white gold vs. platinum

[Stylisch]

i need opinions on why one is better, maybe not "better", but the differences between the two. case in point, i have the option to buy an engagement ring either in white gold or platinum and i dont know why i should go with one over the other, thanks!!

 

[sumi]

You will find a lot of information if you do a search for white gold and platimun on this site.

Keep in mind that some people have negative skin reactions to white gold (myself included). You might want to keep that in mind as you make your decision.

 

[pqcollectibles]

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On 1/26/2004 6:30:24 PM sumi wrote:

You will find a lot of information if you do a search for white gold and platimun on this site.

Keep in mind that some people have negative skin reactions to white gold (myself included). You might want to keep that in mind as you make your decision. ----------------

Me 2, Sumi! Contact dermatitis. I go platinum.

Platinum costs more but is more durable. Hypoallergenic. Always stays white. Low maintenance.

White gold costs less. Will have to be rhodium coated periodically to restore the white luster. Potential for skin interaction due to alloy metals.

 

[Griffin]

It is a personal choice, but you have to remember that platinum has been force-fed down the public's throat by a multi-billion dollar advertising campaign by platinum refiners to combat falling metal prices a few years back.

Both platinum and white gold have thier advantages and disadvantages, but lately you only hear one side of it.
Fact is, white gold is preferable in many types of setting, is cheaper, is self-burnishing, and IS non-allergenic when using a modern palladium based white gold.
In actual fact it does NOT require Rhodium plating at all! Only Platinum requires constant maintenance and Rhodium re-plating, ironic since that is the charge most often leveled at white gold by people claiming the superiority of platinum.

It all comes down to personal choice, and the intended use, but at least as many very experienced and educated people prefer White Gold as prefer Platinum.
Look at both realistically before choosing. Unfortunately, that is nearly impossible with the misinformation in todays market.

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

PLATINUM DOES NOT NEED OR REQUIRE RHODIUM PLATING UNLESS:
it is 950 Platinum with the Palladium mix. This metal hardness is only 60HV. 950 Platinum with 5% Palladium is really soft and even dents with use. It also requires a Rhodium plating to modify the color which well wear off in a few weeks or months. This is the only Platinum that may require rhodium plating only for coloring purposes. The other Platinum Mixes which are more superior do not need a rhodium plating because platinum is the same color as rhodium. Rhodium plating on platinum only hides inperfections that may arrise from the maker if used on the higher grades of platinum. A good Platinumsmith finishes the piece completely where as you won't see imperfections. In other words, Rhodium is only for color and holding a shine.

The best Platinum for jewelry in my opinion is 950 Platinum S1 which has a hardness of up to 280HV, harder and more scratch resistance than 10K, 14k, & especially 18K gold jewelry and holds it natural platinum color and shine longer than any other Platinum Mixes. 950 Platinum with Colbalt or Tungsten are very hard and more scratch resistance than the golds, too, with a 135HV hardness. 950 Platinum with Ruthenium is my 2nd choice and has a hardness rating of 135+HV.

It is true that platinum is much more expesive to purchase than any of the golds, but I like it because of it's color, weight, and the price tag it holds. Has a more luxurious feeling when wearing platinum compared to gold, in my opinion, and really enhances diamonds as well.

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

A platinum chart from a Platinumsmith friend of mine ....

 

[fire&ice]

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On 1/26/2004 10:45:32 PM Griffin wrote:

It is a personal choice, but you have to remember that platinum has been force-fed down the public's throat by a multi-billion dollar advertising campaign by platinum refiners to combat falling metal prices a few years back.
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Hah! Yes, platinum does seem to be the flavor of the day. Yellow gold was the "it" metal for engagment rings when I became engaged.

That said, platinum does have a certain cache. It also takes on a more mellow patina that I personanlly like.

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

http://www.kitco.com/charts/liveplatinum.html

Very nicely priced now, High!

 

[Griffin]

I have had the same problem with 950 plat/iridium oxidizing dull flat grey almost monthly and scratching up/denting like mad. That chart you posted certainly explains why! 80 HV is softer than some of my sterling alloys ship....

I have got to check out this S-1. Sounds like many of my complaints with platinum might be cured.
I'd like to build a couple of test pieces to beat around. Anybody know who sells grain and what is it like to work?

 

[sumi]

I heard that certain attributes of platinum make it superior for setting stones. I think it was explained to me that gold/white gold is more brittle and with intricate work like prongs, platinum is a better metal. Is this true?



Any white metal seems to be the flavor of the day and people don't seem to give yellow gold any consideration. While I do like the look of platinum or white gold against diamonds, that doesn't mean that yellow gold is not beautiful. All the metals are beautiful in their own way. I'm on a crusade to help bring back yellow gold!!

 

[Griffin]

>I heard that certain attributes of platinum make it >superior for setting stones. I think it was explained >to me that gold/white gold is more brittle and with >intricate work like prongs, platinum is a better >metal. Is this true?

Yes, platinum makes for superior heads in most cases.
It is less brittle and can be much stronger. Plat heads work great - whether or not it is necessary for the entire shank is another subject...

 

[Hongerhond]

After buying my diamond online I went to Derco in San Francisco to pick out a setting. I had my heart set on platinum, even had the budget for it - a healthy $2500 for the setting alone. I was convinced that's what I wanted, after spending some time (OK, a LOT of time...) on this board. Then I saw and handled platinum settings and I was shocked at how little I liked it! It had a very industrial look and feel to it, and also seemed to pick up a lot of fingerprints. I immdeiately loved the feel and look of white gold. I refused to accept this and went back to jewelers over the next few weeks to handle more platinum, to convince myself that I really DID prefer platinum. However, white gold stole my heart and I ended up going with it. Bottom line: I think it is a personal choice and you really need to see and handle both metals yourself in order to make the right decision.

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

http://www.hooverandstrong.com/mill/plat-s+.htm
the producers of Platinum S1 (Platinum S+) and Steven Kretchmer the innovator behind Platinum S1 http://professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/1998/apr98/0498pm1.html


Photo of Steven Kretchmer:

 

[Beth]

PD I have forgotten, what is your preferred mix for whitest platnium that doesn't scratch...Do you have the foumula on you to give to your benchmen or do you just order from the same place all the time? I know you have multiple custom works.

PS send my warm regards to LJ

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

>>>PD I have forgotten, what is your preferred mix for whitest platnium that doesn't scratch...Do you have the foumula on you to give to your benchmen or do you just order from the same place all the time? I know you have multiple custom works.<<<

Hi Beth .... no, I have been using the same Platinumsmith for my platinum rings and my wife's new e-ring. Actually, I don't know of anyone else that is using the S1 mix in their 950 Platinum. Jeff Truitt is who I go to and always will because I know of his precision work and service. Jeff told me that it does melt at a little lower temperature, but working with S1 takes a special talent and training to master it's perfection of the piece. The S1 is a patented mix and unknown to the public, including myself. I do believe it has a tad amount or Ruthenium in the S1 mix, though.

Just curious, but does anyone know of any other Platinumsmith's that use the S1 mix?

 

[fire&ice]

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On 1/27/2004 9:26:15 PM sumi wrote:


Any white metal seems to be the flavor of the day and people don't seem to give yellow gold any consideration. While I do like the look of platinum or white gold against diamonds, that doesn't mean that yellow gold is not beautiful. I'm on a crusade to help bring back yellow gold!!

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Funny, I rode all the tides & the only thing that's been gold in the past 30 years or so has been my e-ring & watch. I've always worn white metal because it goes best with my coloring & typically black attire. And, I would suggest the same to anyone else. Wear what you look best w/ your coloring. My blonde darker skin friend looks much better in yellow gold, which is what she wears.