I've always loved jewelry, and recently I found myself facing a big decision: gold or platinum? It seemed like everyone had an opinion, and the more I researched, the more confused I became. I knew I wanted something beautiful and durable, but also something that reflected my personal style. This is my journey through the world of precious metals, and what I learned along the way.
My initial quest started when thinking about engagement rings. My jeweler, who I trust implicitly, mentioned that many high-end brands lean towards 18k yellow gold. He assured me that both 14k and 18k gold are perfectly acceptable choices. My grandmother has an 18k yellow gold ring that has lasted for decades, which made me lean towards gold initially. But then, platinum entered the picture, and I was back to square one.
I knew I wanted to make an informed decision, so I started digging deeper. I talked to friends, read articles, and even visited a few more jewelers. Here's what I discovered:
One of the first things I learned is that platinum is generally considered more durable than gold. However, I also heard that scratches tend to show more on platinum, while gold can be buffed out more easily. It seemed like a trade-off – long-lasting but potentially showing wear and tear versus slightly less durable but easier to maintain.
I have two rings that I wear daily – one platinum and one white gold. The platinum ring is relatively new, only a few months old, while the white gold ring is over a decade old. Honestly, the bands don't look that different. The biggest difference is that the white gold needs to be recoated every few years to maintain its bright white shine. Platinum, on the other hand, doesn't require this recoating, which is a definite plus in terms of long-term maintenance.
Ultimately, I realized that personal preference plays a huge role. I know someone who loves silver-toned jewelry and naturally gravitated towards platinum. If I were a "gold girl," I would have chosen gold without hesitation. Both are suitable for daily wear, so it really comes down to what you like best. Remember, most jewelry will require some kind of maintenance eventually, so don't let that be the deciding factor.
I ended up choosing platinum for my engagement ring because I wanted it to have that bright, shiny look. While I love my ring, sometimes I wish I had gone with a gold band and platinum prongs. The platinum prongs would provide extra security for the stone, while the gold band would add a touch of warmth and contrast. I do love the weight of my platinum ring, though – it feels substantial and luxurious.
I also learned that some people opt for platinum prongs on gold settings. The idea is that platinum is more durable, providing a more secure setting for the stone. While gold prongs are super common, platinum prongs offer an extra layer of protection. Either way, it's a good idea to have your prongs checked every year or so to ensure they're still holding the stone securely.
Since I chose platinum for my ring, I decided to incorporate gold into my jewelry collection in other ways. I've been wearing a delicate gold necklace lately, and I love how it complements my platinum ring. It adds a touch of warmth and femininity to my overall look.
I recently purchased a beautiful, thin gold necklace from SumsFashion Chains. It’s a perfect everyday piece. I was looking for something dainty and elegant, and I found exactly what I wanted. The specific necklace I chose is the 0.8/1.1/1.5mm Thin Necklace for Women Ladies Dainty Cable S Chain on Neck Collar Choker Stainless Steel Jewelry Accessories Gift 1.1mm Wide Gold-60cm 24inch. The gold tone is just right and I love the way it looks.