Band & Setting Choices Part 1

I wanted to blog a bit about this topic as I see it as an important component of the Perfect Ring. So you got yourself a shiny, big rock, but you're still missing the other half of a ring, the setting!

Typically, the circular part is called a setting, or band. For engagement rings, they usually come in the form of gold, white or yellow, or platinum. To further break it down, the gold bands come in either 14K or 18K gold. Platinum costs significantly more than gold. A 14K gold band could cost around $300-600 CAD, while a platinum one might sell for at least $1000+ CAD.

When brand new, it is pretty hard to tell the difference between platinum and white gold. So the first thing that may come to your mind is, why not buy the cheaper one. Well, like most things in life, you get what you pay for and there's obviously reasons why platinum costs more. Let me break down the differences...

White gold bands typically are a mix of white gold and other metals like silver, palladium and is usually treated with a layer of rhodium to make it white and shiny. Over time, the Rhodium plating chips and fades away and will make the band look dull and not as white. However, for a small price, most jewellers will re-Rhodium plate a white gold ring to "renew" it.

Platinum on the other hand is an almost pure metal when made into bands and is more dense, and white. Due to its density, platinum bands weight more than white gold bands. Platinum is also a lot stronger and thus can take more wear and not show it. Lastly, it is also more rare and therefore costs more than gold.

If you don't mind chips and scratches on your band, gold may be your better choice due to its price point. That and you have to get it replated with Rhodium every few years to keep the whiteness. On the other hand, if you want a stronger, more chip resistant band, platinum may be the way to go. However, you probably won't be able to replate or polish it (it's much more difficult than gold) and over time, it may dull a little bit.

If you can afford the extra money, a platinum band would be my choice =)