilia Nash rings are handmade from 100% recycled gold or platinum, ensuring both sustainability and exceptional quality.