I'm getting a lot of confusing information about the difference between white gold and platinum. I prefer the look of the two because I believe diamonds look better against the metals. I would like a platinum ring, but I feel it may be too costly for my boyfriend. Is it true that the white gold will fade and turn yellow? Is white gold the better buy because of cost? If so, will it keep it's color and how do you make sure that it does? I've even seen some women with yellow or white gold rings and platinum settings for the diamond. What difference does that make? I'm looking for a good explanation and an honest assessment of which is better.
Thank you.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 26, 2007, 9:44 AM)
Wedding Rings
Professional Jeweler
Jul 31, 2007, 4:23 AM
Post #2 of 2
(989 views)
Re: [gtgirl] white gold vs. platinum for wedding bands
[In reply to]
Hi, gtgirl,
There is definitely a fairly substantial difference between white gold and platinum.
White gold originally created as a more affordable alternative to platinum. Platinum is very desirable for both wedding bands and engagement rings because of its white color, high quality, and purity as a precious metal.
However, as you have noticed, platinum is very pricey. So jewelers came up with a cheaper alternative: white gold.
Generally, platinum can cost anywhere from 3-4 times as much as white gold.
The problem with white gold is that it will turn a slightly pale shade of yellow over time. It's almost like a slight yellow hue inside of the white.
To fix this, white gold has to undergo "rhodium plating". This is a plating of another white precious metal that is applied to white gold to make it appear very white. Depending on the amount of wear and how much you take care of your ring, you may need to re-rhodium plate a white gold ring approx. every 2-3 years if you wish for it to remain looking very white.
As far as which is better, platinum is clearly the answer, as it will always look white, however, budget may play a role in answering this question. Platinum is better over the long-term for such a valuable and important purchase. However, some people still prefer white gold because it is very affordable. Another reason is simply that some people prefer gold because they are familiar with it and their other jewelry is gold also.
I don't normally include links to our own website, but we have a very use article written on this topic at the link below that explains this in further detail:
I hope this helps! Keep in mind, most people go with white gold -- so don't feel bad if platinum is just way too expensive and you opt for white gold. Afshin from Apples of Gold Jewelry Professional Jeweler
(This post was
edited by Wedding Rings on Jul 31, 2007, 4:24 AM)
white gold vs. platinum for wedding bands
