GOLD, PLATINUM, OR WHITE GOLD? White Gold White gold is made by melting together pure yellow gold with nickel alloy. Because white gold is made with a combination of yellow gold and nickel, the natural tone of white gold is not as white as platinum. However, new white gold looks exactly like platinum, because white gold is typically plated with a perfectly white metal called rhodium. This rhodium finish wears off over time but can be easily restored by repeating the original plating process. White gold is substantially harder than yellow gold and platinum because of the nickel alloy. This quality allows white gold to stay polished longer than yellow gold or even platinum. 14k yellow gold should cost the same as 14k white gold, 18k yellow the same as 18k white gold, since nickel and copper are inexpensive alloys. Platinum Platinum is a white metal much more rare than gold. Platinum is also very durable and does not require the addition of alloys to be made into rings. Since there are no alloys used in platinum, its color does not change over time as white gold does. When polished correctly, platinum has a remarkably bright radiance. Platinum has unique qualities not found in gold. These include: Density: Platinum is more dense than gold. As a result, a ring made from platinum is about twice as heavy as gold, and feels different to wear. Hypo-allergenic: The absence of alloys added give platinum its hypo-allergenic quality (platinum never irritates the skin). Wear: Platinum is extremely durable. A ring made of platinum will usually never wear out in a normal lifetime. Because of their durability, platinum prongs are often used on both yellow and white gold rings to hold the center diamond. Cost: A platinum ring costs on average about $300 more than gold. Some rings are less and some are more, depending upon weight and thickness. Platinum scratches more easily than white gold although it wears much better. With heavy use, it takes on a characteristic grayish flat color. To restore platinum to its original brightness take it back to your jeweler for re-polishing. This must be done frequently to keep platinum looking nice. Wilson Diamonds does this free for life. A Word About Silver Silver is not used to make fine engagement rings due to its soft nature. Even with the addition of alloys, silver is not strong enough to withstand long-term wear. In addition, silver oxidizes easily in air and takes on the look of aluminum in short while, as well as turning most people's fingers black. What About Titanium? Titanium is not a precious metal, and is therefore very inexpensive. Titanium is extremely durable and weighs very little, about the same weight as aluminum. The biggest drawback to titanium is that it can never be sized in the future. If you change sizes (as most people do) you will have to buy a new ring later on. Titanium can be polished and refinished just like gold or platinum. Last Words All of these precious metals make beautiful rings you can enjoy for life. Wilson Diamonds carries an extensive selection of rings done in all three metals, so that you can find the perfect style to fit you.