If you consider purchasing a ring, you may wonder about the various metals used in producing it. Are you torn between platinum, white, yellow, or rose gold? Are you searching for the Best Old Gold Jewelry Buyers? All these precious metals work wonderfully in engagement rings. However, they differ in terms of style, cost, and durability.
To differentiate between these precious metals and make an informed decision, consider reading to the end. You will discover significant differences among these four metals and how they stand out from one another. There are significant differences between Platinum, White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold.
Platinum vs. White Gold
The two metals look similar; however, they differ in material composition, cost, color, and care.
COST
There exists a significant price difference between these two metals. Platinum metal is denser than gold, requiring the manufacturer to use more of it when producing a ring. As a result, the platinum ring has greater value.
MATERIAL COMPOSITION
Jewelry made of platinum metal is about 90% – 95% pure, and the remaining percentage comprises silver or rhodium. However, jewelry made of white gold is usually a mixture of different metals with only 42% – 75% gold and the remaining percentage comprising metals like nickel, copper, and zinc, among others.
COLOR
When Platinum is compared to white gold, they appear similar to the naked eye. However, when compared to yellow or rose gold, there is an instant difference between them.
CARING
Based on the composition factor, you might think that platinum is superior to gold. However, the higher purity of platinum brings higher risk of scratching compared to jewelry made of gold. Thus, with a platinum ring, you will be required to regularly seek maintenance services instead of one made of gold. The good news is that platinum is easily refinished with minimal metal loss due to the polishing process.
Differences Between White vs. Yellow vs. Rose Gold
White vs. Yellow vs. Rose Gold
Assuming that you have opted for a gold ring, the next question is, what type and color? Since they are all gold, we examine two primary differences and use their material composition, pros, and cons to differentiate them.
COLOR
The primary difference between white, yellow and rose gold is in color. The different colors are a result of the non-gold alloy metals mixed with the pure yellow gold.
WHITE GOLD
White gold comprises a mixture of anywhere from 42% – 75% pure gold, and the remaining percentage includes other white metals like silver or nickel with a rhodium coating.
PROS
- It is alloyed with strong metal
- It is affordable compared to other metals like Platinum
- It perfectly complements the white diamond
- It perfectly complements rosy or fair skin tones
CONS
- It requires regular maintenance of dipping it into rhodium plating to retain its color and luster.
- It can cause an allergic reaction to the user. Since it is mixed with other metals like nickel, it can be risky if one is allergic to such metals.
YELLOW GOLD
Yellow gold is composed of pure gold and alloy metals like copper and zinc. The amount of pure gold will depend on the amount of karat. If you prefer a higher pure gold content, consider purchasing jewelry with high karat. However, for engagement and wedding rings, 14k or 18k gold is recommended.
PROS
- It has the purest color of all types of gold.
- It is the most hypoallergenic gold metal compared to other gold colors.
- It is the most popular gold type for making wedding and engagement rings.
- Easy to maintain compared to other gold types
CONS
- It needs regular polishing and cleaning
- It is prone to scratching easily
ROSE GOLD
Rose gold comprises pure gold alloyed with copper and silver, giving it the rose color. For a dense red color, increase the amount of copper.
PROS
- It is universally fashionable for both men and women
- It is fairly affordable compared to other types of gold
- The presence of copper makes it more durable
CONS
- It is not a hypoallergenic metal
- It is not readily available
Introduction To Platinum And Major Differences Compared To Other Metals
Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal usually utilized in its most pure form in jewelry making. Despite being relatively similar to white gold in color, it differs from other precious metals like silver.
Platinum vs. Silver
COLOR/APPEARANCE
To the naked eye, both metals appear to be silver, and besides, they both have a gray undertone while white gold has a yellow undertone. However, irrespective of the gray undertone they share, platinum metals are shinier and brighter than silver, which has a dull gray appearance.
DURABILITY
Platinum is a dense metal that increases its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, silver is a soft metal and therefore corrodes, tarnishes and wears out easily.
COST
Since Platinum is used in its purest form, large quantities are needed to produce a ring compared to the amount of gold or silver used to produce the same make and size. As a result, platinum metal is more expensive compared to other precious metals.
ALLERGIES
Platinum metals are suitable for sensitive skins as they are naturally hypoallergenic, thus do not cause skin irritation. While gold and silver metals do not cause allergy directly, the metals they are alloyed with are a common source of allergic reactions.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Platinum jewelry is easy to maintain compared to silver jewelry. Silver metals require regular polishing to keep them glowing.
Introduction To White Gold And Major Differences Compared To Other Metals
White gold is a metal alloy comprising pure gold and several durable metals like zinc, copper, and nickel. The primary differences between white gold and other metals include:
COLOR
While they both appear to have a similar hue, white gold is shinier than silver, with a dull gray-white hue. The white color originates from a mixture of pure yellow gold alloyed with metals like nickel.
DURABILITY
White gold is made of durable metals, increasing its durability and making it resistant to corrosion. However, silver is highly susceptible to corrosion, reducing its durability.
COST
White gold tends to be more expensive compared to other metals like silver. The reason being, there is a greater supply of silver than gold. Despite white gold containing alloys, the yellow gold in it retains its value.
ALLERGIES
White gold comprises nickel-metal, which is a common allergen that causes skin itches. However, you might not feel the effect until the rhodium alloy starts wearing out. However, with silver, you are safe throughout as the alloyed metal is hypoallergenic.
MAINTENANCE
While both metals have great luster, in time their shine will diminish. Therefore, they require different maintenance strategies. With time, white gold rhodium plating wears off, requiring it to be rhodium plated again to maintain its sheen. However, with silver jewelry, you need frequent polishing and cleaning to prevent it from tarnishing. Simple products like lemon, vinegar, or corn starch can be used to clean silver jewelry.
Introduction To Yellow Gold And Major Differences Compared To Other Metals
Generally, pure gold is yellow. However, due to the malleability of pure gold, it is alloyed with other metals like copper and silver to increase its durability. Thus, yellow gold is pure gold alloyed with fewer metals to ensure the color is not altered. Such metals include zinc and copper.
COLOR
When compared to silver metals like white gold or platinum, yellow gold has distinctive features. Yellow gold maintains the original color of gold, while other types of gold are alloyed with other metals covering the yellow color.
DURABILITY
The higher levels of gold composition in jewelry, the more prone it is to fade. As such, yellow gold tends to be more prone to scratches compared to other metals like white gold, which is alloyed with durable metals increasing their durability.
Introduction To Rose Gold And Major Differences Compared To Other Metals
Just like different types of gold, rose gold is made partly of gold alloyed with other metals like copper and silver. The two added metals boost its strength and give it a rose color.
COLOR
Compared to other gold types and precious metals, rose gold has a distinctive, attractive color. The presence of copper makes it red, while silver neutralizes the color of a rose. Other metals are red, yellow, or white.
DURABILITY
Rose gold does not tarnish, and therefore it is highly durable. However, just like other metals, rose gold requires polishing to maintain its shininess all through.
COST
Rose gold can be costly or inexpensive. It all depends on the amount of gold karats present. The higher the amount, the more valuable your piece of jewelry would be.
Why Opt For Diamond Banc To Sell Your Old Jewelry?
Diamond Banc is one of the most renowned jewelry buyers with numerous locations across the United States. We are part of a jewelry company that has been operational since 1896; if you are searching for a trusted business to sell your old jewelry, contact us today. Conduct a risk-free, no obligation evaluation with Diamond Banc.
The choice of any of these metals depends on personal preference and style. However, keep in mind the differences in metal composition and price. Lastly, connect with us, the best old diamond jewelry buyer, and sell your old jewelry. You can also secure a Rolex loan, among other services.
Diamond Banc is the nation’s top-rated jewelry buyer & lender. Visit one of our nationwide locations, or work with us from the comfort of your home.
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