White Gold Wedding Band

White gold is often made by combining pure gold, copper, nickel, and zinc. Alloying pure gold with these other metals makes the material harder, more durable, and lighter in color. It should be noted that some people are sensitive to nickel, so be careful before buying an everyday white gold wedding band that contains this material. Some white gold is made without it. White gold wedding bands are a popular choice for many couples. However, white gold and platinum are almost identical to look at. Making a decision between the two might be difficult unless you have all the information.

White gold is much lighter in weight than platinum. Platinum is an extremely dense material and can sometimes feel heavy on the finger. If weight is an issue for you, remember that white gold will not feel as burdensome as platinum.

Platinum is also much more expensive than white gold. A platinum band will be double the cost of an identical white gold band. Although, it is important to note that most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, which makes the color whiter (closer in color to platinum) and the material harder. Over time, this plating will wear off, making the ring seem duller and darker. The band can be re-plated, but to keep up its original sheen, this will have to happen every 12 to 18 months. The cost of this procedure shouldn't be too expensive, but it will add up over the years. In addition, getting the band re-plated so often might be too high-maintenance for some.

If you are having wedding bands specially designed, a jeweler might be more inclined to work with white gold than platinum. White gold is much more malleable and therefore will be much easier to work with in intricate or intertwining designs. Since white gold is so much easier to work with, a designer might even charge less than if they are asked to work with platinum. In the end, don't let anyone make your decision for you. You must decide what will work best for you and your partner. Many couples are thoroughly satisfied with white gold wedding bands.