Platinum Wedding Rings

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latinum has an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women. It's rich, white luster and high strength and durability make it a great choice for engagement and wedding rings.

PLATINUM QUALITIES. Of the three precious metals - gold, silver, and platinum - it is the rarest, strongest, purest, most durable, and most valuable. It is silvery gray white in color, with a metallic luster. It is slightly more dense than pure gold and about twice as dense as silver, making it a heavier ring than one the same size in gold or silver. To illustrate it's weight, a six-inch cube of platinum would weigh roughly 145 pounds. A platinum ring made with 90% pure platinum would be about 60% heavier than a similar size ring in 14 karat gold.

Platinum is perfectly suited for everyday wear of a wedding ring because it is resistant to corrosion, will not wear away or wear down, does not tarnish when exposed to the air, and is naturally hypo-allergenic. As with all precious metals, it may be scratched, but the metal is not lost as with other metals, it is only displaced and can be polished like new by a jeweler. It does not easily chip or splinter so it provides a secure setting for diamonds and gemstones.

The whiteness of platinum provides a beautiful setting for diamonds, enhancing the brilliance of the stones. The beauty and durability of platinum make it a wonderful choice for wedding rings to last a lifetime.

PLATINUM PURITY. Of all the precious metals, it is used in the most pure form. In the United States, platinum jewelry contains anywhere from 85 to 95 percent pure platinum. In comparison, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and 14 karat gold is 58.5% pure gold.

When buying a platinum ring, ask for its purity content and check the stamping. Platinum is usually at least 95% pure, the only purity that can be stamped “Platinum,” although it can also be stamped “950 Plat” or 950 Pt.”

If a Platinum ring is 90% pure platinum, it will be stamped “900 Plat” or “900 Pt.”

If a Platinum ring is 85% pure platinum, it will be stamped “850 Plat,” or “850 Pt.”

Jewelry that contains at least 50% pure platinum and at least 95% platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium) is stamped with the platinum content and then the content of the other metal. For example, “600 Plat 350 Irid” or “600 Pt 350 Ir.” Jewelry that contains less than 50% pure platinum cannot be marked with the word platinum or any of it's abbreviations.

PLATINUM HISTORY.Platinum used to be considered undesirable for jewelry, it's hardness making it difficult for the jewelers to fashion into jewelry. Although platinum was used in a limited amount of jewelry in history, it was not until the 1920's that jewelers developed sufficient technology to achieve the high heat needed to melt the platinum. Most platinum jewelry dates from this time. During World War Two, platinum was considered a war metal, and was not allowed for use in making jewelry, leading to an increase in white gold wedding rings during this time. Platinum is currently fashionable and increasing once again in popularity.

PLATINUM CARE. Cleaning platinum with mild, soapy water should be enough to maintain the metal's shine and polish. As with all precious jewelry, handle with care, and keep jewelry items from touching or scratching each other. If stored, keep in it's own fabric pouch. Jewelry should not be worn while doing rough work, and should not come in contact with harsh chemicals. If platinum becomes scratched, it can be polished with a jewelry cloth or professionally polished by a jeweler to restore it's luster.