When shopping for your Stella ring, you get to choose the metal setting your ring comes in. To make the right decision for you, it's important to consider your budget, how the ring will be worn and what look you want to go for. Personal preference, skin tone and current fashion trends will also help you decide on which setting to choose.
We offer gold and platinum settings, which have unique differences in durability, price and appearance.
Durability
Though both platinum and gold are strong and durable precious metals, platinum is a bit heavier than gold and more durable. In spite of its durability, it tends to scratch easier than gold and needs to be cleaned and polished more regularly to maintain its smooth appearance.
As gold by itself is relatively soft, it is made with a mix of other metals that contribute to its colour, malleability and strength. The higher the % of pure gold, ie the carat, the less durable the metal. So while 18-carat gold is more valuable, it is softer and will scratch easier than 9-carat gold. Of the different colours of gold, rose gold is very durable thanks to the strength of the copper it contains, making it tougher than yellow or white gold.
Price
Platinum settings are made with 95-98% platinum, making it very pure compared to gold and it can cost as much as 50% more depending on your ring’s design. Stella rings are offered in 9 and 18-carat gold. Since gold are alloy metals, 9-carat means that 37.5% of the metal blend is pure gold and 18-carat is double that, containing 75% pure gold. This makes 9-carat gold your most budget-friendly choice, if you rather want to splurge on your ring’s gemstones.
Appearance
Platinum is naturally white and gold is naturally yellow. If you want a white ring, opt for platinum or white gold. Where yellow gold is a mixture of pure gold with alloy metals such as copper and zinc, white gold is composed of pure gold and white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium and is finished with a rhodium plating which gives it its white colour. Rose gold is also an alloy, containing pure gold, copper and silver to give it its rosy colour and strengthen it.
In summary, platinum is not necessarily better than gold, and a higher carat gold is not necessarily better than a lower carat gold. The metal you choose needs to suit your budget and taste and take into consideration the frequency and degree to which the ring will be worn.
