White gold versus platinum

femme55

Hi, I am pricing rings and was wondering if it's true that white gold discolors rather quickly and that you have to have it re-plated regularly by a jeweler to keep the color.  There's such a large price difference between the platinum and gold settings.  I was wondering if it's worth it or if this is a rumor spread by platinum marketing people.  So if you have a white gold ring and can tell me how it's holding up, I'd appreciate any insight.    Everything I see on google says that the white gold loses its color.

jagore08

It depends on your body oils and what you do with your hands.  My rings turn a yellowish color (not so noticeable to anyone but me, really) and I get it re-plated once a year when I get the prongs checked.  It's free with the warranty DH purchased when he purchased my ring.  If we could have afforded platinum we would have gone that route but the cost was just too high.

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:0f6b542e-fce4-4a67-b38f-65303a00174b">White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi, I am pricing rings and was wondering if it's true that white gold discolors rather quickly and that you have to have it re-plated regularly by a jeweler to keep the color.  There's such a large price difference between the platinum and gold settings.  I was wondering if it's worth it or if this is a rumor spread by platinum marketing people.  So if you have a white gold ring and can tell me how it's holding up, I'd appreciate any insight.  :)  Everything I see on google says that the white gold loses its color.
Posted by femme55@hotmail.com[/QUOTE]

I work in a jewelry store focused on bridal jewelry and I can answer your question. Platinum is a superior metal. If you can afford it, get platinum. It is worth the investment.

The "platinum marketing people" are called the Platinum Guild. The reason they exist is that platinum must be kept at or above at least a certain price/oz. or it's just not worth it to take it out of the ground. That being said, it really is a superior metal, and in most cases, a better metal for holding diamonds.** The "turning yellow" factor varies from person to person, and depends also on the exact alloy content of the gold used in the ring. This is, however, only one small part of why platinum is a better choice for people wanting white metal.

If you want more detailed info, read this blog post I wrote last year: <a href="http://futuremrssargent.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-love-has-just-gone-platinum.html" rel="nofollow">http://futuremrssargent.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-love-has-just-gone-platinum.html</a>
<span style="font-family:inherit;" class="Apple-style-span">This is my spiel on platinum that I give customers, when they're willing to listen. :)
</span>One of my friends says this helped her understand platinum vs. gold and it helped convince her FI platinum was worth the extra money.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me :)

**There are some setting styles popular today that should not be made in platinum due to the different properties of gold - these include very high "Tiffany style" settings, especially those with just 4 prongs, and certain shared prong diamond rings or bands, especially if they are very delicate or thin. Again, feel free to ask me if you have a question.

firsttimersluck

I LOVE my platinum ring. I am a bit abusive to my hands (with cleaning, the gym, hiking, etc..) so I needed a metal that could put up with me :P The platinum was worth it for me, but we all have different needs, wants, and budgets. 

I can't speak on the coloring of gold, as I have never had a white gold ring. I have never had an issue with yellowing of gold pieces in the past, but as PP mentioned, it depends on your body oils. 

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:4c8c5748-6c77-4274-bcbf-7c593712b6a5">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to White gold versus platinum :**There are some setting styles popular today that should not be made in platinum due to the different properties of gold - these include very high "Tiffany style" settings, especially those with just 4 prongs, and certain shared prong diamond rings or bands, especially if they are very delicate or thin. Again, feel free to ask me if you have a question.
Posted by SaraR715[/QUOTE]

<div>I respectfully disagree. I have a four prong, princess cut <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10027#f+3/0/0/0/0/0">Tiffany setting</a> in Platinum and haven't had an issue, nor have a few friends that have Tiffany 4-prongs. Because Platinum 's ductility is so high, it is easily reformed when it scratches; and since it doesn't "break" the way gold does, the chances of losing my diamond are more slim.  (of course, we have insurance for the "just in case" moments) </div><div>
</div><div>Also, I find a lot of your reasonings for liking Platinum to be incredibly subjective. Some points you make are fine, I suppose, but "eternal" and "feels significant" ? Are you serious? I highly doubt that women with white gold rings feel less significant than me because they don't have platinum. </div><div>
</div>

mymissingpuzzlepiece

I really think that deciding whether you like platinum or white gold depends on your personal opinion. A lot of people like platinum because of the weight of the metal and the durability of it. Many people also would prefer white gold because the metal stays more silver like, instead of the platinums's patina that develops over time. I have a white gold ring and love it. 

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:99bee0d8-be94-4706-9a19-77a4100d4e81">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : I respectfully disagree. I have a four prong, princess cut  Tiffany setting  in Platinum and haven't had an issue, nor have a few friends that have Tiffany 4-prongs. Because Platinum 's ductility is so high, it is easily reformed when it scratches; and since it doesn't "break" the way gold does, the chances of losing my diamond are more slim.  (of course, we have insurance for the "just in case" moments)  Also, I find a lot of your reasonings for liking Platinum to be incredibly subjective. Some points you make are fine, I suppose, but "eternal" and "feels significant" ? Are you serious? I highly doubt that women with white gold rings feel less significant than me because they don't have platinum. 
Posted by firsttimersluck[/QUOTE]

I'm not on here as a vendor, I'm on here as a bride. I mention it only because it is true and I have experience. I work in my family's small, single location, privately owned retail jewelry store. We focus on quality, customer service, and custom design. I didn't post to promote my store, or my blog, just to give an informed, educated perspective. I'm an Accredited Jewelry Professional and a Graduate Gemologist, I studied at the Gemological Institute of America - the most prominent gem trade lab in the country and world.

With regard to the 4 prong tiffany setting - it is not that it is ALWAYS bad, it is that IF a diamond is set high with only four prongs, it is at much greater risk for coming loose. The reason platinum CAN BE a negative in the types of settings described above is that it is a more malleable metal than gold. The long prongs have the possibility of bending and the stone comes loose. This is most common in fancy shape stones because they tend to be deeper than round brilliant. I have a good friend who purchased a platinum ring with 1.60ct emerald cut, with tiny shared prong diamonds on the band. Her band is bent and the diamond comes loose all the time. (this ring is not from my store, she came to me due to the problems)

All I was saying - and this is straight from my bench jeweler, a JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler who has been in our store alone over 16 years - is that some setting designs are designed for gold not platinum. They are different metals and should be dealt with accordingly when it comes to rings.

LoveMuffins

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:4c8c5748-6c77-4274-bcbf-7c593712b6a5">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to White gold versus platinum : I work in a jewelry store focused on bridal jewelry and I can answer your question. Platinum is a superior metal. If you can afford it, get platinum. It is worth the investment.f you want more detailed info, read this blog post I wrote last year: <a href="http://futuremrssargent.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-love-has-just-gone-platinum.html" rel="nofollow">http://futuremrssargent.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-love-has-just-gone-platinum.html</a> This is my spiel on platinum that I give customers, when they're willing to listen. :) One of my friends says this helped her understand platinum vs. gold and it helped convince her FI platinum was worth the extra money. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me :) **There are some setting styles popular today that should not be made in platinum due to the different properties of gold - these include very high "Tiffany style" settings, especially those with just 4 prongs, and certain shared prong diamond rings or bands, especially if they are very delicate or thin. Again, feel free to ask me if you have a question.
Posted by SaraR715[/QUOTE]

I can tell you work in a jewelry store even without you saying it because you sound just like those salespeople who try to get people to spend money they don't have so that they can make a larger commission.

Platinum is not any more or less significant than any other metal. If you need a platinum band to have your WEDDING ring feel significant then that's just sad to me. Any wedding band is significant and emotional, well I suppose unless you have a sad, sad life and must have a platinum wedding band to make you FEEL significant since you aren't without it.

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:e316c8e7-9906-4070-8222-e0ea3b4554fe">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : I'm not on here as a vendor, I'm on here as a bride. I mention it only because it is true and I have experience. I work in my family's small, single location, privately owned retail jewelry store. We focus on quality, customer service, and custom design. I didn't post to promote my store, or my blog, just to give an informed, educated perspective. I'm an Accredited Jewelry Professional and a Graduate Gemologist, I studied at the Gemological Institute of America - the most prominent gem trade lab in the country and world. With regard to the 4 prong tiffany setting - it is not that it is ALWAYS bad, it is that IF a diamond is set high with only four prongs, it is at much greater risk for coming loose. The reason platinum CAN BE a negative in the types of settings described above is that it is a more malleable metal than gold. The long prongs have the possibility of bending and the stone comes loose. This is most common in fancy shape stones because they tend to be deeper than round brilliant. I have a good friend who purchased a platinum ring with 1.60ct emerald cut, with tiny shared prong diamonds on the band. Her band is bent and the diamond comes loose all the time. (this ring is not from my store, she came to me due to the problems) All I was saying - and this is straight from my bench jeweler, a JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler who has been in our store alone over 16 years - is that some setting designs are designed for gold not platinum. They are different metals and should be dealt with accordingly when it comes to rings.
Posted by SaraR715[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I never called you a vendor, nor do I trust many jewelers after being told that the difference between two different metals was that, "it's a different metal" and that stainless steel is "similar to spoons.. like.. you know.. the ones in your kitchen" </div><div>
</div><div>My point was solely that some (many) of your comments are subjective. Maybe a higher setting comes loose more easily, although that's why you pay for the quality in those situations. I am not concerned with my 4 prong setting (again, insurance allows me to be less concerned as well :P ), nor do I feel mightier-than-thou for owning a platinum ring. </div><div>
</div>

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:99bee0d8-be94-4706-9a19-77a4100d4e81">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : Some points you make are fine, I suppose, but "eternal" and "feels significant" ? Are you serious? I highly doubt that women with white gold rings feel less significant than me because they don't have platinum. 
Posted by firsttimersluck[/QUOTE]


And this is not about YOU feeling less significant, it's about the feel of the rings. Platinum literally weighs more. It's denser and it's heavier. And some people like that. "Feels significant" is the wording PGI uses and the only reason I use it in the post.

Eternal is actually not subjective - literally you do not lose metal over time with platinum. In 100 years, your plat. rings will have the same amount of metal they do today. That is not true of gold. It chips away over time. (yes, very small amounts at a time, but regardless, in 5, 10, 20 years, you will need the prongs, shank, etc. replaced on a gold ring, and rarely need that kind of maintenance, if any, with platinum. Rhodium plating on white gold is just one of the cost/maintenance factors involved in the upkeep of gold rings.)

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:4eedd3c5-b316-47be-a877-02f126267c1d">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : And this is not about YOU feeling less significant, it's about the feel of the rings. Platinum literally weighs more. It's denser and it's heavier. And some people like that. "Feels significant" is the wording PGI uses and the only reason I use it in the post. Eternal is actually not subjective - literally you do not lose metal over time with platinum. In 100 years, your plat. rings will have the same amount of metal they do today. That is not true of gold. It chips away over time. (yes, very small amounts at a time, but regardless, in 5, 10, 20 years, you will need the prongs, shank, etc. replaced on a gold ring, and rarely need that kind of maintenance, if any, with platinum. Rhodium plating on white gold is just one of the cost/maintenance factors involved in the upkeep of gold rings.)
Posted by SaraR715[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Then maybe jewelers should reconsider their word usage in these cases.</div><div>But a ring choice is based on the person: budget, hobbies, work, allergies, etc. And I don't feel that an unbiased person would say PLATINUM IS THE BEST HANDS DOWN. You clearly have a bias as a salesman. </div><div>
</div>

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:e503b70e-c499-4707-a9b5-17c172440ad7">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : I can tell you work in a jewelry store even without you saying it because you sound just like those salespeople who try to get people to spend money they don't have so that they can make a larger commission.
Posted by LoveMuffins[/QUOTE]

I don't work on commission. I never try to "get people to spend money they don't have". I know why people don't like or trust jewelers but I also know that people like you who make assumptions about <strong>all </strong>of jewelers based on these opinions make a normally very pleasant and rewarding job a lot more difficult.

The OP asked if platinum was worth the add'l cost. In my educated, experienced opinion, it is. Some of the reasons it is do not become clear until 10, 20, or 50 years down the road, and I would assume most people purchasing wedding rings care about that. As I said originally IF you can afford it, platinum is worth the investment.

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:e98b7ba3-40f7-45aa-b3ed-c2a840534f1f">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: White gold versus platinum : Then maybe jewelers should reconsider their word usage in these cases. But a ring choice is based on the person: budget, hobbies, work, allergies, etc. And I don't feel that an unbiased person would say PLATINUM IS THE BEST HANDS DOWN. You clearly have a bias as a salesman. 
Posted by firsttimersluck[/QUOTE]

Actually, I tend to make a smaller margin on platinum vs. gold bridal sales. (And when I say "make" I mean in general profit for the business as I already said I don't work on commission) Soooo...just saying.

A ring choice is based on budget, hobbies, work, allergies. 3 out of 4 of the things you just listed present additional arguments in favor of platinum. Since platinum is more durable and malleable, the likelihood of it being better for any type of hobbies or work are pretty good. It additon, platinum has the property of "work-hardening" over time, it becomes more durable and holds it shape better than more it is worked with and worn. A negative for gold, is that when it comes into contact with certain things (mostly chemicals, such as chlorine), it can be damaged, becoming porous and brittle from the alloys breaking down over time. Also, platinum is hypoallergenic. Most people that have any metal allergies have problems with either white gold or sterling silver, or both.

As far as budget, I have some engagement rings for $50 and for over $20,000. I think I probably have a pretty good idea how to work with customers on their budget and respect what is right for them. But if someone asks me whether platinum is better, or worth the extra money (which is what was asked!), I am going to tell the truth!

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:b108c281-bd14-4989-882f-16d9957a45ed">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]For the record, that was most definitely vendor activity.
Posted by LucyHC[/QUOTE]

<div><3 </div><div>
</div><div>eta: Now I look like I'm fighting with myself bahahaha</div>

SaraR715

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:b108c281-bd14-4989-882f-16d9957a45ed">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]For the record, that was most definitely vendor activity.
Posted by LucyHC[/QUOTE]

Why is simply stating what I do "vendor activity"?

My store is not on The Knot, and I never said where it was, what is was called, or attempted to get anyone's business.

theholograms

I personally like the "look" of white gold over platinum and have other jewelry that has not discolored.  However, when I spoke to my FH about rings awhile ago I said platinum because I heard similar things such as durability and discoloration.  He ended up getting me white gold and I couldn't be happier - he definitely made the right choice.  The jeweler he worked with on designing my ring of course showed him all the setting option, but did tell him because the setting is rather big (as is the stone), that it would be heavy for me to wear everyday and I completely agree!

It really is personal preference.

MrsDrobie

I have a white gold ring and I love it. I do have to say though that the yellowing really does have a lot to do with the oils from your skin. My ring yellows rather often. I have to take it in every 4 months for replating. It doesn't bother me though because it also means I get in inspectes more often. My insurance plan requires an inspection every 6 months. So it works out fine for me. Plus it's like having a new ring every couple of months.

firsttimersluck

bahahaha edie that's amazing. Thank you for bringing up my Friday :P 

Zimsgirl

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_white-gold-versus-platinum?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:b9647f26-1617-41c2-8a59-58fc567e53dfPost:edf2b2dc-2a93-4c53-82ea-ed9d99f25a08">Re: White gold versus platinum</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to White gold versus platinum : I think it's true but I'm not 100% sure.  My rings are while gold and my engagement ring is  slightly "yellower" since I've been wearing it much longer.
Posted by edielaura[/QUOTE]
Mine too :( I noticed today. Zales told us to send in the whole set when we're ready so the rhodium plating can be done on both