subject: White Gold And Platinum Engagement Rings Both Have Advantages [print this page] Author: Tracy Colman Author: Tracy Colman
What Makes Platinum Stand Out
Platinum is a very popular choice for engagement rings for a number of very good reasons. Although it is more costly than yellow or white gold by as much as four times, this metal weighs about 25 percent more than white gold. Because of this fact, it is favored for its durability. Even though platinum is heavier than gold, it is still subject to scratching. When platinum shows signs of wear, however, the scratches create a white patina. This gives the metal an attractive, brushed look that is sought after. Essentially, platinum tends to gain beauty with age. While platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings, this more costly metal does have a few cons attached to it. The pricing on platinum can put it out of reach for some or force a downgrading in stone choice to keep a finished ring within budget. This metal is also known for being difficult to work with. Many jewelers, in fact, do not even have the equipment on hand to resize or repair rings made in platinum. White Gold Offers A Solid Alternatives White gold is a more affordable choice for many. This metal is an alloy, however; which means it is created using a mix of metals to produce the white cast. The finish that covers the yellow gold is generally produced by plating the metal with a rhodium finish. This choice of metals is easier for jewelers to work with, more convenient to resize and does cost a great deal less than platinum. While white gold is a good choice, it does have some disadvantages. This metal is prone to brittleness and does tend to need re-plating occasionally to maintain its white finish. Some people are allergic to the metals used in the alloy, as well.
Making the choice between white gold and platinum for an engagement ring is not easy. Both choices bring their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to the proposition. When a purer metal is desired, platinum is a great choice. If affordability is a concern, white gold shines.About the Author:
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