Platinum Engagement Rings
Rings made of platinum have a unique silver-white color that blends beautifully with all types of ring designs. This quality metal is rare and sought after for luxury jewelry. Learn about this popular metal and what to look for in an platinum engagement ring.
About Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a silvery-white luminescent metal thirty-five times rarer than gold. Because of its scarcity, the metal is far more expensive than gold - usually about twice the cost. Most platinum is mined in Russia and South Africa, whereas gold is found in more locations, including the United States, Australia, and Brazil.
Like gold, platinum, is hypoallergenic and extremely durable. The metal also resists tarnish or rusting. It is a popular metal for engagement rings, because its color is a perfect complement to diamonds as well as other gemstones.
Engagement Ring Designs
Engagement rings featuring platinum bands come in many designs in both traditional and modern styles. Examples of platinum ring designs includes:
- Three-stone diamond and sapphire ring
- Asscher-cut diamond solitaire rings
- Bezel-set diamond center stone in a pave band
- Cluster ruby and diamond ring
- Invisible set princess-cut diamond ring
Couples can find a platinum ring that fits the bride's personality and lifestyle.
How to Read Jewelry Markings
Most jewelry-grade platinum is ninety-five percent pure, meaning that platinum makes up 950 out of 1000 parts of the metal. The markings on ninety-five percent pure platinum are likely to appear as: 950Plat, Pt950, or 950Pt. It is not recommended to choose any purity below ninety percent for jewelry settings because alloys may change the color of the platinum or lower its durability.
Caring for Platinum Engagement Rings
Platinum is very durable and scratch resistant but should be removed during heavy work or when using harsh chemicals. Engagement rings made out of platinum should be cleaned with a gentle bristle brush and a mild solution of soap and warm water. Your jeweler can buff platinum jewelry to help it retain its natural luster. When not being worn, platinum should be stored in a fabric-lined container away from other jewelry that may cause scratches.
Platinum designer ring.Platinum vs. White Gold
While platinum and white gold are similar in color, platinum has higher purity, weight, durability, and rarity than its white gold counterpart. Platinum engagement rings offer more resistance to scratches and are thought to be more luminescent due to the metal's purity.
Is a Platinum Ring Right for Me?
As with any style consideration for engagement rings, the choice of platinum over another metal is purely a personal preference. While the idea of such a valuable and rare metal may be alluring, the expense dissuades many couples from choosing platinum engagement rings. Furthermore, many people cannot tell the difference between platinum and white gold or sterling silver rings, so the expense often goes unnoticed. If the ring does become damaged, you may need to seek a specialized jeweler to perform quality repairs because platinum ring work will cost more than repairing other types of jewelry. If you do choose a platinum ring, it may be wise to consider additional insurance to protect the investment.
Platinum's rarity and durability makes it the perfect choice for an engagement ring that signifies the depth and uniqueness of your love. While it is expensive, the investment is one that is meant to last a lifetime and will undoubtedly be worthwhile in the long term.
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