Gold vs. Platinum
For centuries, gold has been a valued jewelry metal due to its versatility. In order for gold to increase its strength, pure gold is usually combined with other metals to make jewelry. The marriage itself is symbolized by a wedding band, whereas an engagement signifies a promise. The shape is important. The wedding ring is a symbol of everlasting love and happiness. It represents the permanent nature of your marriage, and connects the generations of past and future who celebrate the marriage ceremony just as you have.
Of all your wedding day choices, your wedding band is the only enduring choice. While your gown may be beautiful and your wedding cake delicious, only your wedding band will remain with you, a beautiful symbol of your vow, forever. Because of this, you should pick a band that actually shows others what type of person you are.
YELLOW GOLD: Discoloration of the skin is not caused by contact with pure gold. Pure gold does not change in color or tarnish, but when alloy is used as a mixing agent, gold can then change and oxidize. When a person perspires, the fats and acids can start this change in gold sometimes. This process can get worse in areas that are warm and damp. Women’s makeup can also start this problem. There are a few ways to prevent discoloration of gold. One way is to remove jewelry often from the skin and to clean both the skin and jewelry often. One should also use soft cloth to wipe and clean jewelry to remove the tarnish. Switching to a higher gold content jewelry can also help resolve this problem, such as going from 14K to 18K.
WHITE GOLD OR PLATINUM: Platinum rings have become in high demand over the recent years. Platinum jewelry’s natural white color makes it a beautiful complement to diamonds. This metal is also five times as rare as gold, weighs much more, and has become highly valued. Platinum is hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. Jewelry made of platinum is very white and has a long wear quality. An 18k gold ring will feel much lighter than a platinum ring due to platinum’s dense and heavy metal quality. A platinum wedding ring will be approximately twice the price of an 18k white gold ring. The sophistication associated with platinum makes this metal very popular among the rich and famous. Platinum is mainly used to make men’s and women’s engagement and wedding rings.
Your wedding bands will always be a reminder of your wedding day and a symbol of the shared love. This is why one should consider a few factors before buying that special piece of jewelry. First, choose a wedding band that complements your look and life-style. Then you should think about the selection between gold and platinum. If your preference is to choose gold, would you select yellow, white, or rosy-pink? The amount of gold also can vary between 14K and 18K. Platinum will be heavier and more expensive than gold.
Another factor one should think about when looking for rings, is whether you would like diamonds and other precious stones to be added. The adding of diamonds to your ring will also add to the cost of your ring. Matching an engagement ring with a diamond wedding band or an eternity wedding band is a beautiful pairing. This can be costly for some couples and therefore some start with simple gold rings, and later upgrade on a special occasion down the road. You can always visit with a local jeweler and have your ring measurements taken. Usually a woman’s ring size is smaller than a man’s just by a few millimeters.
Many couples decide to select matching rings which have similar characteristics. Couples who have different tastes can also decide on having the same metal, but may choose on a different design. Whichever style you choose, it will always be a symbol of the love you share.