Platinum has long had a great allure. Whether you should choose a platinum or white gold diamond engagement ring is often an important decision most couples come across when looking for their dream diamond ring.
Platinum Benefits
There are a few things you need to know before deciding whether platinum is the right choice for you. One of the main benefits of platinum is its density. Platinum is about 40% denser than white gold. While this makes it a better wearing metal, it is important to understand that it does not mean it is scratch proof or indestructible. Any piece of jewellery that is worn will require maintenance, so even a platinum ring will still dull over time as the metal becomes scratched. The increased density means that the ring will also weigh more, which is a feature that a lot of clients find appealing.
The other main advantage of platinum is that it doesn’t need to be be rhodium plated. The platinum used in jewellery is usually 95% pure, and as it is naturally a white metal, it doesn’t need to be rhodium plated. The colour that you see now, is the colour that it will always be.
Another benefit that some people find useful, is that it is a very hypoallergenic metal. If you are finding that your body is reacting to the minor alloys in white gold, then platinum might be an option to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Misconceptions or Disadvantages of Platinum
One misunderstanding about platinum is that it is actually whiter than white gold. Although platinum does not require rhodium plating as white gold does, the rhodium plating process actually makes the white gold look whiter. So it is important to compare the two side by side, to see which colour you prefer.
The other important consideration with platinum, is its melting point. As it is much higher than gold, if you ever need to retip a claw or do work near the diamond, often the stones will need to be removed. This will add extra costs to any repair work that you might need to have in the future.
Remember if you choose a platinum engagement ring, it will mean that you will need a platinum wedding band and eternity ring as well. Sometimes the extra money spent on upgrading your metal (which you may not always see), may be better spent on upgrading your diamond (which you definitely will see).
Platinum is a great metal to use in jewellery, as long as you understand all the pros and cons. If you would like to compare the differences, we can help show you the contrast between the two metals, and help you weigh up the costs and benefits to see if platinum is the best fit for you.