Ring maintenance - Plat v. 18K white

[Jake_Needs_Help]

Hello. You guys helped me out so much a few months ago when I was looking for a diamond. Now I need to get a setting. I have done as much research as I can, so I think I know most of the pros and cons for WG v. Plat.

Here''s the thing. I understand that all rings require maintenance. Lots of people seem to recommend platiunum because there is no rhodium plating to deal with. But I have also read that platinum will show scratches easier. So, isn''t it just a question of taking the ring in every 6 - 24 mo. for rhodium plating or taking it in every 6 - 24 mo. for burnishing?

I understand the loss of metal factor, and that people who know a lot consider platinum the cadillac of metals. But I''m not sure those are things I am willing to pay for right now.

Also, I looked at my mom''s band last week. She has had her WG for 10 years without replating, and although it looks a little dull, like it needs some work, it does not look yellow.

Am I crazy for wanting to go with 18K? Is a replating once a year really such a big deal?

 

[ephemery1]

To preface, I am DEFINITELY not an expert... but my FI and I recently had to make the same decision about my e-ring. Even though most people I know (and most people on here, it seems) prefer platinum, I went with the WG (14K, not 1 for a few reasons:

1) I like the fresh, white look of rhodium-plating and our B&M offers it for free as often as we like
2) I like the lighter weight of the WG (though many people like the heavier weight)... I have been wearing the ring for about 2 weeks, and love that I can hardly feel it on my hand
3) We put most of our budget into the center stone, so WG was MUCH more cost-effective for us at this point
4) If I ever decide to replace my setting, I will not feel as badly about wasted $$ having gone with the WG

The major negative for me is that you have to be careful with WG in swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Other than that... I'm happy!

Do a search for white gold and platinum, and you should come up with TONS of info...

ETA - Oops, you said you've already done your research, so maybe no need to do a search... in that case, I'd say go with the WG if you feel comfortable with the pros/cons, and you can always upgrade to platinum somewhere down the road if you change your mind!

 

[Kim N]

ephemery, I agree with you on the weight of WG. I generally don''t like wearing jewelry, so I don''t like the weight of platinum. I too love that I can hardly feel it on my hand. Also agree with you on the cost-effectiveness. My last reason is that I don''t like the patina of platinum.

 

[poptart]

My engagement ring is also 14k white gold, although it has platinum prongs. I''ve had it just over a year, and as for the rhodium plating, mine does need to be dipped again, but just the very bottom where it rubs on everything. Most people probably couldn''t even tell that it needs it, but I am very sensitive to color and picky about my jewelry. However, the rest of it is still as shiny as the day I got it. I think though, later on if we upgrade it, I would prefer platinum because of two things. One, I feel (personally) that it is slightly more durable than white gold, and secondly, my friend''s mother has an antique platinum engagement and wedding set that is GORGEOUS. The metal doesn''t shine, but rather has that patina on it. It''s a matter of preference if you like it of course, but it is kind of a steely gray color that I think sets off the whiteness of the diamonds beautifully. You could always go with a white gold setting for now due to the cost of platinum (that''s what we decided on), and upgrade the setting later if you both decide that is what you prefer. But white gold is a very nice metal to have your diamonds set in, so no, you are NOT crazy for wanting to set it in that

 

[MustangGal]

I wore an 18kt set for 2 1/2 years, and it still looked white. I really liked it, but it''s up to you and your girl.

 

[FireGoddess]

There are benefits to both metals, as you know. The maintenance required for each is very much user dependent. If you bang your PT rings around alot, you will want to have them polished more often. If your skin reacts with the rhodium plating, you may need to have it plated more often. I have rings in both metals. I haven''t had to polish the PT or rhodium plate the gold in over a year. So...just depends which you prefer!

 

[codex57]

It all depends on how you treat the ring. My wedding band is 14K white gold. My wife''s e-ring (she stopped wearing the band cuz the two rings kept scratching each other and otherwise felt uncomfortable) is platinum. Mine got a lot more scratched up a lot quicker.

I didn''t get it replated. Instead, I had mine repolished in less than a year. If you''re active and don''t take your ring off constantly, it''s gonna get scratched enough to lose its shininess. Doesn''t really matter which material you get. We liked platinum for her cuz she has a very plain setting and the weight made it feel more valuable.

 

[jaz464]

It also depends on the type of setting you get. My platinum ring is completely covered in pave so scratches are not a problem, as there is no smooth area to scratch. So I don''t have to get the ring dipped or buffed so it is pretty much maintenance free. I also like the weight of platinum.