A jeweler explains why you shouldn't buy a white gold engagement ring

Asking someone to marry you can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments in life.

Even the most modern of couples often get surprisingly traditional when it comes to proposing, trip to Paris via and, of course, kneeling included.

But of course the focal point of a marriage proposal is the ring.

Although a man recently made headlines around the world by proposing with six different rings, most ask the momentous question with just one. And choosing the right one can be difficult.

An engagement ring should be a personal choice, so it's hard to find hard and fast rules on how to pick the right one.

But according to a jeweler there are certain mistakes that everyone should avoid.

The main? Choose white gold over platinum.

If your partner prefers silver jewelry over yellow gold or rose gold, it can be tempting to buy them a white gold engagement ring. However, according to Nikolay Piriankov, founder of bespoke jewelry Taylor & Hart, this is a mistake.

"Most people are not aware of the difference between the two," Piriankov told Business Insider. "They look the same, but the reality is that there is no such thing as white gold in nature."

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In fact, white gold is yellow gold that has been mixed in an alloy with other metals to give it its color, then given a rhodium coating on top.

The problem is that the coating does not last, which means that a white gold ring requires a lot of maintenance.

"Over time, the plating wears off and you have to return the white gold ring to have it replated," Piriankov said. "It's a constant thing that you have to be aware of."

Considering the above, platinum, which accounts for 80% of Taylor & Hart's sales, is often a better choice.

Although platinum is slightly more expensive than white gold, it does not cost as much as it used to, as the prices of both have converged.

"Platinum used to cost almost twice as much as white gold, but now it's only about £100 or £150 more," Piriankov added.

Unlike white gold, platinum is a naturally white metal — 95% of a platinum ring is pure platinum, while the remaining 5% is other white metals that make the ring more wearable.

In contrast, 75% of a white gold ring is yellow gold mixed with metals like palladium and silver, which give it its silver color.

"There is nothing wrong with white gold," Piriankov has confessed. "But given the small price difference, platinum will be better value for the long-term customer."