Platinum and white gold are visually very similar and are used in very similar types of ring settings, making it hard for the average person with an untrained eye to tell the difference between Platinum Wedding Rings and white gold wedding rings. Here are some of the main differences and identifying traits between these two beautiful but very different precious metals.
Platinum wedding rings will always show platinum’s natural pale whitish grey colour. Platinum wedding rings will always be made with other alloy metals, but not nearly as much as white or yellow gold. Platinum wedding rings are 95% pure platinum, whereas white gold or yellow gold jewelry is about 60 percent pure gold if it is 14 karat and 75% pure gold if it is 18 karat. Platinum also has a far higher density than any type of gold, making it always twice as heavy, and it is stronger. Both metals are rare, but platinum is rarest metal in the world, so its price is significantly higher.
White gold is simply natural yellow gold alloyed with pale metals like platinum, palladium, and nickel to lighten its color, and white gold jewelry is almost always electroplated with rhodium to give it its bright white shine. Over time the rhodium will wear away and expose the gold’s more yellowish natural color and will need to be reapplied. Platinum wedding rings, on the other hand, do not need to be plated or lightened in alloys because platinum is naturally white.
Platinum is harder and stronger than gold too, so Mens Platinum Rings are very popular as sturdier counterparts to ladies wedding bands and engagement rings in white gold. That way she can have the delicate, finely tooled and detailed ring of her dreams and his Mens Platinum Bands can match her wedding and engagement rings in color but not ding or break. Platinum wedding rings are also a smart choice for men because they are so low maintenance. Along with not having the rhodium plating wear problem of white gold wedding rings, platinum wedding rings are harder to scratch than gold and they will not tarnish. If your platinum wedding rings start to look dark of discolored, they are not tarnished or permanently damaged, they are just dirty! Platinum wedding rings do collect dirt, oils from skin, cosmetics, food, and work, and other basic grime that can accumulate on anything, but all that’s needed is a simple soap and water buffing.
Tags: wedding
Platinum is definitely the superior choice for an engagement ring. Diamonds set in platinum look great, and platinum is naturally strong. By setting your diamond in platinum, you are literally protecting your investment. When you scratch platinum, little mass is removed, so platinum and be refinished over and over. By paying a little more for platinum now, you get a ring that lasts a lifetime. And beyond!
With today’s economy being a mess and everyone looking to save some money, palladium is a good choice over white gold if platinum is just not an option. But at this time, the market value between gold and platinum is a few hundred dollars, so for a little more, you can get a naturally white metal that is very durable. Palladium has similar characteristics, and currently costs less than white gold. Keep in mind that white gold is not a naturally white either. However, if you are looking to truly save a few bucks, then consider palladium. But platinum is totally worth the investment.
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Very informative article!
One point to add that wasn’t mentioned is that platinum is hypoallergenic, and since Pt jewelry is mostly pure, it will not irritate skin or cause any allergies. When I get engaged, I definitely want my future husband to put money towards a platinum ring. It’s an investment that will last forever and be worth it in the long run!