How to Choose Platinum, Palladium, Or White Gold For a Wedding Band

Platinum is often considered the best there is, and withIn our experience, both metals wear well. Palladium is a
good cause. It can make diamonds sparkle like nonaturally white metal, just as platinum is, and will look
other metal can and is much harder than white gold.shiny and new as long as you clean and polish is
But if you can't afford the platinum price tag, thanregularly. Platinum also requires maintenance, though
palladium is a good option to consider.not as often. However, the maintenance is more
The main benefit of palladium over platinum weddingintensive and takes longer when you get it done. Over
rings is price. Platinum is a much more dense metalmany years the cost will be a wash, but platinum will
than both gold and palladium, and thus weighs a lotlikely save you a few trips to the jewelery store.
more. Usually, you are paying for weight with preciousChances are that if you're looking for a palladium or
metals. They are most often sold on commodityplatinum wedding band you don't want to consider
markets by the troy ounce. While the volume may bewhite gold. However, there are some options that
the same for both a platinum, white gold, and palladiumhave presented themselves with recent technology
ring, the weight and density of the platinum ring will bethat give white gold the same advantages as
almost double, along with the price tag.palladium and platinum with a similar price tag. These
Both palladium and platinum offer superb stonenew white golds stay white and don't need rhodium
security when setting diamonds, much better than thatplating. They are often referred to as precise white
of white gold. The prongs have very minimal springgold rings. Our favorite is the new X1 white gold from
back and both metals seem to wear well for thisStuller. This is available by request in most our gold
application.bands at Wedding Rings Forever. This metal ranks just
Wedding rings made of palladium and platinum are alsobelow platinum on the "whiteness" scale and just
both very pure metals, usually 95% pure with theabove palladium.
remaining 5% being ruthenium or iridium. This is greatFor now it still seems that platinum is a superior choice
for those who need hypo-allergenic rings, as bothfor luster and wear. It is also a completely inert metal
metals will be far less likely to cause allergic reactionthat will not react, meaning no oxidation or tarnish.
than those of white gold. Palladium is usually markedHowever, the new X1 gold and 950PD palladium will
950PD while platinum carries the mark PT950.certainly be competitors coming into the future.