The elegant, sophisticated knot-work of Celtic craftsmen has survived for centuries as the epitome of romantic style.
Traditionally a symbol of eternity, the unbroken cord design of a plait-work wedding ring echoes the circle of the band itself and makes an unusual and distinguished choice. Traditionally made from gold, the wedding ring originated in Ancient Egypt where circles were said to represent infinity. Today however, they can be crafted from a variety of precious metals – one of the rarest and most sought after being platinum.
Not in common use for jewellery until the beginning of the twentieth century, platinum has only ever been utilised in the highest quality pieces, including the late Queen Mother’s coronation crown. A few years later, Edward VIII – then the Duke of Windsor – and Wallis Simpson exchanged platinum wedding rings. French King, Louis XVI, is reported to have said that Platinum was the only metal fit for royalty and with sixteen times more gold than platinum mined every year, it is little wonder that this is considered the most exclusive and enduring of precious metals.
Not only favoured amongst the aristocracy, platinum has also been used by the finest craftsmen. Peter Carl Fabergé, the jeweller to the Russian tsars, began the current tradition of Easter-Eggs when he created a fine, platinum egg for Alexander III to give to his wife, Marie. During World War II, Platinum was commandeered for the War Effort though today, it is making a comeback as the precious metal of choice for wedding rings.
With celebrities such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones saying, ‘I do’ with Platinum, why not tailor this incredibly exclusive metal into an individual, symbolic, Celtic wedding ring?