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completely random question, but does anyone know if you can tell the difference between platinum and silver by looking at it? does platinum look a lot better?

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Silver looks very distinct for a white metal. In jewelry it's often dark around the edges, and it will tarnish over time.

A better comparison is platinum and white gold. These will look very similar when new. Platinum will lose a little bit of it's shine over time, but overall will be fairly durable and will not tarnish. Some lesser grades will develop pits over time as well. White gold holds a shine well, but it will eventually turn yellow-ish with heavy wear and will need to be replated. White gold is far cheaper than platinum and is very easy to work with in comparison (for future sizing, etc).

I know this stuff 'cause I just bought wedding bands for myself and my fiancee. I got mine in white gold, and hers in platinum to match her platinum engagement ring.