platinum vs. WG setting - is platinum worth the extra $$

[fran]

Everything I''ve read says platinum shows every single scratch and becomes very dull over time. I wonder if paying for its strength makes up for the scratched, dull finish it will eventually have. With all the discussions about WG vs. platinum, I wonder if platinum is worth the extra price.

This is a setting I love and want to get - but the vendor said it only comes in platinum - not white gold- should I go with the platinum?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, if you love the setting and it only comes in platinum, then it''s a pretty easy decision! Actually, both white gold and platinum need maintenance. Platinum needs to be polished to maintain the shine, and wg has to be replated with rhodium periodically. So both can stay beautiful with maintenance.

 

[belle]

Date: 8/16/2006 11:40:24 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Well, if you love the setting and it only comes in platinum, then it''s a pretty easy decision!

lol....EXACTLY what i was thinking!

sounds like it''s platinum.

 

[fran]

Here''s a link to the setting. I love that the center stone wouldn''t sit too high above the band. Only 4 prongs though - not 6- and I know some say it won''t be as secure but I guess if it''s set properly and checked yearly -shouldn''t be a problem.

http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=5855

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Have you ever had a WG ring before? People''s body chemistry reacts differently. Mine takes 5+ years to start to yellow but some brides on here have to get it redipped every 6 months. That seems like a PITA to me. DS is also correct. If the setting you like only comes in PLT which many designer settings do, you might have little choice than to pay the extra. I love the weight of PLT and I don''t mind the dull, patina PLT develops. It is a personal decision.

 

[maxspinel]

Some people like me is allergic to white gold since it is an alloy. Then, platinum is the only choice if you like the white color.

 

[codex57]

My white gold wedding band is starting to yellow. It''s been less than a year since I got married. I don''t wanna replate it. It also needs to be repolished (for the second time). So, basically, it has more disadvantages than platinum. I''d only recommend WG if you absolutely can''t afford platinum or the item you like only comes in WG.

In your case, it sounds like there''s absolutely no reason to not buy that setting.

 

[grapegravity]

Perhaps you can look into getting 19k WG setting... it won''t turn yellow as 18k WG....

^_^

 

[Christa]

Date: 8/16/2006 5:10:56 PM
Author: grapegravity
Perhaps you can look into getting 19k WG setting... it won''t turn yellow as 18k WG....

^_^

It''s completely possible that I''m missing something here, but I would think that a lower carat WG might stay whiter--less gold, which is naturally yellow, should make a whiter alloy. Am I way off?

 

[grapegravity]

Date: 8/16/2006 6:56:20 PM
Author: Christa

Date: 8/16/2006 5:10:56 PM
Author: grapegravity
Perhaps you can look into getting 19k WG setting... it won''t turn yellow as 18k WG....

^_^

It''s completely possible that I''m missing something here, but I would think that a lower carat WG might stay whiter--less gold, which is naturally yellow, should make a whiter alloy. Am I way off?

Dear Christa,

I''m not an expert in this field but I do heard that the lower the WG kt should not turn yellow easily... I did go to the Mall and inquire about 19kt. According to a GIA GG that I talked to in a jewellry store he said that 19kt WG will not turn yellow like the 18 WG kt... I am very tempted to upgrade my 18 WG kt setting to 19kt now... But I didn''t ask him how much is the cost...

I hope this will help you....

 

[Christa]

Grapegravity, and anyone else interested--just clarifying that by lower carat I meant less gold, like 10k or 12k. I know those aren''t usually used in high quality jewelry (at least in the US), but a jeweler told me that they are usually stronger than 14k or 18k, and it just makes sense to me that they would also be whiter. Any experts want to clue me in?