Platinum

Considerably rarer than gold, platinum jewellery makes a statement of sophistication, elegance and tells of a discerning eye.

Alluring and luxurious, the deep, silver-white hue of platinum is the perfect partner to diamonds, which shine brightly against its time-worn patina and cool, contemporary tones.

It’s also much more robust in its pure form than 24ct gold, which means less alloy needs to be mixed into the metal to make it suitable for use in jewellery. It’s the purest precious metal used in jewellery - You’ll find most platinum pieces are either 90 or 95% pure, usually indicated by a 900 or 950 hallmark stamped inside the piece.

This purity and resistance to damage, along with its unique time-worn patina, means platinum became a stalwart of the intricate filigree in Art Deco era designs. Now, platinum has become a very popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.

The most popular of the precious metals for engagement and wedding rings in the UK, platinum rings offer a sleek, sophisticated look that can feel more understated and contemporary in design than traditional yellow gold.

Platinum is iconically luxurious, the perfect partner to diamonds which glow with light when set in its cool, silvery lustre.

The white-silver tone of platinum beautifully illuminates diamonds and accentuates the rich colours of other gemstones. It’s the perfect metal for show-stopping engagement rings where the diamond is the star, as well as pavé set wedding bands and other statement jewellery.

Its durability is symbolic, too. Platinum rings epitomise the lifelong commitment you will be making on your wedding day, while the metal’s rarity reflects the precious, individual nature of your love.

They may look similar to the untrained eye, but platinum and white gold each have very different qualities that need to be considered when choosing a piece of fine jewellery.

Platinum, being the purer of the two metals, is the most hypoallergenic. White gold is often mixed with nickel to create its soft, white-yellow colour which can cause reactions on sensitive skin. It’s also easier to look after. White gold is usually coated with rhodium to retain its silvery hue, but this can wear with time and need replacing.

On the other hand, platinum, being purer and softer, picks up scratches more easily while white gold tends to stay shinier. While platinum itself is quite soft (it will scratch and dent), it is less malleable (how well it can be bent into shape) than white gold, which results in a more secure setting for diamonds and other gemstones.