QuestionHello
My jeweler is making a diamond band for me for our anniversary. It will go all the way around so that I will be banging the diamonds on the underside many times over the years. I want platinum but he is trying to convince us to use 18 kt white gold. Hi reasoning is that although platinum is very strong, if I am going to be banging set diamond, etc., white gold is a safer bet to ensure one does not fall out. This goes against everything I have heard before but could there be any truth to it? He is a good jeweler, referred by good friends and has always done nice work before. Can you think of a reason he may have this opinion?
thanks - Reg
AnswerHi Regina,
Some jewelers dont feel comfortable working with platinum and may try to discourage you from it. 18K white gold is a great alternative and is very easy for a jeweler to work with.
Platinum is best used for rings that are Cast. Not hand fabricated.
Platinum is a harder metal and usualy stronger than gold. It wears better. The down fall is that when it does wear it is difficult to repair. Platinum does't melt easily because of it's high melting temperture. It's hard to work with.
If you buy a platinum band dont have it hand made by a jeweler. Its best manufactured by cast. In other words: if you want platinum buy it ready made manufactured. Dont try to save money having a jeweler make it. Be prepared to spend money on a ready made platinum band.
They run much higher than 18K white gold.
Good Luck,
I hope I gave you some info to help you reach a decision.
Sincerely,
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)
