I'm in the market for a white gold, band-type ring (don't ask me why ). Okay, so I'm looking in a Korean jewelry store and ask a little about them... I specifically asked to see "white gold" and the store clerk began to show off the collection of platinum rings. So I was like, "No no...white gold; not platinum," and the clerk just gave me a smile and said, "White gold is platinum," like I was some ignorant fool.

Umm...no it's not! They are two completely different metals. So I tried several other stores...surprisingly, same story. I find it hard to believe that all Koreans think White Gold and Platinum are the same thing. I don't get it...am I asking something wrong? Is there a secret code word for "white gold" in Korean? "Baek Goom" is what I said...literally translated is white gold. Anyone know if there is another word for it?

BTW, I don't know crap about precious metals...would you all recommend I get a ring from a PX/BX (costs more) or a Korean Dept Store?

Ebay. this message is too short so I have to add this part about it being too short to make the 10 character minimum.. but seriously, Ebay.

eddiev9, If you can get platinumn at a white gold price then i would see that as a huge investiment?

Also if you find someting at the PX that you like, take a picture of it and take it down to a local jewerly shop and tell them this is what you want, chances are they will make it for you.

They did that for me with apair of ear rings for my mother-in law. Took them a day.

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They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Honestly, if you don't plan on reselling, I would just go for the design you like and the cheaper precious metal. I think it is silly how people spend a ton of money for Platinum, gold, etc, when a silver band is just as nice and costs 1/100th the price. It is a piece of medal that goes on your finger or neck! We have been conditioned through TV and radio that demands and gold are the only way to show our love.

I bet if you did a test with some tribe in Africa and South American I would be proven correct. Grab some tribal members that have no influence of TV, radio etc. Find out what design or symbol they relish and make it silver or copper as one choice. Then put together a $10,000 ring with all the bells and whistles as the second choice. I bet you they will take the silver/copper one every time!

Getting off my soapbox, I think Ebay is a good idea as well.

Mike

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Hi,
in korean platinum is "baek gum" 백금. And white gold is... well, they call it white gold, 화이트골드 or maybe "baek saek gum" 백색금...

My experiences with eBay . I don't know...been having a bad track record with eBay lately.

From what I saw, the quality of the Platinum was pretty crappy and hollow on the inside of the ring. Plus, I'm always iffy when buying things off post.

Anyway, as for precious metals, the reason I like gold/platinum is because they don't tarnish. I consider that quality and think it's worth the extra.

Easy to look up on the net, but I remember something about white gold being gold mixed with silver. Koreans would have no use for such a thing. Anyway, you can get beautiful gold work here and I prefer 18 or 20 kt. 24kt is prettier, but too soft to use. Go for the real thing if you can afford it.

A-ha! Thank you for clearing that up, sil! No wonder everyone was looking at me crazy.

"화이트골드"...I'll keep that in mind.

감사함니다!