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Discover our stylish collection of platinum engagement rings, including classic and contemporary styles with diamonds and a selection of precious gemstones. Shop our full collection of platinum engagement rings below.
Despite the widespread adoration for platinum engagement rings, their history is much more recent than you may think. Platinum itself has been used for millennia, particularly in statues and artefacts in Ancient Egypt and South America.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that knowledge of its properties widened, and its use in jewellery was established. Through research and testing, platinum became recognised as an incredibly durable noble metal. In 1895 Edmond Fouche and Charles Picard managed to create an oxyhydrogen torch which would change the course for platinum. The torch was able to reach a temperature of 1768° C, which happens to be the metal’s melting point, and as a result, enabled jewellers to manipulate and shape the substance to create beautiful designs.
But due to its resistance, robustness and uses, it was later labelled a ‘strategic mineral’ which severely limited its supply in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until the 1950s that platinum jewellery rose in popularity again and the much-loved platinum engagement ring became a must have accessory for any bride-to-be.
Platinum has a number of properties which makes it perfectly suited for engagement rings. These include:
It’s common for platinum rings to be mistaken for white gold, or vice versa. However, the two metals are completely different. White gold does not possess all of the same characteristics as platinum, and platinum doesn’t possess those of white gold. The biggest difference in the two metals is their durability over time. As gold naturally has a yellow hue, it is possible for the white of a white gold ring to fade over time, which requires them to be re-plated with rhodium in order for their lustre to be restored. Platinum on the other hand, is naturally white, which doesn’t change, no matter how much time passes.
Generally, a higher quantity of pure platinum is required for an engagement ring than the quantity of white gold for the same design. Platinum is also much more difficult to work with and requires a high level of skill and expertise. These two things combine mean platinum engagement rings are usually priced higher than white gold.
Nonetheless, both white gold and platinum make for great options for engagement rings. It simply depends on your budget, taste and lifestyle. You can browse our full collection of platinum engagement rings above, or see our white gold options here.
Although platinum is an incredibly durable metal, it does require some care and attention in order to keep it looking its best. The platinum band itself should be cleaned and polished by a professional jeweller in order for any scratches to be removed and for its surface to remain white and bright.
Enlisting the service of a professional will ensure any additional damage is avoided, and they can also use their trained eyes and tools to take a closer look at the stones and details to ensure they remain in the best possible condition, too.
When shopping for a platinum engagement ring, you will be met with a number of different options. One of the first things to consider is the grade of platinum used in the ring. Platinum is graded by its pure platinum content, with the most common alloy used for rings containing 95% platinum. To identify the platinum grade of any ring, speak to an expert, or look for a hallmark which will contain a three digit number as follows: 850, 900, 950 and 999. A ring with 95% platinum in its alloy will be stamped with a 950 hallmark.
The next thing to consider is the style of ring and what stones you would like in it. Here at Wallace Allan, we have a large collection of platinum engagement rings, including design featuring a number of different stones. Some of our favourites include:
Shop our full collection of platinum engagement rings online today.
