I would not say that one metal is better than another as antique settings were all done in yellow gold, white gold and platinum. If anything, I would ask what style repro mount you are looking to get done as that would probably be more helpful in picking which metal to use. For example, if you want a setting with a lot of pierced metal work, I would vote for platinum - that would be the a great choice for something like that.
Now, if you were to ask me for MY personal favorite, I would say platinum, only because I love the patina that plat develops over time - making any repro piece begin to look like a true vintage one!
Thanks so much for your advice! I truly appreciate it. I''m going a little crazy here because I have been contemplating a setting for ages and now I think I''m actually going ahead with it and I''m nervous!!
I''m actually thinking of doing something similar to Rockzilla''s OEC engagement ring. I showed some pics to my jeweler and he said he''d do it in white gold, but wasn''t really clear as to why this was the preference...
I really do want it to have that "antiquey" look...maybe platinum is better since white gold will be shinier?
Hmm, I wonder what the price difference usually is between platinum and white gold?
You should ask why your jeweler prefers gold for that type of setting (many issues to consider, actually) - he could have a perfectly good reason why.
If you love the patina of antique rings, then maybe you should ask for it to be made in platinum. Cant comment on the price difference between gold and plat - only that it can be substantial in some cases, and in others, a few hundred dollars.
In the 1920''s when filigree was all the rage, many reproductions were made with die striking and white gold. This resulted in very hard and durable rings. Many of the original filigree rings were made in platinum which was much better for hand piercing of the filigree. Platinum catches the saw''s teeth way better than white gold. Each metal has its own best and worst features.
You will find a substantial difference in the cost of platinum versus gold items. The price of platinum about $300 per ounce more for platinum. Platinum is used in a 90 to 95% pure state while white gold mostly is 14/24 pure gold although some 18/24 is in use, too. Platinum is a heavier metal in specific gravity meaning that more weight will be in a platinum item made identically to a gold item. Suppliers of platinum parts for jewelry charge quite high prices for platinum compared to the more competitive charges for gold items of similar design. Everything about platinum leads to a greater cost per item.
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