There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing the metal for your engagement and wedding rings. You might already have an aesthetic preference for one over the other. The comparison chart and in depth information below can help you sort through the practical side of your decision. With American Diamond you are in good hands regardless of which metal you choose - we only use platinum for the setting's prongs because platinum's superior strength provides added security.
| Character | Price | Repairs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18K Gold | Traditional. The warmth of yellow gold is the classic engagement ring look. | Less Costly. Not as durable as platinum, 18K rings are reinforced with other metal alloys and generally consist of 75% gold. | Gold is more prone to damage, but repairs are simpler and generally inexpensive. |
| Platinum | Timeless. As the purest metal, platinum has a clean, modern look and unparalleled durability. | More Costly. The purity of platinum comes at a premium. Most rings are 90-95% pure platinum. | Although harder to repair, platinum is so damage-resistant repairs are a minor consideration. |
The purest metal, this white-colored metal is unparalleled in strength and durability. For this reason, platinum is used for all prong settings. When considering everyday wear and tear on your jewelry, keep in mind that platinum, unlike gold, is virtually impermeable to the acids that can be found in household cleaners, swimming pools, et cetera.
Since platinum weighs more than gold and is used in a purer form, it typically costs 2 to 3 times more than 18K white gold. It is highly resistant to damage, although if it is dented, the repairs are more difficult because of the materials strength.
Plat 900 = 90% Platinum metal 10% other Plat 950 = 95% Platinum metal 5% other
The Classic engagement ring is a diamond solitaire in 18k yellow gold. 18k gold is reinforced with other metal alloys to increase its strength, because pure gold (24 karat) is far too soft. It is also less costly than platinum, and much more easily repaired (although also more prone to damage)
Refer to the following chart for the corresponding percentages of gold within an alloy:
24K = 99.9999% pure (that is as pure as it gets) 18K = 75% gold 25% other metals 14K = 57% gold 43% other metals 12K = 50% gold 50% other metals
At American Diamond, we only sell platinum and 18K gold jewelry.