18K White Gold Band

[sugarplum]

hi everyone,

i''ve gone through some old threads on white gold but wanted to get some current opinions and info.

it''s time to get FI''s wband and we''re trying to decide between 14k and 18k white gold. he''s pretty active and will no doubt bang the ring against something... probably on a daily basis.

considering both are made of "traditional" mixes (no palladium), will 18k scratch a lot easier than 14k? or is it just slightly easier? also, which would be whiter, stay white longer (on average; body chemistry being equal) and be more durable? i''ve read contradicting info on previous threads.

thanks!

 

[Ice Princess Cristy]

I have 2 very close friends with husbands in construction that chose to have their rings in tungston so that it would be more durable and take the abuse. Not sure if this is an option for you.....

 

[sugarplum]

hi ice- we''ve considered tungsten but prefer white gold. FI''s ring wouldn''t be exposed to extremely harsh hands-on conditions but he''s pretty active in sports and wouldn''t exactly baby his ring so i''m wondering if it''d be better to get 14k or 18k.

 

[Ice Princess Cristy]

My expereince is that the higher the K in gold, the softer it is becuase it is more pure and has less other materials mixed with it. I am sure some experts will chime in soon.

 

[Skippy123]

My hubby has an 18k gold wedding band and it will be our 8 year anniversary soon; anyway, he wears it 24/7, showers, does yardwork, etc and it has held up great.

 

[sugarplum]

skippy, how easily does your hubby''s band get scratched?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

In general, 18k white gold is more durable than 14k, while 14k yellow is more durable than 14k yellow. Don''t ask me why, but that is what one of the prominent appraisers said on this forum.

If I were you, I''d get him two wedding bands. A tungsten one for everyday and the white gold for going out, etc.