White gold is a wonderful metal, and has a remarkable manufacturing process. Simultaneously, platinum is an equally intriguing metal. But is platinum much better than white gold for an engagement ring? Both have a level of class purchased at the high end of the spectrum, and both are highly resistant against tarnishing (even capable of withstanding contact with sulfuric acid). But is one a lot better than the other? Let’s briefly consider their composition.
White gold will not occur any place in nature. It really is a combination of gold and another metal, then it is electroplated with rhodium to be white. White gold alloys come in several different varieties, and can be used for vastly different purposes. Take into account that the rhodium tends to wear off, often in as little as a year… meaning it must be replaced over and over again.
Some white gold involves alloying it (combining two metals by melting both and combining them) with nickel, which gives it great strength and rigidity, which works well in rings and pins. If gold is alloyed with palladium, however, it becomes soft and pliable, which is fantastic for diamond settings.
Platinum, however, is naturally white. It takes no combination, and can be utilized essentially pure. Technically, it tends to have traces of other metals within, making it approximately 95-98% pure. But gold is nearly always combined – 24 carat gold (99% pure) can be warmed slightly and molded like a child’s putty. 18ct gold is 75% pure, and 14ct gold is 58.5% pure.
So, white gold should be much less expensive than platinum, since it is higher maintenance, tends to have less ability to tolerate abrasion, it tends to only be about half actual gold, and tends to look like silver after only a few years.
So, is platinum much better than white gold for an engagement ring? It is your choice to decide which metal is right for you. Obviously white gold has the cost benefit and platinum requires less upkeep and is more durable.
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