| Platinum
White Gold or Platinum?
The
question above can be interpreted two different ways: Should
you buy white gold or platinum or is the metal you are looking
at white gold or platinum? Let's first compare the differences
between them.You might wonder why it is so difficult to find
jewelers qualified to make and repair platinum rings. One
of the main reasons is the high melting point of platinum-about
twice that of 14K and 18K gold.
Casting
platinum is particularly difficult because, unlike gold, platinum
solidifies almost instantly, which makes speed and timing
very important. Even when a jeweler knows how to work with
and cast platinum, he may not have the special equipment needed
for it.
The
extra work and expertise required for handling platinum naturally
increases the price of platinum rings. They can be almost
double the cost of gold rings even though the price of platinum
may be from 5% to 25% higher than gold (in 1992 platinum ranged
from about $345 to $380 an ounce, whereas in 1990 platinum
ranged from about $420 to $550 an ounce). The higher weight
and purity of platinum as well as the higher cost of the alloying
metals also contribute to the increased cost.
Let's
return to the question of should you buy a white gold or platinum
ring. The answer depends mainly on your budget, the style
ring you want, and where you live. If you want a simple, elegant
ring and money is no issue, then you would probably be better
off with a platinum ring, unless you have no access to a city
where platinum jewelers could be found.
If
you have limited funds or the style you want is not available
in platinum, then white gold would be best. You might also
consider having a gold ring with platinum prongs. It's hard
to tell the difference between a platinum and white gold ring
by appearance alone because both are routinely plated with
the metal, rhodium, to give them a brighter, whiter look.
Harder
and therefore
Hardest
metal known
Probably
be better
Chapter
Nine since
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