Will the Wedding Band Go Gold or Platinum?

If you venture into a jewelry store, you'll find a wide array of engagement rings and wedding bands. But did you know in most stores, a classic metal is covering more and more space in the display case? Platinum (PT), it seems, has made a dramatic comeback. Although gold (AU) still enjoys a dominant wedding market position, there is hardly enough platinum available to meet current trends. 
But not everyone can afford the shiny, silvery platinum. It is just too rare a commodity to be priced competitively with gold. In fact, all the platinum ever mined would fill less space than a 1,000 square foot apartment. With high ceilings. We haven't heard of a "Platinum Rush," but that could change quickly considering fashion trends.
MAKING THE GRADE
Gold is measured on a karat scale. 24 karats (24K) is the purest form of gold, but it is a soft grade that can bend with daily wear. To provide greater strength, gold is mixed with other metals such as nickel, zinc, and copper. For example, a 12K ring is a made of an alloy that contains 50% gold. The 75% pure 18K gold is a popular, but more expensive option. Most couples prefer gold, and end up buying a 14k piece.
Platinum is not measured on a karat scale, but the metal does come in different grades. Iridplat, 900 Plat, or 900 PT all refer to an alloy mixture containing 90% platinum and 10% iridium, another platinum group metal. The more expensive PLAT, 950 Plat, or 950 PT contains 95% platinum and 5% of another metal, usually iridium or ruthenium. The higher the percentage of platinum in the alloy, the higher the cost of the ring.
Just The Facts
As part of tradition, some families pass down wedding rings from generation to generation. Because platinum is the strongest of the precious metals, platinum bands from the early 1900's have often survived daily wear over the years. Engaged couples can keep their antiques intact, or have a jeweler re-design the rings to fit their tastes. Some couples even place loose stones in platinum settings that have been purchased from estate jewelers. Considered the precious metal of choice in early 1900's America, platinum jewelry suffered a setback as World War II began. The government declared the metal "strategic" and mandated it only be used for military purposes. It was at this time white gold came into vogue and filled the "silver" gap.
If diamonds are ranked by the "4 C's" -- color, cut, clarity, and carat -- precious metals might be adjudicated by what we call the "3 D's." Not just a way to watch movies, in this case the 3 D's stand for durability, display, and dollars.
Durability: Platinum is 60% heavier than gold. It is denser and stronger, making it more difficult to bend or break and more resistant to damage. "Prongs," the part of the ring setting that holds the stone, are also made stronger by platinum and will require less maintenance over time. While neither gold nor platinum will tarnish as silver does, platinum will retain its luster longer.
Display: Platinum comes straight out of the mine gleaming a white/silver color. Gold is mined yellow, and if used as white gold, must be bleached or dyed. Most brides and grooms base the selection of their wedding ring metals on their aesthetic preferences. Skin tone, wardrobe, existing fine jewelry, tradition and personal taste will all play a role in whether platinum or gold is the right choice for your ring. One added consideration to explore, those allergic to the alloys used in gold will likely find hypoallergenic platinum a relief.
Dollars: As of the year 2000, one ounce of gold costs roughly $300, while one ounce of platinum costs nearly $590. Since the cost of an engagement ring depends more on the diamond(s) in the setting, plan to pay roughly a 20% premium for platinum in the overall cost of your jewelry.
Sizing
Platinum can be a difficult metal for professionals to work with. A platinum ring sizing, for instance, takes about 3 hours of work, whereas gold rings are typically sized in about 15 minutes. "Platinum is much more difficult to format and polish and requires a much higher temperature to change the metal's shape.
Care
Both gold and platinum jewelry require similar care. Remove both before bathing and before using household chemicals. Soap may leave your ring dull and chemicals have been known to stain gold and platinum surfaces. For light cleanings, use a diluted solution of liquid detergent and lukewarm water with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Tougher soil, like grease and oil, can be removed with plain rubbing alcohol. More difficult cleanings should be handled by a professional jeweler. In addition, when it's not on your hand, make sure you keep your gold ring in a soft pouch, apart from your other jewelry.
What To Do?
Be sure to visit our Fine Jewelry Boutique and get a quick peek at the differences between platinum, yellow gold, and white gold. Remember, these rings will be on your hands for a long, long time, so purchase what you will feel comfortable wearing. Discuss all the choices with your partner and find out what he or she likes. Platinum might be the dream metal for one person, while yellow gold is the only choice for another. If you take time to understand what your partner envisions, you're bound to select a piece that will keep you both happily ever after. And we like the ring of that