Platinum Rings or White Gold Rings

Diamond rings are important items as they literally hold the diamond in place and need to be secure, comfortable and look good.  There are many metals available to manufacture a diamond engagement ring - let’s look at some basics:

Platinum is a very hard and dense metal which makes it very durable and secure.  Platinum diamond rings have a white metal almost chrome look about them which is very stylish and popular in the 1990’s and in through the new millennium.  Platinum is hypoallergenic which means it is kind on sensitive fingers.  Being a naturally white metal, Platinum requires little maintenance to keep looking good – whereas white gold is Rhodium Plated.  Platinum is the best metal for a white /chrome looking diamond ring design although it is more expensive per gram.

White Gold is alloyed to white metals to turn the yellow gold into a grey material.  White Gold is then Rhodium plated to give it a high mirror like finish.  White Gold was developed as a substitute to Platinum and is not as strong and hard wearing.  White Gold is popular as it is relatively inexpensive and mainstream so consumers are confident to make the purchase.  White Gold in the US is often 14kt although we at Polished Diamonds use 18kt as we like to give more luxury.

Palladium is also another metal to consider using.  Palladium come from the Platinum group of metals and shares the purity and whiteness of Platinum.  It is light weight which is good for chunky engagement rings that may weigh a considerable amount.  Palladium is well price and is considered better than white gold but not as good as platinum.