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| When a betrothed couple come to My Diamonds to buy either a pre-designed ring or to design their own, there is always discussion about whether to use white gold or platinum in the design; whether gold is best or whether platinum is the more durable. |
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| As with most decisions about an object of beauty, the final engagement ring is usually based on personal taste and unique personality, which is how is should be. However there are some points on which to consider when purchasing an engagement ring or wedding ring as to which metal will give you the best performance and will fit in with your lifestyle. |
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| First and foremost, if you are purchasing an engagement ring as a gift for your significant other then we would recommend that you match the metal and style of ring (contemporary or vintage in appearance) to the other items of jewellery that she wears. Does she wear yellow or white gold or is the other jewellery she wears made of platinum? |
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| Matching the metal to her lifestyle and her social circle will also be a consideration. Years ago people would have had jewellery made in primarily yellow gold, but today the white metals are more popular. |
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| Again, this is linked to fashion and personal taste, but it's a very important consideration. Here are a few points that may help you in your discussions regarding Platinum versus White Gold:~ |
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| Gold |
| With this metal you can choose either white or yellow gold, and in Australia jewellery such as diamond engagement or diamond wedding rings are typically made from 9k or 18k. In 9k gold one would expect 37.5% of gold; in 18k, 75% which accounts for 18k demanding a higher price. |
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| The higher karats such as 22k and 24k are now becoming more popular in the West. In Eastern jewellery making these karats are used for the majority of jewellery. |
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24 Carat = 100% gold
18 Carat = 75% gold and 25% alloy
9 Carat = 37.5% gold and 62.5% alloy
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| White Gold |
| White gold is not white in colour. It will have a slightly grayish tone, so to overcome this jewellers will rhodium plate the metal. Rhodium is an exceptionally white metal which gives white gold jewellery a whiter more shiny look. Most rhodium plated jewellery will need to be re-plated every 18 months to keep it in tiptop condition as the process is not permanent. Depending on your lifestyle, the rhodium plating can be worn away over a period of time. Speak to My Diamonds for more information about suitability. |
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| An alternative to white gold is platinum which is a separate metal to gold and is whiter and heavier than white gold. After rhodium plating white gold will have the same appearance as platinum |
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| Yellow Gold |
| Yellow gold is generally a combination of copper and silver . The addition of copper will give the metal a slightly reddish tone. The addition of silver a greenish tone. When the two alloys are combined an even gold will be the result. 9k is lighter than 18k. This metal is often chosen to enhance a beautifully cut diamond that has a yellow tinge as the colour of the gold detracts from the colour of the diamond, leaving the diamond with a clear or whitish hue. |
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| Rose Gold |
| The primary alloy in rose gold is copper which gives it a gorgeous rose blush. 18K rose gold will have a peachy tone, while 9k typically has a pinker tone. |
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| Platinum |
| Platinum is the most durable of the metals and is consequently extremely popular with purchasers of diamond engagement rings. Platinum is a superb metal, it is a rare metal and it is denser than gold. As a result platinum is typically about twice the price of 18 carat gold. Jewellers will often mix types of metal within the same diamond ring. For example, the main body of the ring may be gold, but the prongs will be made of platinum, used for it's strength. |
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| Platinum does not usually need plating and will hold its stunning appearance with minimal maintenance. |
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| Points to remember when purchasing your diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring: |
- My Diamonds only use Platinum and Palladium as the alloy in all our 18k white gold
- The high platinum content gives our white gold a beautiful colour and luxurious lustre
- We do not use any Nickel or Zinc in any of our jewellery
- 18k white gold is Rhodium plated and needs to be re-plated every 18 months
- 18k white gold is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts alloy (platinum and palladium only)
- Platinum is generally about twice the price of White Gold
- Platinum is denser than white gold.
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| For more information regarding the high quality metals that My Diamonds uses in all of it's diamond jewellery, call 1800 766 567 and speak with one of our professional diamond specialists. |
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| Why wait any longer to see their superb collections? Go to www.mydiamonds.com.au or call 1800-766-567 where you will receive top customer service and a choice of diamond jewellery to die for! |
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