Bliss Rings » Wedding Ring Metals

Are Platinum Wedding Rings Worth The Price Tag?

Silvya Curtis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:55:28 +0000

Platinum is a beautiful, durable, scratch and tarnish resistant, shiny (you will never have to have the ring re-plated like gold bands) and hypoallergenic choice of metal for a wedding band.

Ring designers are making intricate, detailed platinum wedding bands either with elaborate designs or with gem stones set into the platinum band. These modern platinum wedding bands are truly works of art you will be proud to wear for years to come.

So is platinum worth the extra cost? We think so.

If you have the budget to buy platinum there is no reason to go with any other metal choice. Platinum is a great choice of metal for any wedding band and is particularly well suited for someone who intends to wear their wedding band everyday or participates in leisure activities that could damage the ring.

Platinum’s history is as interesting as the metal; platinum gained popularity in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as a sought after metal for jewellery for royalty and the wealthy.

White gold was actually first used in wedding bands as a more inexpensive alternative to platinum during the Second World War when platinum was in scarce supply for other than military purposes. White gold or silver however is simply not as sturdy or durable as platinum.

Even in today’s tough economic times platinum wedding bands remain very popular.

If you were considering compromising on your choice of a platinum wedding band for budget considerations here are a few factors to consider.

Platinum is a pure metal unlike other white jewellery metals like white gold which are metal alloys. Because it is naturally white it will never turn yellow like white gold wedding bands do when the rhodium plating wears off. It is also whiter than white gold with no yellowish hues.

The shiny white brilliance of platinum makes it the perfect metal to show off diamonds set into your wedding band. The strength of platinum makes the settings more durable.

The biggest advantage is platinum is four times stronger than white gold and therefore much less likely to scratch, dent or bend. And platinum prongs just don’t wear out or bend as much so your diamond will stay secure in its setting. Platinum wedding bands will truly last a lifetime.

Your wedding ring is an important symbol of your eternal commitment and hopefully you will be wearing this wedding band for years to come. A platinum wedding band will cost you a little more now but will look as good years from now as it does the day you first put it on your finger.

Platinum is virtually maintenance free requiring less frequent polishing than white gold and never needing re-plated to maintain its brilliant white colour. Some even prefer the wear and tear that develops with platinum over time as a symbol of the history of the ring.

Is A White Gold Wedding Ring Still The Best Choice?

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:48:45 +0000

White gold wedding rings are a popular choice for people who want a modern look for their wedding band.

What is white gold?

White gold wedding rings are made of a mixture of gold and other metals such as nickel, palladium, platinum or silver. The white gold is then plated with rhodium to give it a shiny, white finish. While yellow gold is the traditional choice in wedding bands, white gold is often preferred by those who prefer a more modern look.

What style of rings are available in white gold?

One of the reasons many couples choose white gold wedding rings is the variety of styles and design options available. From the simplest plain band to intricate braided, designed or textured wedding rings or white gold wedding bands set with gem stones. You can even have your white gold wedding rings designed according to your own unique specifications if you want a truly distinctive wedding ring.

Many couples looking for wedding bands set with diamonds prefer the white gold rings to yellow gold because the white colour is the perfect backdrop for diamonds. Every couple is sure to find white gold wedding rings that meet their lifestyle and taste requirements.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing white gold wedding rings is their price. White gold wedding rings will generally cost a lot less than an equivalent wedding ring made from platinum.

If you are looking for something fresh and beautiful and within your budget white gold wedding rings are good options.

History of white gold jewellery

First used as a jewellery metal in the 1920’s, white gold was a more cost effective choice for couples who liked the look of the platinum wedding rings but could not afford the price.

White gold wedding bands became a popular alternative during World War II when platinum was restricted for military uses only.

Platinum vs. white gold

Platinum is a stronger, more durable metal than white gold however a good quality white gold wedding ring will stand up to normal wear without bending or scratching.

Few people are able to tell the difference between a white gold wedding ring and a platinum ring by sight.

Platinum does not lose its lustre with wear. Over time with wear and exposure to chemicals, water and the sun the white gold wedding ring will lose its “whiteness.”

To restore white gold wedding rings to their original lustre you must have the ring replated with rhodium. This is a fairly inexpensive, simple job – but over the years the cost can mount up. We usually recommend that white gold rings are replated every 1-2 years.

Platinum Engagement Rings – The Ultimate Expression of Love

Silvya Curtis — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:15:30 +0000

Your engagement is a special event and the engagement ring which is the physical symbol of that event should be special too. Platinum engagement rings may cost a little more than other types of engagement rings but they are well worth the added expense.

We recommend you purchase a platinum ring. While all final decisions in jewelry are all about personal taste there are some basic facts you should know and consider about platinum before you make your final choice.

Platinum is the perfect metal for diamond engagement rings. Here are a few of the reasons why:

Platinum is a beautiful silvery-white shiny metal
Platinum when properly polished has a lustre that is a perfect compliant to the sparkle and fire of a beautiful diamond
Platinum’s strength and durability make it hard to break making platinum the perfect metal for holding precious gems in their settings (platinum prongs are sometimes used in rings made of less durable metals to ensure the security of the stone in the setting)
Platinum is unique, 35 times rarer than gold
Platinum about twice a valuable as gold
Platinum is durable, scratch resistant and easy to care for (it can be cleaned with soap and water and if scraped or scratched can be re-polished to its original lustre)
Platinum does not rust, corrode or tarnish
Platinum is hypoallergenic
Platinum’s rarity and durability makes it the perfect symbol of the uniqueness and enduring nature of your love.

Platinum has a long and rich history. Platinum has been a symbol of royalty since 700BC. In ancient times kings and their families were buried in sarcophaguses decorated with platinum. The Incas used platinum for ceremonial jewellery. And while out of favour for a few hundred years, in the 1780’s King Louis XVI of France declared platinum the only metal fit for kings and more recently the crown Queen Elizabeth wore during her and George the VI’s coronation in 1937, was made of platinum.

Most platinum today is mined in Russia and South Africa. The pure platinum ore is usually mixed with other metals when used in jewellery. It is not recommended you choose any platinum alloy with a purity of less than 90% for jewellery. The addition of more than 10% of other metals to the platinum may compromise the positive characteristics of the platinum.

While platinum is more expensive than most other metals used in engagement rings it is definitely worth the cost to choose a platinum engagement ring. If you can scrimp other places in your wedding budget in order to work the cost of platinum into your budget you will not regret purchasing a platinum engagement ring.

If you purchase a platinum engagement ring you will do so with the knowledge the ring will last a lifetime and look as beautiful in the distant future as it did the day you first put the ring on her finger.

Alternatives to White Gold Rings

Silvya Curtis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:03:15 +0000

Gold Rings

Gold has been the favourite choice for rings for years. Gold was first mined and made into jewellery by ancient civilizations. Today gold is usually mixed with other metals when used for jewellery because gold by itself is brittle and would easily be damaged or melt at high temperatures. When it is mixed with other metals gold is more stable and harder. Yellow gold rings are a mixture of gold and copper or zinc. Other colours of gold alloys used in rings are pink, red, green and peach.

White Gold Rings

One of the most popular ring choices are white gold rings. White gold is gold mixed with silver or palladium. The strongest of the gold alloys white gold rings hold up better than most of the other gold alloys. White gold rings are generally plated with rhodium a very shiny white metal to make the new ring whiter in colour. Many white gold rings today are recycled gold. These eco-gold rings are recognized as an environmentally friendly choice since they most often come from recycled old jewellery rather than depleting declining natural gold supplies.

Platinum Rings

A popular alternative to white gold rings are platinum rings. Known for its brilliance platinum is more durable and heavier than gold making it a good choice for rings. Platinum rings are generally not plated with rhodium so no need to worry about the shine on your ring dulling over time. Platinum rings can be pricey but for those who can afford it platinum makes a beautiful and long-lasting ring.

Palladium Rings

Palladium is in the same metal family as platinum. Palladium rings are harder and more scratch-resistant than white gold rings and, like platinum, palladium holds its shine. Other advantages of palladium are its price which is much less expensive than high-quality white gold rings and palladium is considered hypoallergenic for those who have metal allergies.

Silver Rings

Silver is the whitest of metal used for rings. Silver is the least expensive metal for a ring. The cost of a silver ring is mainly in the crafting of the ring not the metal. However silver rings do not hold up as well as white gold rings but if you are on a tight budget silver is a good alternative.

Tungsten Rings

Tungsten carbide rings are a relatively recent alternative to white gold rings. Promoted as indestructible and scratch resistant tungsten rings are a safety hazard because tungsten is so hard it cannot be cut off your finger with steel cutters if you need to have the ring removed because of an accident or other swelling of your finger.

Stainless Steel Rings

Another interesting and inexpensive alternative to white gold rings are stainless steel rings. While not as durable as white gold rings stainless steel can be hand-formed unlike other metal and there are some very creative hand-formed stainless steel ring designs.

A Guide to Platinum Wedding Rings

Hayley Hunkin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:12:12 +0000

Wedding rings are one of the most precious pieces of jewellery you will ever purchase – as your rings will have great emotional as well as financial value.

Nowadays, many men and women are choosing platinum wedding rings. Platinum is one of the rarest and most expensive metals on earth – and so it can signify the special love between a husband and wife.

Why you should consider a platinum wedding ring

Platinum wedding rings are durable and offer a perfect base for diamonds. The stylish white look of a platinum wedding ring can match well with the sparkle of diamonds and other gems.

Platinum is hypoallergenic – so it is a great choice if you have sensitive skin.

Platinum can also be combined with any other metals like titanium and gold.

Though platinum is expensive, it is worth considering this one time investment for your most precious jewellery.

What style of Platinum Ring?

Platinum can be used in almost any wedding ring design – although it can be a little more difficult for a jeweller to work with as it is an extremely hard metal.

Traditional bands

Platinum works very well with simple, traditional wedding bands. Such a high quality, durable metal can make even simple designs look very elegant and timeless.

And couples wanting to reflect something of themselves in their wedding bands often choose to include a personalized message engraved on the inside of their rings.

Patterned rings

If you want to reveal your uniqueness, you might choose a patterned design. Celtic patterns are a very popular choice. The intricate patterns of Celtic art are beautifully displayed in these rings.

Platinum two colour wedding rings

Those looking to add some additional colour to their wedding ring design can choose a two or three colour wedding ring. Almost any combination of metals can metal colours can be incorporated into a stunning ring design.

Whichever style you choose, a platinum wedding ring will reflect the special and everlasting love that you and your spouse share.

White Gold versus Yellow Gold Wedding Bands

Hayley Hunkin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:47:15 +0000

Choosing the right colour of gold for your wedding band really comes down to personal preference. The winner of this tug of war between white gold versus yellow gold often depends on several factors from the colour preference of the person who wears it to the durability of the metal.

The difference between white gold versus yellow gold in making wedding bands is only in the amount of pure gold used and the alloys used. While white gold is usually alloyed with nickel, yellow gold uses silver as an alloy. Both white and yellow gold are composed of 58.3% pure gold and the rest is the matched alloy. Both white and yellow gold also use zinc and copper as alloys.

Although the conventional colour of wedding bands is yellow gold, white gold wedding bands, with a more silvery jewellery look, are becoming extremely fashionable. Individuals who are more fashion conscious have a tendency to choose white gold over yellow gold for gold wedding bands. However, those who like to keep it more traditional go with yellow gold and add a slightly different touch to the same like a frosted look, to keep it exciting. Often, yellow gold bands are seen as boring. However, many who have tried to draw the balance between tradition and style have added edges, curves and small shades of white gold into plain yellow gold rings.

The second thing that affects the war of white gold versus yellow gold is the colour preference of the person who wears it. Depending on what you see as flattering to your skin tone, wardrobe, lifestyle and what your friends and acquaintances wear, you will choose white or yellow gold for wedding bands. It also depends on the other jewellery that the couple wears. For example, if you have chosen a unique coloured stone for your engagement ring, such as a Blue Sapphire or a Blue Topaz, you may prefer a white gold wedding band to blend better with the blue tones of the stone on your engagement ring.

Also, depending on whether the bride or groom prefer a contrast or match to the predominant metal colour of the rest of the jewellery they wear daily, the decision on white gold versus yellow gold will become clearer. If the bride usually wears silver jewellery rather than gold jewellery, white gold can be a better choice for the wedding band, as it will match silver jewellery. However, if you like to create a contrast to ensure your wedding ring stands out, choosing a yellow gold wedding band makes sense.

The durability of white gold versus yellow gold has been in question since a long time. Pure gold is extremely soft, to the point of not being able to be formed into jewellery and therefore needs an alloy to make it solid. The carat value of gold determines the amount of pure gold in the wedding band and therefore the durability and hardness of it. White gold is usually 14 carat to 18 carat while yellow is often more. Considering this, white gold might be harder and more durable than yellow, although there is no conclusive answer.

One more thing to consider in the question white gold versus yellow gold wedding bands is the fact that white gold tends to turn slightly yellowish with time. If this is not something the wearer of the ring is prepared to deal with and prefers white metal, another option is to consider platinum or even platinum coating the white gold wedding band.

Choosing your wedding band colour is an important decision, because it is a piece of jewellery you will wear every day for the rest of your life. Think carefully about your options and consider the benefits of traditional yellow gold versus the fashionable white gold for your wedding band.

Titanium wedding rings – built for fighter pilots

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:17:55 +0000

Titanium is a relatively new metal option for wedding rings. It is often called a “space age metal” because it is lightweight, strong and resistant to corrosion. It’s most recognized usage is in commercial and military aircraft – and even spacecraft!

Titanium can be used in both men’s and women’s wedding rings – but is currently most popular with men.

So, why might you consider a titanium wedding ring?

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly – being very strong and durable, a titanium wedding ring offers a symbolic sense of strength and longevity. This is an attractive feature for many couples. After all, wedding rings are all about symbolism.

It is a common misconception that titanium rings have a dark or dull industrial look. Modern titanium jewellery can be highly polished like platinum – or brushed, sandblasted or etched on the surface.

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of titanium wedding rings is that they are very hardwearing. If the wearer does a lot of manual work then a titanium ring would be a great choice.

In terms of price, titanium rings can be very good value for money – typically significantly cheaper than an equivalent ring in platinum.

One tip to consider with titanium wedding rings is that resizing can be more difficult than for softer metals. Small changes in size can be straightforward – but for larger changes, the ring may have to be rebuilt.

Should You Consider a Palladium Wedding Ring?

Silvya Curtis — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:12:45 +0000

Palladium is a precious metal that is part of the platinum family. As a precious metal, it is covered by International Standard ISO 9202.

Palladium is a popular choice for rings – particularly for men’s wedding bands. This is because it offers exceptional value for money. Palladium rings are typically less than half the price of an identical design made from platinum.

Palladium rings stay white and will not tarnish or fade to yellow – as does 9ct white gold and to a lesser extent 18ct white gold rings.

From a durability perspective, palladium is harder wearing than platinum.

All Bliss Rings palladium wedding rings come with hallmarks – even though this is not compulsory in Great Britain until 1st January 2010.

Our palladium wedding bands are typically priced between 9ct white gold and 18ct white gold – making them a fantastic option for people looking for a white gold coloured ring.

Most Bliss Rings designs can be made in palladium – so book your appointment today to try on more than 220 gorgeous rings in the comfort of your own home!

How to choose a metal for your wedding ring

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:30:13 +0000

Men have a free range when choosing their wedding rings, they can choose whichever metal they like based on the colour of their ring choice. If you want a yellow colour then 9ct or 18ct gold rings are the most popular choice, if you are looking for a white colour then 9ct or 18ct white gold, palladium or platinum will be popular.

Remember when choosing that 9ct and 18ct are rhodium plated and will gradually fade in time to yellow so ever so often you will have to get the ring re coated to make it white again 9ct is worse than 18ct for this. Palladium and platinum won’t do this and your only thought would be price with palladium being less than half the price of platinum.

Palladium is a fairly new choice of metal for a wedding ring with its looks similar to that of platinum. It has half the amount of platinum in it in comparison to platinum, Palladium now benefits from a hallmark after years of stringent testing. Palladium is also about 12% harder than a platinum ring making it more hardwearing.

Ladies have more to consider in their wedding rings purchase, the wedding ring metal should be based on the metal already chosen in your engagement ring and you should in practice choose the same. Choosing different metals can lead to the softer metalled ring being eroded in time due to general wear and tear. If you have a yellow engagement ring and want to come away from this colour a good choice may be a two tone ring so you can incorporate white and yellow, keeping the same colour on the edges to match your engagement ring and white in the centre.