Platinum wedding rings
Traditionally, gold is the metal of choice for wedding bands. Perhaps because gold has always been associated with wealth and treasure and desired as the most precious of metals. But the majority of people prefer silver, which offsets more brilliantly precious stones, especially diamonds. So should you choose white gold or platinum wedding rings?
Platinum is purer than gold Most platinum wedding rings are 90 to 95% pure, whereas 18k gold is 75% pure and 14k just 58.5%. This means platinum has a pure white lustrous look, which is ideal for off-setting the brilliance of diamonds. Yellow gold has other alloys which is why it can change colour and oxidize over time.
Platinum wedding rings are Hypo Allergenic If you have sensitive skin, or are worried about the risk of developing rashes and allergies to metal, platinum wedding rings are ideal for you. Because it is such a pure metal, it has natural hypo allergenic qualities and does not cause allergic reactions. Vital if you plan on wearing your ring every day for the rest of your life.
Platinum is rarer than gold If you want to feel exclusive and unique, buy platinum. It is much rarer than gold - about 35 times rarer and is only found in a few places on earth. It is also a cosmic metal - platinum is found in meteorites - and its rarity makes it desirable and marketable. Platinum resources are depleting, and value is set to soar. It takes eight weeks and ten tons of ore to produce a single ounce of platinum. It is estimated that if all the platinum in the world were poured into one Olympic swimming pool it would be scarcely deep enough to cover your ankles.
Versatility and Durability Platinum has more strength and durability than gold and is an extremely versatile precious metal. It is so pliable that a single gram can be drawn to a fine wire lasting a mile, while still retaining its strength. This is why platinum is a favourite of jewellers - it allows them to produce exquisite and intricate designs, which is why platinum wedding rings are in such demand.
Platinum at a glance:
- Platinum is the ‘most precious’ of precious metals.
- Platinum is the rarest of the precious metals.
- More than 90% of all platinum supplies come from South Africa and Russia.
- Unlike gold and silver, there are no large above-ground platinum stockpiles to protect against significant supply disruptions.
- Approximately 10 tons of raw ore must be mined to produce just one pure ounce of platinum.
- The finest and most elegant jewellery contains platinum.