Palladium, Gold, Platinum – Diamond Rings
Filed Under General · Tagged: diamond rings, Gold Rings, palladium Rings, Platinum Rings, Ring Metals
Diamond Rings can be manufactured in a variety of metals and it can be difficult working out which best suits your diamond engagement ring. The team at Polished Diamonds recommends the following to help your decision:
Firstly look at other forms of Jewellery that the lady wears to determine between white and yellow metals. If she has a yellow gold watch and bangle then best go for a yellow gold diamond ring. If she has a silver or white gold watch and bangle then look at the white based metals.
There is really only one yellow metal for jewellery so if you are going for this option it is easy. 18kt Yellow Gold is a common mix in UK, Australia and New Zealand whereas USA prefer 14kt Gold. There is little difference other than the amount of gold that is used – the colour is very slight. 18kt uses 3/4 pure gold and alloys 1/4 – remembering 24kt Gold engagement rings are 100% pure. Yellow gold suits olive skin tones or a tanned complexion, it looks rich and is easy to work with on the jewellery bench.
If you decide to select a white metal for your diamond ring then you need to consider different strengths, prices and metal types. The best white metal to make an engagement ring from is Platinum which is 95% pure. Platinum is heavier which makes it denser and more durable than other metals. Platinum being 95% pure is also hypoallergenic and does not need plating as it is naturally white. Jewelers find it difficult to work with because of it’s durability and some may point you away from it to satisfy their own manufacturing goals – but it is the best. Platinum also comes with a higher price tag and we suggest that if you are spending a small amount on the diamond you may elect for white gold or Palladium so you can increase the diamond budget. If you have an expensive diamond then Platinum is the only way to go.
White Gold is a mixture of metals and always startes out as Yellow Gold (the natural color). White Gold is alloyed to white based metals like zinc, palladium and sometime splatinum to turn it into a grey color which is then Rhodium plated to give it a mirror like white finish. White Gold is good value but requires the Rhodium treatment every 2-3 years to look its best. We recommend white gold if your budget is tight.
Palladium is a Platinum group metal and is naturally white so does not require Rhodium treatments. Palladium is slightly softer than Platinum and a shade below White Gold although still very strong for jewelery. Tension set designs and delicate filigree is best made in Platinum but there is a genuine place for palladium and it is very well priced. Palladium is my choice of metal after Platinum as it is 95% pure and naturally white.
When selecting a Diamond Ring speak to the jeweler and discuss maintenence, durability and your budget – if you would like further information contact a Polished Diamonds agent in your area.
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