Picking the Setting - Gold, White Gold, Platinum Or Other Metals?

When you are shopping for jewelry for someone else, particularly when you are shopping for an engagement ring, you not only have to pick what type of stone(s) you would like, but whether the stones will be set in gold, white gold, platinum or a different metal. How do you pick when you do not know what your significant other would like? Choosing the setting for the stone is as important as the stone itself. However, there are clues to help you along.

First of all, look at her other jewelry. If the only jewelry that she wears is a silver color, then you pick white gold or platinum. If she wears a combination of gold and silver colored jewelry, pick the color that she wears most often. White gold is a popular choice because it is gold, yet silver in color, and it is cheaper than platinum. White gold is durable, and the silver color adds to the sparkle of a diamond.

However, white gold also has to be re-plated every so often. This is because the white gold color, when in contact with skin for a long time, turns a golden hue – not gold, but not silver anymore. Then the white gold needs to be re-plated. This isn’t an expensive treatment, but it is something to be aware of.

Second, consider how much wear the jewelry will have. If the ring is going to be taken on and off, or accidentally hit against things on a regular basis, then consider getting platinum. Platinum is a very durable and heavy metal. It is more expensive than gold or white gold. However, it lasts for a long time and can take a lot of abuse. Sometime, the head (or setting) for a solitaire diamond will fall off when it is made of white gold or gold. With platinum, this is extraordinarily unlikely. Therefore, if the person you are buying jewelry for will be likely to be a little careless or hard on the jewelry, consider getting platinum.

Third, consider your budget. In addition to the setting, you still have to purchase the stone(s). If you are considering getting a perfect, or near-perfect, stone you will need to spend a large percentage of your money on the stone, and less on the setting. If you are willing to spend less on the stone, you can spend more on the setting. Gold is the cheapest setting, followed by white gold and then platinum.

Other metals can also be used for settings, although it is very rare. Silver and copper are the most common of the “others.” However, if you are determined to have something different, you can use whatever you want. You simply will have to find a jeweler who will make the ring for you. These uncommon settings will occur only with custom made jewelry, and that will increase your price. Stores, even those online, sell gold, and platinum rings settings.

Source by Dan Globus

Picking the Setting - Gold, White Gold, Platinum Or Other Metals?