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18ct Gold vs Platinum: Which one to choose?

Platinum and 18 carat gold are both beautiful as well as popular metals that are sought after for a variety of reasons. Both 18 carat gold and platinum have properties that are unique to each metal as well as a few similarities. They are two of the most common metals widely used for jewellery purposes. Let’s what is better gold vs platinum.

Properties of 18 Carat Gold

18 carat gold is actually an alloy made by mixing 75 percent pure gold with 25 percent other metals. The designation of carat means that it has a purity ratio of 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts other metal. 18 carat gold is very malleable and is also highly resistant to oxidation, considered as a perfect metal for diamond eternity rings.

Properties of Platinum

Gold and platinum wedding bandsPlatinum is a white metal that is used in a form that is 95 percent pure. It is much denser and harder than gold. It also has a heavier feel to it. Platinum is extremely durable and long lasting.

Cost

Both 18-carat gold and platinum are precious metals that do not run cheap. Platinum, however, may be twice as expensive as gold compare prices of half platinum eternity rings and half white gold eternity rings for example.

Color

18 carat gold can be found in either yellow or white varieties. Platinum is naturally white. Most white gold and yellow gold full diamond eternity rings, as well as other jewellery products are coated with a rhodium finish that can wear off over time and with extensive use. Should this happen, it can easily be fixed and recoated by a professional jeweler. Platinum eternity rings should maintain its white color over the long run.

Uses for 18 Carat Gold and Platinum

Both 18 carat gold and platinum are commonly used for engagement rings and wedding rings or other dressy and nice rings. Many other pieces of jewellery such as earrings, bracelets, anklets, pendants, and necklaces can be found in either 18 carat gold or in platinum.

Safety Concerns

Neither platinum nor 18 carat gold should cause any allergic reactions to the skin. Allergic reactions typically only happen with metals of lesser purity of if there is a severe allergy to one of the alloys used in the metal.

Care and Cleaning

18 carat gold yellow or white can be cleaned with most jewellery cleaning products, check our guide for the white gold cleaning process. It doesn’t tarnish and is highly resistant to chemicals. Platinum can be cleaned with either jewellery cleaner or by soaking it in a solution of 50 percent ammonia and 50 percent warm water, we got you covered with tips on how to take care of your diamond rings. Then rub it gently with a soft cloth. You should get your jewellery professionally cleaned about two times per year. A professional should always make adjustments or repairs.

Though both metals are durable, do not wear your 18 carat gold or platinum jewellery when you are using harsh chemicals or doing heavy labor with materials that could cause scratching or denting. Though strong, these metals are not indestructible.

When you’re not wearing your 18 carat gold or platinum jewellery, store the pieces in a jewellery box or protective bag such as a chamois.

Diamond Rings with Sapphire & Emerald

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Rings
Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Rings
Platinum Sapphire Diamond Rings
Platinum Sapphire Diamond Rings
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Rings
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Rings
Platinum Emerald Diamond Rings
Platinum Emerald Diamond Rings

Factors to Consider When Purchasing

If you’re trying to decide whether you should to buy 18 carat gold vs platinum, the first thing that you should know is that they are both precious metals with their own set of particular advantages and disadvantages. Both of those metals are great in combination with diamonds and gemstones, like sapphires rings are the perfect match with platinum, and emerald and diamond ring is a perfect choice for gold.

First you need to consider your budget. Since platinum is quite a bit more expensive, the cost of 18 carat gold versus platinum will most likely be one of the factors in your decision. Consider the durability of both metals compared to your lifestyle and what the piece or pieces of jewellery will endure on a daily basis. Examine your existing pieces of jewellery to see whether 18 carat gold or platinum would be a more suitable match. Check our professional advice in the engagement ring buying guide and wedding ring buying guide. Which color do you like better? Which one goes well with the styles of clothing and jewellery that you most often wear? Which metal do you like better?

Ultimately, the decision will be a matter of personal taste. Both 18 carat gold and platinum are high quality metals and you can’t go wrong with either one, especially with purelydiamonds.co.uk.