RING GUIDES
Platinum, a naturally derived luminous white metal, possesses a rarity surpassing that of gold and is coveted in jewellery for its exquisite allure. Dive deeper into the world of platinum to unveil whether this ethereal metal stands as the supreme choice for your cherished ring.
Pure and gleaming, platinum stands as a silver-toned rarity, among the world's scarcest metals. Its colourless, lustrous nature serves as the ideal partner for diamonds, maintaining their icy, unblemished clarity. In the realm of engagement rings, platinum, typically composed of 95% pure platinum and 5% other precious metals like palladium, copper, or rhodium, is often referred to as '950 platinum', embodying its exquisite composition.
Platinum, a naturally sourced metal, spans across various regions worldwide, from Australia and Canada to Russia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. While occurring in a pure state, it's typically blended with metals like palladium, copper, or rhodium to forge an alloy ideal for crafting jewelry. Its innate hardness necessitates the addition of other metals in creating '950 platinum,' allowing artisans to shape this malleable alloy with exquisite finesse and intricate detail.
The term 'platinum' finds its roots in the Spanish word 'platino,' meaning 'little silver,' drawing comparisons between these two metals celebrated for their dazzling, colourless allure. While commonly believed to have been discovered around 1735 in South America, evidence of platinum's use traces back to ancient Egypt around 1200 BC in gold alloys. Despite suggestions of its discovery in 1550s Mexico, it was deemed impractical, treated as an impurity in gold, and largely overlooked.
It wasn't until the late 1700s that Europeans began integrating platinum into luxurious items like clothing buttons. However, its transition into a pliable form suitable for crafting intricate jewellery demanded exceptionally high temperatures, an achievement realised only around the turn of the 20th century with the introduction of powerful jewellery torches. It was at this juncture that esteemed jewellers like Cartier delved into the realm of platinum craftsmanship.
The cost of a platinum ring is determined by several factors, including its design intricacy, the craftsmanship involved, and notably, the size and quantity of diamonds or gemstones used.
For instance, the base cost for a platinum ring starts at £700 for a simple solitaire design. When accentuated with a high-quality 0.30ct diamond, the starting price for a beautifully crafted platinum ring ranges from approximately £1,300.
In recent times, the prices of gold and platinum rings have equated, although gold rings traditionally used to retail at a lower price compared to platinum.
Platinum stands as an excellent option for diamond engagement rings owing to its colourless, luminous nature. Its reflective quality elevates the diamond's brilliance, preserving its icy, colourless allure. Unlike yellow or rose gold, which can impart warm tones to diamonds, platinum ensures the gem's enduring colourlessness and brightness.
Beyond aesthetics, platinum boasts remarkable durability, outperforming gold metals in resistance against nicks and scratches. Since its inception, platinum has retained its status as the top preference for engagement rings, showcasing its enduring appeal. Its versatility caters to diverse tastes and designs, rendering it an ideal choice for crafting timeless engagement rings that transcend fleeting fashions and evolving trends.
View the pros and cons of platinum in the dropdown below.
Being hypoallergenic means the chances of triggering an allergic reaction, even for the most sensitive skin types, are incredibly slim.
Lustrous and colourless, platinum enhances the brilliant sparkle of diamonds without any interference from other hues.
Platinum complements various skin tones, especially cool and darker complexions, making it a versatile choice.
Platinum surpasses gold alternatives in its resistance to nicks and scratches, ensuring lasting quality and resilience.
Low maintenance by nature, platinum doesn't need frequent re-plating and only occasionally requires polishing to maintain its enduring allure.
Versatility is its charm—platinum effortlessly complements various jewellery and clothing hues, making it a seamless match for different styles and colours.
At times perceived as pricier than gold, recent market shifts have aligned platinum and gold prices, rendering them similar, if not identical, in value.
Its density and strength do make platinum more challenging to repair compared to other metals due to its unique properties.
Over time, platinum can develop a patina, which causes light scuffs and scratches, requiring regular polishing over some time.
Yellow gold, exudes a warmth that beautifully complements traditional ring designs. Explore its unique properties if yellow gold aligns with your preferences for your ideal ring.
Rose gold's recent surge in popularity has made it the go-to choice for unique and contemporary rings. Explore further to discover the allure and qualities of rose gold.
Explore everything you need to know when buying a ring. Use our comprehensive guide to personalise your creation process for your dream ring.
