Even though platinum rings aren’t as widely known as yellow gold or silver rings, they are an equally prominent option in jewelry pieces. However, there are some common misconceptions regarding the metal that have emerged over the years. If you’re on the hunt to pick out the perfect engagement ring, this article will cover all you need to know about platinum jewelry and its many properties.
Platinum is a rare inorganic metal that can be found naturally in small quantities around the world. It is widely misunderstood to be hard when in fact it is soft. This is attributed to its purity, which is 90-95% platinum, with the remainder being alloy. As a result, the material is dense rather than hard, making it excellent for jewelry, particularly bespoke pieces.
Platinum jewelry is also highly expensive due to the rare nature of the metal. In fact, platinum is the second most expensive precious metal in the world, only falling behind gold. Due to this, platinum rings are seen as luxurious and high-end pieces of jewelry.
White gold and platinum may appear similar at first glance. It is a common misconception that out of the two, platinum is the only “real” white metal. There is no such thing as “white gold”, as gold is naturally yellow in colour. White metal alloys are combined with yellow gold to make the material known as “white gold”, which is then covered with rhodium. The rhodium plating eventually wears off after some time, and the white gold begins to yellow over time. White gold will eventually require replating in order to keep its white-metal tint, whereas platinum is white, ensuring its colour will never fade. It may also develop a grey hue over time as a result of the dents and scratches that the ring accumulates from frequent use.
Platinum is a great choice if you’re looking to invest in a long-lasting piece of jewelry that will stand the test of time. Due to its durability, it is also a widely used material for bespoke jewelry in Singapore.
Besides being extremely durable and rare, platinum is also hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate sensitive skin. This makes it an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies or have skin that is easily irritated. Platinum rings are also corrosion-resistant, meaning they will stay beautiful and shiny for the entire duration of their lifetime.
Even though platinum is a pure metal by itself, it’s typically combined with other metals, such as palladium, copper, or cobalt, to produce a metal alloy that is suited for jewelry manufacturing. Platinum is quite dense in its pure state. Therefore, the addition of other metals produces a malleable composition and allows jewelers to sculpt the metal with fine, detailed precision to create intricate designs and bespoke jewelry pieces.
As we’ve seen, platinum rings are highly durable and will last a lifetime. They’re 100% hypoallergenic, meaning they’re safe for those with allergies or sensitive skin. These rings are also incredibly shiny and resistant to corrosion, making them lasting pieces of jewelry that will stay beautiful for years. And, since platinum doesn’t tarnish, you don’t need to worry about cleaning your ring daily.
Platinum is a fantastic option for diamond engagement rings as it is a colourless and lustrous metal. The metal’s reflection increases the diamond’s shine and keeps it clear, colourless, and frosty. Other metals, such as yellow and rose gold, can pick up on the diamond’s warm tones, diminishing its colourless appearance. Furthermore, platinum gradually takes on a grey hue, which is what makes platinum rings so distinctive.
All of the advantages of platinum rings come at a cost. As we’ve seen, platinum is an extremely rare and expensive metal. Because of this, platinum rings can be expensive and often out of reach for those with a tight budget.
Furthermore, there is a prevalent assumption that platinum is hard and won’t scratch easily. In reality, platinum is highly pure, making it vulnerable to dents and scratches, eventually taking on the shape of the user’s finger. As a result, platinum rings cannot be bent back into their original form. With platinum, there is simply no metal memory; because of this, it has better holding strength.
Since its origin, platinum has continued to be a highly favoured metal for engagement rings due to its timeless aesthetic. A classic engagement ring made of platinum is ideal as it is adaptable, suits a wide range of tastes and designs, and will never go out of style.
LeCaine Gems is a premier jewelry merchant that takes pride in delivering exceptional first-class service while upholding the highest industry standards. We have a large selection of jewelry, ranging from stunning moissanite engagement rings to classic 1 carat diamond rings in Singapore.
Explore our carefully curated collection, which contains styles ranging from simple and classic to elaborate designs. From our responsive team to providing a quality online shopping experience, we are committed to exceeding your expectations. To begin discussing the jewelry of your dreams, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by booking an appointment or send us a WhatsApp message at +65 8020 0353.
