Platinum is Arthur's Jewelers favorite Metal!
Learn Why...
Information from the Platinum Guild International!
History of Platinum
Uncover the fascinating past that make this ancient, beguiling treasure the precious metal of choice of those in the know.
From prehistory to princesses and pop divas – the story of platinum, the so-called “new metal” is much longer than you would think. Meteorites contain platinum and the earliest recorded meteorite impact on Earth happened 2 billion years ago. Since then, this rare and beguiling treasure has made sporadic appearances throughout history, mysteriously disappearing for centuries at a time, both baffling and enchanting those who have come across it. The Ancient Egyptians, pre-Incan civilizations and the Spanish conquistadors all encountered platinum. It then re-emerged in the 1700s to fascinate kings and alchemists alike. Platinum grew in popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries and today it is the precious metal of choice of movie stars and the glitterati.
History of Platinum
Uncover the fascinating past that make this ancient, beguiling treasure the precious metal of choice of those in the know.
From prehistory to princesses and pop divas – the story of platinum, the so-called “new metal” is much longer than you would think. Meteorites contain platinum and the earliest recorded meteorite impact on Earth happened 2 billion years ago. Since then, this rare and beguiling treasure has made sporadic appearances throughout history, mysteriously disappearing for centuries at a time, both baffling and enchanting those who have come across it. The Ancient Egyptians, pre-Incan civilizations and the Spanish conquistadors all encountered platinum. It then re-emerged in the 1700s to fascinate kings and alchemists alike. Platinum grew in popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries and today it is the precious metal of choice of movie stars and the glitterati.
How to Care for Platinum Jewelry
Ensure your precious platinum pieces remain in perfect condition with advice and tips on jewelry storage, cleaning and maintenance. Look after your precious platinum jewelry and its looks will last forever.
Where should I keep my platinum jewelry when I am not wearing it?
Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items.
Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items.
How do I care for platinum jewelry?
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewelry cleaning solution.
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewelry cleaning solution.
Will platinum jewelry scratch?
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
Can I wear my platinum ring while doing manual work such as cleaning or gardening?
Remove your platinum jewelry when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewelry. Although they won’t hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.
Remove your platinum jewelry when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewelry. Although they won’t hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.
How will my platinum ring look years from now?
All precious metals age with daily wear. Over time, platinum develops a rich finish, called a patina, but it doesn’t wear away. Many people prefer the patina look, but you can have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
All precious metals age with daily wear. Over time, platinum develops a rich finish, called a patina, but it doesn’t wear away. Many people prefer the patina look, but you can have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
Planning & Budgeting
“How much should I spend?” is a common question. When budgeting for engagement rings, a general rule of thumb is two months salary, but it comes down to what you are comfortable with. Using the guideline of two months salary, we’ve created the Engagement Ring Budget Calculator below, to show you examples of ring designs that may fit within your budget.
An engagement ring purchase is typically done in two stages: selecting the diamond and selecting the setting. While the majority of your budget will go toward the diamond, remember the setting is equally important, since it's what will hold your diamond - your major investment - securely forever.
Platinum, Diamonds & Gems
Diamonds
Platinum is a diamond’s best friend. A naturally white metal, platinum won’t reflect color into the diamond, and enhances the diamond’s brilliance. Platinum also provides the most secure setting for diamonds and precious gemstones.
The quality, value and cost of a diamond are determined by the 4Cs:
CUT: Refers to the angles, shapes and proportions of the diamond. These determine its fire and sparkle.
COLOR: Defines the degree to which a diamond is colorless, on a scale from D to Z. The more colorless the diamond, the more valuable it is.
CLARITY: Is determined by the number, size and position of inclusions and blemishes found in the diamond.
CARAT: Describes the weight of the diamond, which is also related to its size. Smaller diamonds can be more expensive than larger ones depending on the quality of their cut, color and clarity.
Diamond Shapes
There are seven basic types of cut for diamonds and colored gemstones, although your jeweler may also carry asscher, radiant or cushion shapes which are growing in popularity.
Colored Stones
The use of colored gemstones is a growing trend in platinum jewelry. Yellow, pink and cognac diamonds and sapphires, emeralds and rubies give platinum jewelry a fresh, bold look. Colored gemstones can be incorporated as a way to represent your personal style, or a birthstone.
Platinum Band Styles
Band styles offer a variety of design details and finishes, to create a unique reflection of your personal style. The following is a guide to some of the more common band design elements:
DESIGN DETAILS
MILGRAIN: A raised, beaded line.
WEAVE/BRAID: A raised design that resembles strands of metal woven together.
BEVELED EDGE: An angled edge with a contrasting or complementary finish.
FILIGREE: An antique look using fine wire to create elaborate patterns such as rosettes, spirals or vines.
FINISH
POLISHED:
A high shine finish.
A high shine finish.
MATTE:
A brushed finish that has a smooth but less shiny surface.
A brushed finish that has a smooth but less shiny surface.
SATIN:
Also a brushed finish, but with a finer texture than matte.
Also a brushed finish, but with a finer texture than matte.
STONE:
A coarse brushed finish with a more rugged look than matte or satin.
A coarse brushed finish with a more rugged look than matte or satin.
HAMMER:
A hand wrought appearance achieved by using the round end of a ball peen hammer to texture the band surface.
A hand wrought appearance achieved by using the round end of a ball peen hammer to texture the band surface.
WIDTH
Standard widths are between 2mm and 6mm, but bands of up to 12mm can be ordered. Wider bands allow for more design details, including engraving.
PROFILE
ROUND: The exterior of the band has a rounded appearance. Also called "classic" or "domed".
FLAT: Flat on both the interior and exterior surfaces.
COMFORT FIT: Curves to fit the finger, reducing rubbing and irritation. Available in either round or flat profiles.
Platinum Engagement Ring Setting Styles
The ring’s setting design, paired with the shape and cut of the center gemstone, gives each ring its personality and style. A durable precious metal like platinum is ideal to firmly secure the diamond over years of daily wear.
CENTER DIAMOND SETTING STYLES
PRONG/CLAW
A classic setting where the stone is visible from all sides for maximum brilliance. A classic choice that appeals to a wide variety of tastes.
BEZEL
The stone is framed in platinum, keeping it secure. Clean and modern, especially suited to someone with an active lifestyle.
CATHEDRAL/CONTOUR
The stone is held high by raised shoulders that help to protect the diamond.Timeless, elegant, for a stylish woman who favors the traditional.
TENSION
Pressure holds the stone firmly in place allowing it to reflect maximum light.If she cherishes the unique, this bold look will be a favorite.
HALO
The stone is surrounded by a band of platinum or diamond melee, framing it to appear like a halo. A classic vintage look that appeals to the modern woman.
SIDESTONE SETTING STYLES
BAR
A thin metal bar separates each stone but leaves the sides open to bring in the light.
FLUSH
A low stress setting that secures small stones inside tiny holes.
CHANNEL
Stones are placed in a metal channel and are visible but not prominent. They form a continuous flow with no metal to separate them.
PAVE
Often used to create a sparkling look of diamonds, tiny metal beads hold each stone in its own discrete setting.
BAGUETTE
A classic and timeless style, baguette stones accent and show off the center stone with simple elegance.
What to Look for in a Platinum Ring
The selection of an engagement ring is an important decision, for the most meaningful relationship of your life. The enduring, never changing nature of platinum makes it the perfect choice for your bridal rings. However, there are four other important components of the ring to consider.
Platinum Engagement Ring Setting Styles:Platinum is the most secure setting for diamonds and precious gemstones. There are a variety of setting styles, each lending the ring part of its unique personality.
Learn more about platinum setting styles
Learn more about platinum setting styles
Platinum Band Styles:
There are a number of considerations in the ring band, including various design elements and finish options.
Learn more about platinum band styles
There are a number of considerations in the ring band, including various design elements and finish options.
Learn more about platinum band styles
Platinum, Diamonds & Gems:
When a ring contains diamonds or gemstones, these will account for the greatest portion of the ring’s cost. The size, color, clarity and cut (known as the 4Cs) will directly affect the price and value of the ring.
Learn more about platinum, diamonds & gems
When a ring contains diamonds or gemstones, these will account for the greatest portion of the ring’s cost. The size, color, clarity and cut (known as the 4Cs) will directly affect the price and value of the ring.
Learn more about platinum, diamonds & gems
Hallmark:
The hallmark identifies the type and purity of the metal used in the setting. All platinum jewelry is hallmarked. There are a number of symbols or marks that have to be displayed on a piece of jewelry to indicate that it is high purity platinum. Here are some examples of the platinum marks to look for:
The hallmark identifies the type and purity of the metal used in the setting. All platinum jewelry is hallmarked. There are a number of symbols or marks that have to be displayed on a piece of jewelry to indicate that it is high purity platinum. Here are some examples of the platinum marks to look for:
PLATINUM or PLAT
PT950
950PT
950PLAT
PT900
950PT
950PLAT
PT900
900PT
900PLAT
PT999
PT850
900PLAT
PT999
PT850
Platinum vs White Gold & Other Metals
Not all white metals are equal. Did you know that white gold is mined from the earth yellow and must be chemically treated to appear white? White gold fades bringing forward its natural yellow tone, whereas platinum is naturally white and will never fade or change color over time. The beauty you see in your ring today will remain forever because of platinum’s unchanging nature. Click hereto learn more.
This chart outlines some of the additional factors to consider when making the choice that’s best for you. Rollover and click to reveal more information.
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Most
Least
Platinum Qualities
Naturally White Color that Doesn’t Fade or Change Color
Platinum, a naturally white metal, will never fade or change color. White gold will yellow over time, requiring its rhodium plating to be replaced every 12-18 months to maintain a white appearance. The optimal setting for diamonds is platinum, a naturally white metal that won’t ever reflect color into the diamond. Platinum enhances the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones.
Durable Enough for Everyday Wear
A platinum engagement ring and wedding band is everlasting, perfect for a lifetime of everyday wear. Platinum’s density makes platinum highly durable, so it doesn’t wear away over time. White gold loses little slivers of metal with every scratch, requiring many rings to be reinforced or reshanked to replace metal that has worn away.
90 to 95% Pure
Typically 95% pure, platinum is one of the purest precious metals. White gold, which is either 58% or 75% yellow gold, is mixed with non-precious metals such as nickel, and then rhodium plated to give it a white appearance. Platinum’s purity makes it naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Holds Diamonds Securely
Platinum’s strength and durability makes it the most secure setting for diamonds and precious gemstones. Platinum prongs offer better protection for diamonds, which is why the world’s most significant diamonds, from the Hope Diamond to the 60-Carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, are all set in platinum.
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