Platinum

White Gold

Comments

Inch for inch heavier and denser metal

Inch for inch lighter 

When both are put in your hands you can feel the weight difference of the platinum.

Scratches easier.

Maintains it’s sheen longer than platinum

After polishing white gold will look shinier for a longer time than platinum will.

Wear~ability factor many times that of gold

White gold wears thin over time and the shank may have to eventually be replaced

50 years from now the platinum ring will be as thick as the day you bought it.

Maintains it’s white color forever.

May eventually tinge to a very light yellow

Over time the acids in your skin may cause the white gold to slightly tarnish causing it to change color

Price is 3x to 4x as much as gold.

Price is very inexpensive compared to platinum.

When considering the total cost of an engagement ring, the small amount more for platinum is deemed by many as insignificant in relation to the total cost.

Over time, long term maintenance on platinum involves visits for repolishing.

Over time, maintenance on white gold rings can include repolishing, replating (rhodium finish), and/or eventual replacement of shank.

Neither metal will always look new.  Both need eventual maintenance one way or the other.