Why Does A Platinum Ring Cost More Than White Gold

When you’re in the market for an engagement ring, a wedding band, or just a fabulous new piece to add to your collection, one of the first things you think about is color. If you know you don’t want yellow gold, the next decision is whether to go with white gold or platinum.

The two metals are the same color but they carry very different price tags. Typically, a platinum ring will cost twice as much as a comparable ring made from white gold. Knowing the differences between white gold and platinum will help you decide whether the higher cost of a platinum ring is worth it to you.

One difference between the two could be referred to as “purity.” That is, white gold is mixed with another metal, usually silver or palladium, to create its “whiteness.” Additionally, white gold is coated with a white metal called Rhodium to enhance its appearance. Over time, the Rhodium plating wears away and your ring will need to be recoated and/or polished. In fact, jewelers recommend you have your ring re-plated every 12 to 18 months to maintain its optimal appearance. Without regular polishing and recoating, your white gold ring will take on a yellowish tinge.
Platinum, on the other hand, is used in a 95% pure form. It’s naturally whiter than white gold and doesn’t need to be plated with another metal, which, in turn, means that there is less upkeep. Because platinum requires less maintenance, it’s possible that a platinum ring is actually more economical than gold in the long run.

Another reason platinum costs more is that it’s sturdier. Platinum is heavier and harder than gold. A platinum ring, then, will be less vulnerable to dings and less likely to lose its shape. This strength also means that jewels set in platinum rings are more secure.

The sturdiness of platinum is related to another reason some people prefer it over gold. A piece of platinum jewelry is likely to last much longer than a piece of gold jewelry. If you’re purchasing a ring that you hope will one day be a family heirloom, it might be worth the extra cost to know that the piece will last for many generations to come—and retain its beauty. Experts say that platinum has a lifespan three times as long as that of gold.

Additionally, platinum is more rare than gold. The more rare anything is, the more it’s going to cost.

Sensitive skin and/or tendency towards allergic reactions also lead some people to buy platinum rings. Many people are sensitive to nickel, and nickel is commonly used to whiten gold. The purity of platinum decreases the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Finally, it’s not entirely accurate to say the white gold and platinum are the same color. Platinum actually has a grayish tinge to its white, a color that is very flattering to diamonds. Diamonds appear brighter when placed next to the slightly darker shade of platinum. Similarly, some people feel that platinum creates a stronger contrast with yellow gold in a two-tone ring.

By Andrea Morris

Caring Platinum

Ensure your precious platinum pieces remain in perfect condition with advice and tips on jewelry storage, cleaning and maintenance. This is the best tips for you

Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so they don't get scratched by other items of jewelry.

Keep your precious pieces in a safe place and remember to have them sufficiently insured. If you are unsure about the value of your piece take it to your local jeweler for valuation.

Clean your platinum jewelry periodically. This will help ensure its fine appearance and will help it last.

Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry - using a pre-packaged jewelry cleaner or by soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water then gently rubbing it with a soft cloth.

Have your platinum jewelry professionally cleaned once in a while. For platinum jewelry set with gemstones, be sure to do this every six months.

Find a qualified jeweler for adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
Ensure your jeweler has a platinum trained bench worker.

Take your platinum piece to a qualified jeweler for polishing if visible scratches appear. All precious metals can scratch and platinum is no exception. However, the scratch on platinum is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost.

Be aware that, over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" appearance. When this happens, you can take your piece to a qualified jeweler to have it re-polished to a high gloss look.

Don't leave your platinum jewelry on when doing home cleaning, gardening and other types of heavy work or manual labor.

Don't handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing platinum jewelry. Although they won't hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.

Guide To Choosing Platinum Wedding Ring

Nothing says forever like platinum wedding ring. These precious metals mark the permanence of a lifelong commitment, and will endure beyond decades of married life.

Whereas platinum has taken off as the newest trend in wedding jewelry. The decision to go for the gold or opt for platinum is based on the personal style of the bride and groom. However, certain factors may contribute to the couple’s wedding ring selection.

Style

What does your wedding ring say about you? Platinum is geared toward a more modern look. When evaluating your style, consider the future as well as the present, as you will quite possibly be wearing this ring for years to come.

Matching Existing Jewelry

Look at your (and your fiancée’s) jewelry collection – do you see gold, silver or a combination of both? If a bride typically wears only silver jewelry, she may wish for a platinum ring to accent her existing pieces; conversely, a gold jewelry fan would likely pick a gold ring. Grooms may wish to match their ring to their favorite watch or ID bracelet. If a couple has different tastes, they may choose a wedding ring that incorporates multiple colors.

Quality

Platinum is a stronger and more durable metal.

Allergic Reactions to Metals

If the bride or groom reacts to the metals found in certain types of jewelry, a platinum wedding ring is the way to go. Over 90 percent pure, platinum is hypoallergenic to most people.

Price

If shopping by price, platinum is more durable than gold, it is also more expensive. If a couple longs for a light-colored metal but cannot afford platinum, they may consider opting for a white gold wedding ring as an affordable alternative.

Whatever your decision, platinum wedding rings are a wonderful way to express your love and commitment to each other.

By Amy Lee Johnson

Platinum Qualities

Platinum is used in its purest form, up to 95% for making jewelry. It is very heavy and dense. A platinum ring will feel heavier than an equivalent sized gold ring. It is very long wearing, and is much more expensive than gold. A platinum ring will be twice as expensive as an 18k gold ring of the same size. Because of its high cost, platinum is most often used for rings only.

Platinum is pure, rare, eternal and versatile - discover the qualities that make this most precious of metals so special.Please read the requirement:

Pure

Platinum is pure, an expression of integrity, a reflection of inner truth. Platinum's purity endows it with a brilliant white luster. This helps to reflect the true radiance of diamonds. Because it is generally 95% pure (18 karat gold is 75% pure), platinum jewelry does not fade or tarnish and keeps its looks for a lifetime. Platinum's purity makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Rare

Platinum is rare, the coveted treasure of discerning individuals. There is very little platinum on this earth and it is found in very few places around the world. This exquisite metal is 30 times rarer than gold. In fact, it is estimated that if all the platinum in the world were poured into one Olympic swimming pool it would be scarcely deep enough to cover your ankles. Gold would fill more than three pools. Platinum's rarity makes it exclusive and distinctive - a celebration of your individuality.

Eternal

Platinum jewelry is the perfect choice for a lifetime of everyday wear. Its density and weight make it more durable than other jewelry metals. Platinum does not wear away and holds precious stones firmly and securely. Like all precious metals, platinum scratches. However, the scratch on a platinum piece is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost. So, even though wearing it each and every day may leave an impression on the surface, it remains what it was - a symbol for all things eternal.

Versatile

In addition to its strength and density, platinum has another remarkable quality - pliability. Platinum is so pliable, that just one gram of the metal can be drawn to produce a fine wire over one mile (almost 2 km) long. This quality has enabled jewelers to create some amazing versatile platinum mesh accessories, which could not be fashioned from other precious metals. Platinum is also in demand in other fields -it is used in industry, most notably in catalytic converters. Platinum also plays an important role in medicine. It is not affected by the oxidizing reaction of blood, has excellent conductivity, and is compatible with living tissue. Because of these properties, platinum is used for pacemakers. At present, more than 50,000 people are living healthily on pacemakers. Platinum is a life-saving metal for these people.

Tips To Buy Platinum Wedding Ring

What to Expect in the Store

Always go to a reputable jeweler for your platinum purchase.
Although sales representatives are there to help you make the right choice, the more you know about platinum jewelry the better prepared you will be. Many jewelers can order customized designs adapted from the jewelry you may see in the store itself so being able to describe what you are looking for is useful. For helpful information about platinum click here. And remember, any ring setting you see in a store can be duplicated in platinum.

If choosing a wedding ring, you'll be faced with decisions about the shape of the diamond, and the setting style. The diamond accounts for an overwhelming majority of the price of the ring, so choosing platinum will keep it secure while enhancing its beauty. There are always trade-offs to be made between the size, brilliance, and number of diamonds. But you won't want to compromise when it comes to the pure, rare and eternal nature of the setting.

You will find that some stores have insurance regulations that limit the number of pieces of platinum jewelry they can bring out on the counter for customers to try on at one time.

Anatomy of the Wedding Ring

The parts and their purpose
It may be one ring, but it's made of many distinct elements:

The Stone will account for 75-90% of the overall cost of the ring.

The Setting holds the center stone. A strong precious metal is imperative in securing your investment.

The Band will endure the most wear over time since it's in constant contact with the fingers and everything that the hand touches.

The Stamp indicates the type and purity of the metal. All rings must have this.

Ring Settings

Each setting has its own personality. Knowing your way around these selections will help you determine which setting suits your personal style and tastes

Ring Sizes

When you present the woman you love with an engagement ring, you want the occasion to be just right. Create a moment to treasure forever by surprising her with a beautiful platinum piece. To ensure the ring fits perfectly at that perfect moment, here are some tips on how to discover her ring size, without letting her in on the big secret.

If your loved one has a ring that she wears on her engagement ring finger (remember, ring sizes vary from finger to finger), find an occasion when she's not wearing it and take it to a jeweler for sizing, then get it back again without arousing suspicion! If it's not too obvious, offer to take her jewelry to be cleaned and have the ring sized at the same time.

If she doesn't leave her rings around for too long, you could try making an imprint of one of them when she's not looking. Pressing a ring into a piece of soap, clay or other malleable substance will make an impression of it that you can then take to a jeweler to obtain a reliable measurement.

If there's nothing soft to hand, grab a pen and paper and draw a line around the inside of the ring. Again, this can be taken to a jeweler who can determine an accurate measurement.

Perhaps the quickest way to get an idea of her ring size is to place one of her rings on your own finger and push it down as far as it will go. Mark the spot where it fits with a pen, then go to a jeweler who will be able to take a measurement, making sure not to wash off the mark before you do!

You could also try asking one of her friends or relatives if they know her ring size, but make sure you ask someone who will be trusted not to give the game away!