White Gold vs Platinum

[Sujuann]

Hello, All!

This is my first post!! Yeeeaaahhh!!

I have done some research and got a ton of information from this great website

but I thought I would get some feedback from all of you! My question is aobut White Gold vs Platinum.

I was told that if you get white gold, you will have to have it "redipped" an average of once every 6 months. I am not sure of the truth in that but I was concerned. Then someone told me that platinum gets dinged easily so you have to have it buffed to get out hte scratches. He then told me that when you get it buffed you are ideally "shaving" a layer of the ring off. So now I am confused!!

So what is better... to get dipped and pay $25-$45 each dipping or shave a layer off for free? What do most of you all have? Or is the information that I have been told inaccurate?

Thanks!!

 

[Sundial]

Welcome to pricescope! I have both platinum and white gold rings and each has its advantages and disadvantages. I think the frequency of having to have your white gold ring redipped depends on the style of the ring, how often it is worn, and the wearer's own body chemistry. I have had my white gold three stone ring for a year now and haven't needed to redip it yet. Platinum does scratch, which dulls the finish, but it can be repolished and you do not lose any metal when you do so.

 

[FireGoddess]

What you choose is a matter of personal preference. Like Sundial said, white gold will need to be rhodium plated occasionally to recapture the stark whiteness. But how often depends on your body chemistry. I've had wg rings I've worn occasionally and never dipped, and even one I've had for a year now with daily wear hasn't needed to go back for a dip yet. Platinum IMO is more easily scratched but it is easily polished. And you won't lose any metal doing so - you actually retain more metal when you polish platinum than when you polish gold. Platinum weighs a LOT more than wg, so the ring feels more heavy and substantial. It's really a personal preference. I have both because there are merits to each!

And where are my manners....welcome!!

 

[MissAva]

There is a third option which is palladium, which is less then platinum, but still does not need to be dipped the way WG does and like platinum it wont loose metal over time. Some companies such as Novella are letting you order stock pieces from the B&M in this metal and Scott Kay is coming out with a palladium line this fall. Hope this helps, and does not merely add another option!

 

[jewelryjunkie]

I have white gold and platinum rings. I like all of them equally but for different reasons.

My first wedding set was whitegold. I never had to dip it. It did have a warmer look to the white metal but I liked it. It was white enough for me. Also it didn''t show scratches and dings like my current wedding set.

My upgraded wedding set is platinum and I like the heft of it. It does show scratches much more but my diamond is so sparkly that I don''t really notice the scratches unless I really look close.

Another minor thing to consider is that platinum rings don''t wear out if you wear another ring next to it. Gold rings worn with another ring will wear out. It takes quite a few years depending on the thickness of the gold ring, but they do wear out.

Bottom line - both white gold and platinum will require some maintenance.
2nd Bottom line - both are good choices for a ring, you won''t go wrong with either metal.

If the color of the metal is most important to you then go with the color you like best.
If you don''t want your ring to look scratched up go with gold. Both gold and platinum rings get scratched but gold doesn''t show as bad.

Picking a metal is just like picking a diamond, you have to decide what is most important to you. Instead of color and clarity, you have color and scratch resistance.

Good luck!

 

[Gypsy]

When I reset my ring I will be getting a platinum setting. One, because it is going to be very delicate in design and I want the heavy feel of platinum and two because when I have it polished I don't want to loose too much metal, three because I want a flush fit set. My current setting is a 14 carat white gold one that I've worn constantly for 3 years. I will be having the setting re-dipped when I re-set the diamond because I will be getting this setting set with another stone... a yellow one and want this one to be as white as possible in contrast. I'm also thinking about having it polished with a satin finish at that time, if they can do that. As I won't be wearing it often, I doubt I'll have to re-dip this setting again for at least 10 years, if that. I would, however totally consider another WG setting if I were getting a different design than the one I am. I've been very happy with it and it shows very little scratching.


Oh! And my jeweler does the re-dipping for free. It was a service included in the price of the setting when we bought it He's also re-setting the setting with the yellow zircon I did not buy from him for a small nominal fee? But again, not charging me for any re-plating or anything like that.

 

[codex57]

I don''t think it matters too much to be honest. I have a white gold wedding band. I''ve been wearing it for about 6 months now. It looks like crap with scratches, dings, etc. My wife''s band is WG as well. Her e-ring is platinum. She used to wear them together. Platinum was only slightly less durable. If you''re active, both are gonna get all scratched anyways. I like the heavy feel of platinum more than the minimal increase in wear resistance of WG.

 

[sumbride]

What is the process of re-dipping? Do the stones have to be removed when you have it done? I''ve never been quite clear on that.

 

[lizz]

I have both WG and platinum rings too. I didn''t like at all how the platinum wears over time and looks brushed due to scratches. I loved how it looked when it was repolished, but who is patient enough to keep going back to get it repolished?! Not me. I did love the heaviness and sturdiness of the platinum, so structurally, it was great. My current platinum ring has pave diamonds all along the band, so the only thing that will get scratched is the side of the shank, which I don''t care about since a wedding band sits behind it, and I will never see the platinum scratches.

I also have a pear diamond ring with pear sidestones (like Jessica Simpson''s) in 18K white gold. The sides (profile) of the shank definitely need to be redipped, but I''ll probably never do it. Since it''s only on the side, it''s not that noticeable. Since diamonds cover almost the whole top of the ring, the metal wearing away isn''t that noticeable either.

So, now having laid this out, I realize that (for myself) I probably need to have diamonds covering the whole top view of the ring to avoid either metal wearing away (WG) or scratching/dulling (platinum). Both metals frankly get on my nerves. Matatora''s suggestion to get palladium is probably the best.

 

[Lynn B]

I''ve had both and personally, I much prefer platinum. WG turns on me REALLY fast, and I find that extremely annoying! I love the heavier feel of platinum and the patina it develops with age and wear. I know that platinum is more expensive than WG and that can be a real issue -- but IMHO it''s definitely worth it.

 

[jaz464]

Date: 5/16/2006 7:25:57 PM
Author: jewelryjunkie
I have white gold and platinum rings. I like all of them equally but for different reasons.

My first wedding set was whitegold. I never had to dip it. It did have a warmer look to the white metal but I liked it. It was white enough for me. Also it didn't show scratches and dings like my current wedding set.

My upgraded wedding set is platinum and I like the heft of it. It does show scratches much more but my diamond is so sparkly that I don't really notice the scratches unless I really look close.

Another minor thing to consider is that platinum rings don't wear out if you wear another ring next to it. Gold rings worn with another ring will wear out. It takes quite a few years depending on the thickness of the gold ring, but they do wear out.

Bottom line - both white gold and platinum will require some maintenance.
2nd Bottom line - both are good choices for a ring, you won't go wrong with either metal.

If the color of the metal is most important to you then go with the color you like best.
If you don't want your ring to look scratched up go with gold. Both gold and platinum rings get scratched but gold doesn't show as bad.

Picking a metal is just like picking a diamond, you have to decide what is most important to you. Instead of color and clarity, you have color and scratch resistance.

Good luck!

Both WG and plat. will wear each other out if they are next to each other. 2 platinum rings will wear on each other in the same way that 2 WG rings will wear on each other.

I think that you must consider what the setting will look like. I have a 3 sided pave platinum band, so as someone else mentioned, there isn't really much room left for scratching.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 5/16/2006 8:03:08 PM
Author: sumbride
What is the process of re-dipping? Do the stones have to be removed when you have it done? I've never been quite clear on that.

Sumbride,

It's an elegant process using positive and negative electrical current. It's quick & painless

and the diamonds don't have to be removed.

Explanation here: Rhodium Plating Process

 

[kenny]

I have a platinum ring that originaly came with a brushed finish.
I will never repolish it.

It will develop a well worn patina, just like me - no face lifts for me - no way!

 

[sumbride]

Date: 5/17/2006 12:41:40 PM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/16/2006 8:03:08 PM

Author: sumbride

What is the process of re-dipping? Do the stones have to be removed when you have it done? I''ve never been quite clear on that.

Sumbride,


It''s an elegant process using positive and negative electrical current. It''s quick & painless

and the diamonds don''t have to be removed.


Explanation here: Rhodium Plating Process

Cool, thanks John! I''ve always had a picture in my head of a vat of liquid metal that the ring is dipped in, like epoxy painting or easter egg dye. I''m glad it''s a little bit different.

 

[Ippon20]

Isn''t there a new way of producing white gold where the rhodium is mixed in with the gold making it white through and through? I thought my jeweler had mentioned it when I was getting my fiance''s platinum ring cast.

D

 

[littlelysser]

One thing to consider - if you have any allergy issues, I''d recommend platinum.

Every now and again I''d have an allergic reaction to my white gold rings, so when it came to my ering, I went with platinum. I don''t regret it a bit.

And for what it is worth, the patina on the platinum might not be an issue...my ring is a halo with pave set diamonds...and there isn''t enough plain platinum showing to show any scratches.

 

[Rod]

Date: 5/17/2006 2:19:40 PM
Author: Ippon20
Isn''t there a new way of producing white gold where the rhodium is mixed in with the gold making it white through and through? I thought my jeweler had mentioned it when I was getting my fiance''s platinum ring cast.

D

What you are likely referring to is white gold alloyed with Palladium. Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I''m sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

I''ve had both white gold and platinum. I will only own platinum going forward. My personal experience has been a little different than some others in that I have found my platinum ring to not scratch as easily as my white gold ring did. I''ve been wearing platinum now for the last several years and have been much happier with its'' durability. It''s easier to polish and as others have commented, you lose less metal with platinum when you do polish it.

 

[strmrdr]

There are some white gold alloys that do not have to be plated.
14kx1 and 18kx1 being 2 of them.

 

[cflutist]

Date: 5/17/2006 5:05:08 PM
Author: strmrdr
There are some white gold alloys that do not have to be plated.
14kx1 and 18kx1 being 2 of them.

Here is a picture comparing Platinum vs. 14X1 vs. 18K-WG. There is a definite tint in the 18K-WG.

 

[Odilia]

I didn''t have time to read all the posts, so forgive me if I''m repeating things. Something to consider too is the cost of re-sizing a platinum ring is more than white gold. Also, I would think how much diamond is in the rings would make a difference. For example, if I were going all solitaire, plain wedding band, then a lot more metal is showing, and therefore, the metal I chose would be more important. If I were getting e-ring and w-band with lots of diamonds, and not much metal is visible, I might not care as much what the metal looked like. Just thought I''d throw that two cents in since I didn''t see it mentioned.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 5/17/2006 3:33:21 PM
Author: Rod

Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I'm sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

Actually you covered it Rod. Palladium-white gold does not require plating, but it does have a slightly more grey appearance (whereas rhodium plating is very white). The bonus of Palladium-white gold is that it is softer and more ductile than nickel-white gold and it helps avoid allergic reactions like skin rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

The only known antidote to this allergy is the setting of a large diamond on top of the nickel white gold band.

University tests prove that the larger the diamond, the fewer women suffer with ill effects.

There is an inverse relationship in the case of men. The likely side effects are extreme anxiousness

 

[ayng]

just have what i got: 19K white gold with a platinum head. the 19K ring does not require rhodium plating but the goldsmith chose to use platinum for the head because 19K is too strong so to protect the diamond from scratching when trying to mount it to a 19K head, he chose platinum which is more pliable. the result is the best of both worlds. of course, not many goldsmiths handle 19K so if you choose this route, choose a trusted goldsmith.

 

[Rod]

Date: 5/18/2006 12:40:55 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

The only known antidote to this allergy is the setting of a large diamond on top of the nickel white gold band.

University tests prove that the larger the diamond, the fewer women suffer with ill effects.

There is an inverse relationship in the case of men. The likely side effects are extreme anxiousness

Too funny Gary!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/17/2006 3:33:21 PM
Author: Rod

Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I''m sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

Actually you covered it Rod. Palladium-white gold does not require plating, but it does have a slightly more grey appearance (whereas rhodium plating is very white). The bonus of Palladium-white gold is that it is softer and more ductile than nickel-white gold and it helps avoid allergic reactions like skin rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

John, are y''all using palladium white gold routinely or do people have to specifically ask for it?

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 5/18/2006 10:20:27 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/17/2006 3:33:21 PM
Author: Rod

Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I''m sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

Actually you covered it Rod. Palladium-white gold does not require plating, but it does have a slightly more grey appearance (whereas rhodium plating is very white). The bonus of Palladium-white gold is that it is softer and more ductile than nickel-white gold and it helps avoid allergic reactions like skin rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

John, are y''all using palladium white gold routinely or do people have to specifically ask for it?

DS, we use palladium-white gold in our Whiteflash Design collection of settings. For other projects it must be requested.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 5/18/2006 12:40:55 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

The only known antidote to this allergy is the setting of a large diamond on top of the nickel white gold band.

University tests prove that the larger the diamond, the fewer women suffer with ill effects.

There is an inverse relationship in the case of men. The likely side effects are extreme anxiousness

Sadly, the larger diamond only cures allergies temporarily for some. Many women find the immunity breaks down in proportion to the advance of DSS (diamond shrinkage syndrome - not to be confused with DOCD

). In time an even larger diamond is necessary to offset the allergy.

It's a vicious cycle and those poor ladies are helpless to do anything except...upgrade!

 

[Rod]

John......It''s such a complement that DOCD has made it into PS Lexicon. I am indeed honored

.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 5/18/2006 1:10:05 PM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/18/2006 10:20:27 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/17/2006 3:33:21 PM
Author: Rod

Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I''m sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

Actually you covered it Rod. Palladium-white gold does not require plating, but it does have a slightly more grey appearance (whereas rhodium plating is very white). The bonus of Palladium-white gold is that it is softer and more ductile than nickel-white gold and it helps avoid allergic reactions like skin rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

John, are y''all using palladium white gold routinely or do people have to specifically ask for it?

DS, we use palladium-white gold in our Whiteflash Design collection of settings. For other projects it must be requested.

I really, REALLY wish I had known that before my fiance had my ring designed and made. I don''t think he knew to request palladium because I was almost 100% sure WF used palladium in the design collection, so I assumed it would be what was used in custom projects, as well. I''m pretty sure mine''s a nickel WG, and I have a bad history with nickel WG.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 5/18/2006 12:10:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 5/17/2006 3:33:21 PM
Author: Rod

Often, white gold is alloyed with nickel, which is whiter than yellow gold, but not as white as platinum and thus needs Rhodium plating to give it that white as white look. Alloying with Palladium has been shown to help the metal stay white without the need to plate it. I'm sure John from Whiteflash can give a better description

.

Actually you covered it Rod. Palladium-white gold does not require plating, but it does have a slightly more grey appearance (whereas rhodium plating is very white). The bonus of Palladium-white gold is that it is softer and more ductile than nickel-white gold and it helps avoid allergic reactions like skin rashes, dermatitis, and eczema. Around 12-15% of the female population has an allergic reaciton to nickel-white gold.

strmrdr mentioned "There are some white gold alloys that do not have to be plated.
e.g. 14kx1"
I was wondering is 14kx1 Palladium-white gold or nickel-white gold ? Or something else?