Palladium has become a popular alternative to white gold and platinum jewellery due its lighter weight, strength and similar silvery sheen. It is also a naturally occurring and hypoallergenic, meaning it is great for persons who are sensitive to other types of metals.
sterling Silver
Silver rings can be much more affordable than white gold rings - partly because of the quality of the gemstones or diamonds used in it. But the ability of silver to withstand daily wear is subpar compared to white gold.
As discussed in my Precious Metals Comparison, many white gold alloys are rhodium plated. Rhodium is a precious metal in its own right and a member of the platinum family on the periodic table of elements.
White gold jewellery can become scratched, especially when worn on a daily basis. White gold's rhodium plating will wear away over time. You'll need to have it re-plated (called rhodium plating) to keep its 'white' colour however, this is a simple process.
Durability. As you may have already figured out, palladium is stronger and more durable than white gold given its internal chemical makeup. "This is really where the metal alloys matter most," shares So.
Palladium is a precious metal with a natural white colour, which is particularly in demand for today's jewellery trends. In this respect it's similar to platinum, but as palladium is less dense it costs considerably less.
The more pure gold used in an alloy, the yellower it appears. 18k white gold, which is 75% pure, appears less white than 14k white gold, which is only 58.3% pure. Platinum alloys appear whiter vs. white gold alloys, because they contain only white metals.
When you see a yellowish tint in your white gold jewelry, it's not because of poor quality. Instead, you see the inner layer of gold alloy under the rhodium plating. Because rhodium is applied in such a thin layer, usually only a few microns thick, it can wear off over time.
Cologne, perfume, deodorants, and some soaps have compounds that can slowly weaken the rhodium plating on your jewelry. You should not wear your jewelry in the shower in general, but especially avoid doing so if the jewelry is rhodium plated.
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, many people choose white gold over platinum. One bespoke jeweler, however, sees this as a mistake. White gold has rhodium plating that will wear away over time, meaning the ring requires more maintenance than a platinum equivalent.
White gold is usually an alloy containing about 75% gold and about 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.
RHODIUM: TOP MOST VALUABLE METAL
Rhodium is the most valuable metal and exists within the platinum group of metals.
Overview of costliest precious metals
Rhodium is a silver/white metal PFM that's extremely hard, resistant to corrosion and a melting point of 1,964°C. It's used in automotive catalytic converters, jewelry and plating. Businesses mine approximately 30 metric tons of rhodium in South Africa and Russia every year.
Purchasing Silver Bullion
Several thousand dollars' worth of physical silver is much heavier and harder to store than gold. It also has superior upside potential though, and is arguably one of the most useful previous metals when it comes to industrial use.
The simple answer is that 24-karat gold is the only type of gold that doesn't tarnish. This is the most traditional form of gold, and it is what primarily comes to people's minds when they think of "gold." 24-karat gold is also the priciest type because it does not contain any other mixed metals.
Bad news is: you can't prevent white gold from turning yellow. The breakdown process is normal and inevitable. But you can slow down its process by taking good care of your jewelry. Try to avoid getting your white gold jewelry wet, soapy or dirty.
The biggest disadvantage of rhodium plating is its cost. Because rhodium is two times more expensive than gold, applying a rhodium coat to jewelry can put some stress on your wallet. Even rhodium plating a small piece of jewelry can cost you upwards of $100.
A common misconception is that rhodium plating only needs to be done once and is permanent. As it is a metal, like any other metal used in jewellery, it is susceptible to wear and tear through exposure. So most white gold pieces on average will need to be rhodium plated every 12-18 months.
The actual layer or coat of rhodium, which is applied in an electroplating process, is microscopic (maybe a few microns thick) and will eventually wear off. Body chemistry, excessive sweat, occupational and lifestyle wear, and chlorine can all shorten the life of rhodium plating.
Replating a white gold ring may cost around $100-$200. But it still depends on the thickness, quality of the rhodium, and the expertise of the jeweller.
Platinum is easier to maintain over time than white gold. Platinum is also the most hypoallergenic of all metals, because of its purity. Platinum is made of 95% pure platinum, where white gold is made out of 75% pure gold, and 25% other metals.
Elements such as sulphur and chlorine react with the other metals in the gold jewelry, causing it to corrode and turn black, thus blackening the skin underneath.
Cobalt, often called cobalt chrome, wedding rings are a newer choice known for their durability and color. Unlike tungsten and titanium which are gray in tone, cobalt has a bright white color that rivals the look of white gold at about a third of the price that's also ideal for everyday wear.
The only disadvantages to platinum are the higher cost and heavier weight. For example, platinum is a great metal for necklaces, bracelets and rings but not earrings, because the heavy weight may pull down more on your ears and cause discomfort.
General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.