Metals - Platinum

Everything You Need to Know About Platinum Engagement Rings

Platinum is one of the rarest metals in the earth's crust. It’s hard, beautiful, and elusive. This has made it both a symbol and store of wealth in the past, and a popular choice for engagement rings today.

The history of platinum

The ancient Egyptians used platinum in their jewelry, mixed with gold. Later, ancient indigenous South Americans mined. refined and produced intricate platinum jewelry which Europeans discovered in the 16th century. By the 19th century, platinum had become a popular jewelry metal.

The prestige of platinum

They say all the platinum on the earth could fit in a single living room. Only royals could afford to buy and use it in the past, with Louis XV declaring it the only metal fit for kings.

Platinum is so rare and beautiful that it’s become synonymous with wealth. The metal is even more expensive than 24k pure gold. The word “Platinum” itself is often used to say something is rare, or exceptional.

Properties of platinum in jewelry

Platinum is durable and never loses its classic grey-white metallic sheen. This makes it a perfect metal for wear throughout a lifetime. As a noble metal, platinum resists corrosion and tarnishing. It is also hypoallergenic so you can confidently wear it on sensitive skin. Though it is heavier and denser than silver and gold, platinum is very ductile and pliable. These are helpful properties for setting diamonds and jewelry-making.

Platinum jewelry alloys

High-quality platinum jewelry uses a 90 to 95% alloy. Platinum alloys are easier to work with and have greater durability. Alterations of platinum rings must use compatible materials to these alloys.

The selection of platinum alloys for jewelry depends on regional quality stamping regulations. The main platinum alloys are:

Platinum hallmarks, quality stamps, and finesse marks

Hallmarking shows the quality and provenance of a piece of platinum jewelry. Since 1975, all fine platinum jewelry with a platinum weight of over 0.5 grams has carried a hallmark or finesse mark. The Platinum Guild International (PGI) oversees the hallmarking of platinum jewelry.

Platinum engagement rings

Platinum is a beautiful setting for diamond or Moissanite engagement rings. Its luminosity beautifully enhances any size or cut of stone. Master setters select platinum as platinum prongs do not move or wear with time. This strength and durability have made platinum the setting for the large gems like the 45.52-carat Hope diamond.

Platinum engagement rings can fit in with low, moderate, and high activity lifestyles. It can scratch but does not lose any metal, developing a characterful patina as the ring ages. You can have platinum rings polished and buffed to remove any acquired marks.

Platinum vs Silver

Platinum vs White Gold

Caring for platinum

Platinum's durability will delight you for decades after it is first worn. Care for your platinum engagement ring to preserve its brilliance. Avoid wearing your ring during rough or intense physical activity as platinum scratches. Keeping a platinum ring in a soft box away from other jewelry helps to protect it from scratches.

Avoid abrasive materials and corrosive solutions for cleaning platinum jewelry. You can safely clean platinum in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Have your platinum ring polished by a reputable jeweler to preserve its beauty. Jewelers also refinish platinum rings with rhodium to renew their brightness.