Platinum Engagement Ring Buying Guide

aPlatinum jewelry is instantly regarded as highly valuable and is often associated with fine craftsmanship. Most people recognize it as a luxurious material, but not everybody knows what it is exactly that makes platinum exceptional.

IN THIS GUIDE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

•  The Properties And Qualities That Make Platinum Unique

•  Why Choose a Platinum Engagement Ring

•  Is Platinum Better than White Gold?

What is Platinum and Why We Use It In Jewelry

Traces of platinum have been detected in ancient objects from Egypt and South America. It is believed that although these great civilizations were master goldsmiths, they weren’t aware of the metal’s presence as it is naturally found in gold deposits.

In the 16th century, in the area now corresponding to modern Colombia, Spanish conquistadors panning for gold would often find silvery-white nuggets and believed them to be unripe gold or some sort of impurity. Antonio de Ulloa, a naval officer and scientist, first documented the properties of a metal he would refer to in his reports as ‘platina,’ diminutive for plata, meaning silver. Years later, the metal was identified as a new element and officially named platinum.

Platinum would go on to become the metal of choice for high jewelry and engagement rings. People loved its color, its luxurious heavy feeling, and its high purity. But during WWII, platinum was banned from non-military use, which led jewelers to adopt and popularize white gold alloys. After the ban was lifted, platinum slowly regained popularity, and next to white gold, it’s the most popular metal for engagement rings today.

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Three characteristics make this metal ideal for jewelry: being a noble metal, being less malleable than gold, and having a high density. Noble metals are remarkably resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. Less malleability translates to platinum being harder to bend making it ideal for holding and securing diamonds and other gemstones. The third attribute, its high density, makes it heavier than gold and more durable in the sense that it wears down much slower. If you were to scratch a gold ring, microscopic pieces of the gold would fall off. But when platinum is scratched, the metal is simply moved rather than lost.

How much is a platinum ring worth?  

In general, the price of precious metals is always fluctuating. The value of a platinum ring varies on many factors, for example, a platinum ring with a wider band will cost more since more platinum was used to create the ring. At Ritani, our platinum settings start at $700.  

Platinum vs. White Gold

White gold is not found in nature; it is an alloy, a mix of natural yellow gold with metals like zinc and nickel that give it a white appearance. Platinum, on the other hand, is not an alloy but an element. For jewelry, a very high purity alloy is used.

Platinum has a silvery-white color, whereas white gold has a warm gray tone due to its pure yellow gold content. To give it a whiter metallic color, white gold is plated with rhodium. This coat eventually wears off and the jewelry needs to be re-plated. Platinum will stay the same color but does need to be re-polished to remain lustrous.

Because of its higher density, platinum jewelry feels much heavier than white gold. Many people love this, as it makes you more conscious of the jewelry you are wearing. More weight, of course, also means higher cost.

With a melting point of 3,214 °F and less malleability than gold, platinum is not the easiest metal to work with. For reference, gold melts at 1,948°F. Not all jewelers have the training or proper tools and equipment to work with platinum.

Another factor contributing to its hefty price tag is scarcity — platinum is much rarer than gold.

Read Next: Is Platinum Better Than White Gold?

Why Buy a Platinum Engagement Ring

To round it up, here are four reasons to buy a platinum engagement ring:

1. Platinum engagement rings are more durable, wear down slower, and are harder to bend and damage.
2. Platinum prongs are less likely to get loose and will last long before they need re-tipping. Your diamonds will be safe in a platinum setting.
3. You don’t need to worry about re-plating to keep your platinum engagement ring looking white.
4. ​If you have sensitive skin, platinum is the best choice for you. Platinum jewelry is always nickel-free and hypoallergenic.
   

How to Buy the Right Platinum Ring 

Here, we will teach you how to choose the two components that make up a ring: the diamond and the setting (the metal piece that will hold your diamond).  

Choosing a Setting 

Here are some of the most common setting options that you’ll see.  

Solitaire Engagement Rings  

Solitaire engagement rings feature a simple metal band that highlights the beauty of a single central diamond. Platinum solitaire engagement ring settings at Ritani start at $700. 

Sidestone Engagement Rings 

Sidestone engagement rings feature tiny diamonds embedded in the band for a sparkly, glamorous look. Platinum sidestone engagement ring settings at Ritani start at $1,225. 

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Three-stone engagement rings feature two diamonds surrounding your center stone. This style represents your past, present, and future together – very romantic! Three-stone platinum settings at Ritani currently start at $3,355. 

Halo Engagement Rings

Halo engagement rings feature tiny diamonds surrounding the center stone, creating extra sparkle and the illusion of a larger diamond. Many halo engagement rings feature a diamond-encrusted band, but some feature a plain band. At Ritani, Halo engagement ring settings in platinum start at $1,020. 

Vintage-Inspired Rings 

Diamond Buying Tips

It's crucial to understand the 4 Cs before buying a diamond ring.

• Colorless or near-colorless diamonds will pair best with platinum. We recommend a minimum color grade of H or better. These diamonds will still appear white and are much more affordable than colorless diamonds.
  
• Cut will have the biggest impact on the appearance of your diamond. Well-cut diamonds will produce lots of sparkles. Choose an Ideal cut grade for a round-cut diamond or a Very Good cut grade for fancy-shaped stones.
• Choose a diamond with a minimum clarity grade of VS2 or better for an eye-clean stone.
  
• Carat is simply a measure of weight. The carat weight you choose is ultimately up to you and your budget. 

6 Stunning Platinum Engagement Rings to Say: Yes!

​Platinum Princess Cut Trilogy Diamond Engagement Ring​

Gorgeous three-stone engagement rings are also known as past, present, and future rings, symbolizing the different stages of a love story. This platinum design features a princess cut diamond flanked by pear cut side stones with V-shaped prongs to protect the tips.

​Vintage Art-Deco Inspired Platinum Engagement Ring​

If you were looking for an extraordinary vintage-style platinum ring, stop looking, this is it. This engagement ring has a beautiful octagonal design with an elevated setting that holds a bezel set center round diamond surrounded by a shimmery halo and two emerald cut diamonds set east-to-west. And to add even more sparkle, two round brilliant diamonds hide at each side of the gallery base, and two more are set at the shoulders in marquise-shaped metal pieces that connect the setting with the band.

​Modern Platinum Engagement Ring With Bezel Set Round Brilliant And Pavé Diamonds​

This modern ring still has a luxurious feel with the beautiful pavé embellished platinum band. A bezel setting holds the round brilliant diamond providing maximum security and the open bottom allows for light to still enter the gem and create beautiful scintillation.

​Princess-Cut Double-Claw Cathedral Setting Platinum Engagement Ring​

This dazzling princess-cut diamond platinum ring features a cathedral setting with double-claw prongs and a hefty tapered band. A design that will always be in style.

​Platinum Diamond Halo Double Twist Engagement Ring​

Sometimes more is just more. A sparkly halo and twist shoulders surround this round brilliant diamond set in platinum — ideal for brides who want extra brilliance.

​Pear Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

This pear shape platinum engagement ring is an elegant yet simple option. The subtle knife-edge design of the band creates reflective angles for added shine. Customize this platinum engagement ring with the diamond cut of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you resize platinum rings? 

Yes! Platinum rings can easily be resized. It is easier for jewelers to make a ring smaller than larger, so when in doubt, choose the larger ring size. 

Do platinum rings tarnish?

How to clean a platinum diamond ring

Can a platinum ring be cut off in an emergency?  

Yes, a platinum ring can be cut off in an emergency.

Do platinum rings bend easily? 

Can a gold ring be dipped in platinum?  

In theory, you could have a gold ring dipped in platinum, but with any kind of dipping or plating, it will wear off over time and the original metal will show through.

Do platinum rings wear down?  

Yes, platinum rings can wear down, but they do so at a much slower rate than gold, making platinum rings ideal for heirloom pieces.

How to take care of a platinum ring 

Know when to take it off. It's crucial to remove your jewelry before embarking on any strenuous task where it could be ruined, like lifting weights or other heavy items. Platinum rings develop a patina over time, so if this bothers you, you can take it to a jeweler to be professionally polished. You should also get your ring checked by a jeweler every 6 months to ensure the prongs are secure; this will avoid a lost diamond.

How to remove scratches from a platinum ring at home 

The best way to get scratches removed from your platinum ring would be to take it to a jeweler for a professional polishing. At home, you can buff the ring with a soft cloth to bring back some of its shine, but ultimately this won't make much of an impact on the scratches in your ring.

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