Post # 1
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
We have picked out my engagement ring, a blue sapphire in a pave setting. My fiancé will be selecting the sapphire next week but the big decision for me is the choice of white gold or platinum. The cost difference is $700 but my main concern is which metal is best for pave and overall daily wear? If anyone has advice, knowledge or experience with engagement rings in pave settings and the different metals I would be greatful. He said it’s my choice and I don’t want to make an unwise desicion.
Post # 3
Member
14186 posts
Honey Beekeeper
As a metals engineer, I’m voting for white gold. It can be refinished and replated and recast much easier than platinum. Platinum is incredibly lustrous but needs to be spiffed up professionally to maintain that sheen. My SIL’s platinum ring have taken on more of a gray cast. All rings show wear, but ultimately, gold is easier to work with and requires lower temperatures.
Platinum will corrode if it comes into contact with common sulfur household agents and caustic stuff (yes, wear gloves, but take them off, i know it’s a duh, but fyi). Gold has trouble with mercury, not that you use that. But keep that in mind.
Now, the chemist and engineer in me is going to tell you some really nerdy things: Platinum is harder than gold (yet scratches easily). BUT, platinum is more malleable (dentable essentially) and dense, so it’s heavier. We’re talking only one or two notches on a hardness scale though. Hardness does not equate to malleability though. You can BEND a platinum prong easier than a gold prong. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it isn’t ductile. I know that’s a weird concept.
So, ultimately, I chose white gold, but there are lots of ladies who’ll tell you their reasons for platinum. To each their own! Honestly, the metal on my finger doesnt’ match that much for looks because i have a wide diamond setting and you only see the metal on the sides and bottoms mostly. And the prongs. I have lots of prong action and i snag my ring on towels frequently, so I like that white gold doesn’t bend as readily either so i don’t lose stones. But it’s still really really shiny, even on the bottom, and doesn’t get what they call a "patina" finish like platinum gets when it gets scratchy (think brushed finishes).
Ok wow i’m a nerd to remember all that crap from school
Post # 4
Member
444 posts
Helper bee
@ejs4y8 – thank you for such an educational answer! I love how you explained it all! 🙂
Post # 5
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
Thank you for your knowledge and thoughts! I still don’t know which I’m going to choose and thank goodness I have a week to make up my mind. It’s so tempting to choose platinum with the prices down.
Post # 6
Member
458 posts
Helper bee
Keep that mind that platinum is more malleable, so over time, you’re ring is going to lose a little bit of its shape as it molds to your finger. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; most people like that. Just something to keep in mind.
Post # 7
Member
3 posts
Wannabee
If you haven’t already gotten the ring, I’d suggest going with platinum. You can just polish out any scratches you get, and you don’t actually lose metal from scratches as you do with white gold (it just gets displaced). Plus, you’re going to need to get white gold re-plated in rhodium once it starts to yellow since it’s not naturaly white like platinum. Because platinum is more durable, it will hold the diamond(s) more securely than white gold…I’ve notice several online jewelers use it for their prongs, citing that as their reason. Hope some of that helps!
Post # 8
Member
163 posts
Blushing bee
I don’t really know much about the specifics of the two, but my fiances mom has a platinum ring and it is HEAVY. I am perfectly happy with my white gold ring! It has smaller pave set diamonds on the side of the main diamond and its beautiful!
Post # 9
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
Thank you – everyone! It has been such a hard decision, I suggested platinum last Frida and my fiance said, "I already decided platinum." So, fingers crossed the sapphire was selected yesterday and I have at least 4 weeks of waiting.
Post # 10
Member
26 posts
Newbee
I was trying to decide between white gold and platinum as well. Our jeweler told us that for e-rings that don’t have a lot of small side stones (like solitairs or 3-stone rings), he recommends platinum. But for rings (like mine), which is a halo with small diamonds on the band as well, white gold is the safer material to use.
Post # 11
Member
3 posts
Wannabee
Congratulations! Glad to hear you and the fiance were able to both agree on platinum. I bet you’re dying to get it finished and on your finger! I’m sure you’ll both be so happy with how well it turns out and with how well it holds up through your lives together 🙂
Post # 12
Member
57 posts
Worker bee
…before dessert, he said "I love you" (explained why and how he knows he loves me)
…stood up from the table, took a knee, presented me with this, my ring
and formally asked the question…
(pictures taken with iphone)
[attachment=384754,50009] [attachment=384754,50010] [attachment=384754,50011]
Post # 13
Member
10218 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
exquisite!! congratulations!!!!!
Post # 15
Member
33 posts
Newbee
It’s beautiful! I’ve never seen one exactly like it. Congrats!
Post # 16
Member
123 posts
Blushing bee
Your ring is BREATHTAKING!!! Congratulations!
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