E colored AVC -- platinum or unplated 18k WG?

[kassia]

I'm working on a solitaire with an E-colord AVC. The ring will be a simple, classic, double-prong cathedral setting. Not vintage, per se, but definitely not modern.

I've always liked the warm, antique look of unplated 18k WG, and had always thought I'd use it for this setting. However, when I saw the stone IRL, I was struck by how white it looks, and wonder if it would look better in a platinum setting.

I've read lots of threads on choosing metals and understand the issues with the platinum patina, etc. Right now I'm just interested in anyone's experience with how very white diamonds look with platinum vs. the warmer unplated 18k.

Does a bright white diamond make unplated 18k look dingy? Does it clash? Or does it just give the ring a softer look (which I like)? Or am I overthinking this? (DH votes that I'm overthinking and doesn't mind that 18k is cheaper than platinum!) Thank you!

 

[oldcutclubmember]

I think it will give it a softer look that you are looking for and not clash. Platinum comes off more grey and steely.

I have small .53 ct F AVR set in a platinum bezel pendant. I also have a warmer GIA M colored asscher set in unplated WG. I tried to take some pics for you so that you can see how the F would look against both metals. Please excuse the crazy set up. The unplated WG bezel is connected to a YG chain so I was trying to cover up the chain to minimize the YG from reflecting off of the unplated WG.

 

[kassia]

I think it will give it a softer look that you are looking for and not clash. Platinum comes off more grey and steely.

I have small .53 ct F AVR set in a platinum bezel pendant. I also have a warmer GIA M colored asscher set in unplated WG. I tried to take some pics for you so that you can see how the F would look against both metals. Please excuse the crazy set up. The unplated WG bezel is connected to a YG chain so I was trying to cover up the chain to minimize the YG from reflecting off of the unplated WG.

Oh thank you so much! This is such a thoughtful and helpful reply. I appreciate it, and am going to stick with my instinct to go with the softer 18k unplated.

 

[yssie]

@kassia “Unplated white gold” can vary HUGELY in colour depending on alloy. Even within a given karat. So if there is a specific shade you do (or don’t) want, you’re going to have to be quite specific with your vendor.

In general WG that’s alloyed with palladium will be much cooler and more steely than non-palladium/WG - the reason for that is that palladium/WG is designed to “look white without needing to ever replate”.

Example: In my photo below all five rings in the middle are 18k WG (unplated). Flanked by platinum on the left (PT 950/Ru) and 14k YG on the right.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-color-and-metal-options.191295/post-3486495

More threads:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/yoo-hoo-yssie-metal-question-for-you.192990/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/question-for-those-of-you-with-unplated-wg.178531/

I love unplated white gold. All shades. However, a practical consideration: If many years from now you decide you want a matching band/bangle/whatever, you’ll need to
(A) have information about the exact alloy composition that was used originally, and
(B) find a vendor willing to acquire and use your specific alloy.
Neither are trivial asks... The exception is palladium/WG - all palladium/WG basically looks the same, any 18k alloy will be close enough.

 

[kassia]

@kassia “Unplated white gold” can vary HUGELY in colour depending on alloy. Even within a given karat. So if there is a specific shade you do (or don’t) want, you’re going to have to be quite specific with your vendor.

In general WG that’s alloyed with palladium will be much cooler and more steely than non-palladium/WG - the reason for that is that palladium/WG is designed to “look white without needing to ever replate”.

Example: In my photo below all five rings in the middle are 18k WG (unplated). Flanked by platinum on the left (PT 950/Ru) and 14k YG on the right.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-color-and-metal-options.191295/post-3486495

More threads:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/yoo-hoo-yssie-metal-question-for-you.192990/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/question-for-those-of-you-with-unplated-wg.178531/

I love unplated white gold. All shades. However, a practical consideration: If many years from now you decide you want a matching band/bangle/whatever, you’ll need to
(A) have information about the exact alloy composition that was used originally, and
(B) find a vendor willing to acquire and use your specific alloy.
Neither are trivial asks... The exception is palladium/WG - all palladium/WG basically looks the same, any 18k alloy will be close enough.

Thank you so much, this is really helpful! It's good to know that just because I say "unplated 18k WG" doesn't mean a ring will be a particular color. I especially appreciate the point about matching other 18k unplated WG because I have an 18k wedding band that, after 20 years, has never been redipped, but it sounds like I can't assume a ne ring in "unplated 18k white gold" will necessarily match.

 

[Cerulean]

These pics may be so bad they are unhelpful, but I’ve since sold this diamond!

It was E color - in platinum, and next to 14k palladium WG. They are a very deep solid grey, a bit warmer in tone than platinum which I find is very cool-toned, but still definitely “grey”

I actually think an icy white diamond would look beautiful in unplated WG. Cartier has some unplated WG pieces if you live near a store…