When Should You Choose Platinum Over White Gold Or Silver?

To the untrained eye, platinum, white gold, and some forms of silver look identical. The only real difference seems to be the price. That couldn't be further from the truth, though, because the metals are very different in how they react to the environment and how they make you react. When you search for vintage and antique diamond filigree rings that use "white" metal, you'll find pieces made from all three metals. Depending on your needs, rings made from platinum may be the best buy. 

Avoiding Tarnish

Platinum doesn't tarnish, silver can tarnish, and white gold can wear down and change color. If you want a ring that does not have spots of tarnish or discoloration, platinum is your go-to metal.

Avoiding Replating

Replating is essentially re-coloring. When you have a piece that has a thin plating of one type of metal, that layer can wear away. Normally, this is an issue for things like silver- or gold-plated items, but white gold is a special case. A ring made of white gold, for example, usually has a rhodium plating because white gold is not completely white; it's still a bit yellow. Over time, that rhodium can wear away and require replating. Platinum, however, is not plated and does not change color. A platinum filigree ring will remain the same color for as long as you have it and take care of it.

Avoiding Allergies

Technically, you can be allergic to any metal, although allergies to pure silver, gold, and platinum are not very common. (They do still occur, so please believe someone who says they're allergic to a particular metal.) If you want to reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction, going with jewelry made of one of these three metals is best. However, keep in mind that white gold is an alloy of gold mixed with other metals to change its color, and silver is often used in alloy form to increase its strength and tarnish resistance. Those additional metals may trigger skin allergies in the wearer, which means that white gold and silver jewelry may not be the best choice for someone whose skin reacts to metals. Platinum is one of the best hypoallergenic choices because it's not mixed with other metals.

Whether you want an antique diamond ring or a design where filigree grabs your attention or both, platinum is a fantastic metal to use. You're more likely to find some one-of-a-kind jewelry when you specify that you want platinum for the band.

Contact a local store to learn more about jewelry, such as an original filigree antique diamond and platinum ring.

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