Everything You Need to Know About Platinum Rings (2024)

With its lustrous, silver-colored tone, it's no wonder platinum is one of the most popular metals for fine jewelry. The metal started to be widely used in fine jewelry by designer Louis Cartier toward the end of the 19th century, and his innovative use of it brought out both its luster and strength. It became increasingly popular in the 20th century, and today, it's many couples' material of choice for rings.

What Is Platinum?

Platinum is a silvery-white premium precious metal that’s revered for its luster. Platinum is one of the most expensive jewelry metals due to its stunning appearance and superior durability.

Jeweler and designer Ryan Atlas says he's continually impressed by platinum's staying power when it comes to engagement rings andwedding bands. “Although different types of gold have risen and fallen in fashion over time, platinum has maintained a steady fan base for decades for its color, durability, and luster," he says.

Meet the Expert

Ryan Atlas is an experienced jeweler with Brilliant Earth. He is a creative design professional with extensive experience in the jewelry industry.

Curious if platinum is the best ring metal for you? Read on for everything you need to know about platinum engagement rings.

Which Type of Ring Metal Should You Choose?

Pros and Cons of Platinum Rings

Platinum engagement rings are extremely durable. "It sustains small scratches more easily than other metals and may start to take on a matte appearance," Atlas says. "Like fine leather, these scratches actually make platinum jewelry more durable and beautiful."

Also, platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, making it safe for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin. "It’s a versatile choice that will accommodate a variety of metal sensitivities,” says Atlas. Platinum rings look especially lovely when set against sparkling diamonds. Add in its timelessness and it’s easy to see why it’s so in demand.

One drawback is its weight, as platinum is heavier than 14k or 18k gold.Platinum can also be more expensive than gold rings.

What to Look for in a Platinum Ring

Here are a few questions and answers you should know before purchasing a platinum ring.

• What type of certification should I look for in a platinum ring? A genuine platinum ring should have an imprint that certifies it is platinum, including the percentage of platinum composition.

• What are the levels of platinum purity? A platinum ring should list its platinum composition. If it's marked 950, that means it is 95 percent platinum, which is a high level of purity. If there is no mark, that means it has less than 50 percent platinum, or none at all. Some platinum rings are mixed with palladium. Palladium is slightly harder, making it more scratch-resistant but also more difficult to resize than platinum. It is also a bit darker in color, lacking the extra luster platinum offers.

• Do platinum rings maintain their color? Yes, platinum will maintain its color, unlike white gold, which periodically needs to be re-plated, Atlas says.

How to Care for a Platinum Ring

Platinum is very resistant to corrosion, making it a very low-maintenance metal. “Platinum’s beautiful silvery-white color coupled with its gorgeous shine is one of the reasons it’s so highly sought after. It will also maintain its color over time while other metals can lose theirs as they age,” Atlas says.

Platinum is easy to polish at home, which can save time and money since you don’t have to take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning. Use a gentle cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water to clean it.

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Ahead, scroll through 20 platinum engagement rings and platinum wedding ring sets.

Brilliant Earth Petite Twisted Vine Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Everything You Need to Know About Platinum Rings (1)

The 1.25-carat diamond that’s the centerpiece of this halo engagement ring may be the first thing one notices, but the eye cannot help but see the side diamonds that are entwined around a ribbon of platinum.

Tiffany Soleste Heart-Shaped Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

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This sweet platinum engagement ring from the legendary Tiffany & Co. is all about the heart and luster of its diamonds. It has a heart-shaped-cut diamond at the center and smaller diamonds along the platinum band.

Heart-Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Brilliant Earth Three Stone Trellis Platinum Diamond Bridal Set

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This antique-style platinum engagement ring and wedding band set is eye-catching and elegant. The engagement ring has a three-stone trellis setting with two round diamonds centering a larger diamond. The wedding band is designed with a curve to fit perfectly against the engagement ring.

Cartier Platinum Destinée Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

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Cartier is revered for its beautiful jewelry, and this platinum diamond engagement ring proves that point. It has a pear-shaped center diamond and brilliant-cut pavé diamonds surrounding the primary stone.

Pear-Shaped Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Ben Bridge Bella Ponte Engagement Ring Setting in Platinum

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This modern-style platinum engagement ring has a diamond set in a six-prong head, and a bridge of diamonds is placed beneath the primary diamond.

Kirk Kara Platinum Pirouetta Split Shank Engagement Ring

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This Kirk Kara platinum engagement ring has a romantic design with a shimmering center stone that’s set off by three rows of diamonds in a ribbon design along each side.

Bella Luce White Cubic Zirconia Platinum Over Sterling Silver Ring

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If you are getting engaged on a limited budget, you may want to consider platinum over sterling silver for a glamorous look at a fraction of the price. This lovely Bella Luce ring features a marquise-shaped center stone of cubic zirconia and intricate metalwork on the sides.

James Allen Pear-Shaped Platinum Engagement Ring

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The pear-shaped diamond of this ring brings pizazz and show-stopping beauty to it while the smaller diamonds that line the platinum band add to the overall beauty of the ring.

Tiffany Bow Ribbon Engagement Ring in Platinum

This Tiffany & Co. bow ribbon platinum engagement ring is the perfect choice for glamorous brides. It has a stunning center diamond and loops of smaller diamonds set in platinum. The bow-shaped design is an homage to 17th-century France when such jewels symbolized love and marriage.

Brilliant Earth Platinum Luxe Viviana Diamond Bridal Set

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This classic bridal set has a wedding band and engagement ring that mesh so well together one may at first think they are simply a double ring. The elegant, classic platinum engagement rings have scalloped pavé diamonds around three-quarters of the band and engagement ring.

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Diamond in the Rough Classic Ring

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This pièce de résistance deserves to be shown off. With a yellow clear diamond center and a micro pavé diamond band, it's the perfect option for brides looking to walk down the aisle in style.

1stDibs Platinum GIA Emerald-Cut 2-Carat Ring

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Be prepared to make a statement with this conversation-starting, three-stone platinum engagement ring. One emerald-cut diamond in the center is flanked by a pair of smaller diamonds for a high-impact look.

DB Classic Half Eternity Band in Platinum

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This standout half-eternity ring from De Beers packs no shortage of excitement, especially if you're a contemporary bride. A platinum band is made extra special by the addition of several round brilliant diamonds on a prong setting.

De Beers Aura Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

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Now, here's an engagement ring style that's fit for a princess. This solitaire ring is partly inspired by ceremonial wedding crowns, hence the halo of micro pavé diamonds surrounding the round diamond in the center.

Tiffany Soleste V Ring

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For the minimalist at heart, this stackable v-shaped ring will be the perfect match. A streamlined silhouette is balanced out by five hand-set round brilliant diamonds.

The 32 Best Simple Engagement Rings of 2022

De Beers Aura Half Eternity Band in Platinum

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This diamond eternity ring with a solid platinum band commands attention for all the right reasons. Each of the five round brilliant diamonds is surrounded by a halo of shimmery micro pavé diamonds for a wow-worthy finish.

Shane Co. Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum

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This incredibly stunning platinum engagement ring is characterized by a vintage-inspired setting and detailed milgrain band. In addition to a center diamond, six smaller round diamonds lend just the right amount of sparkle.

Tiffany & Co. Ribbon Engagement Ring in Platinum

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It doesn't get more classic than this Tiffany & Co. platinum engagement ring featuring a dazzling diamond center. The elegant design (meant to evoke a Tiffany's bow) includes a diamond-encrusted band that can be admired from every angle.

Anna Sheffield Theda Ring

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Say "I do" to this exquisite platinum and white diamond engagement ring featuring a unique rose-cut center and white diamond pavé halo. This five-diamond art deco-inspired style is practically a blast from the past.

The 25 Best Vintage Engagement Rings of 2022

Blue Nile Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring

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The contrast of the beautifully mounted sapphire and flanking diamonds in this platinum engagement ring is beyond stunning. Traditional brides won't be able to resist the timelessness of the oval cut.

Everything You Need to Know About Platinum Rings (2024)

FAQs

What is special about platinum rings? ›

Platinum is a silvery-white premium precious metal that's revered for its luster. Platinum is one of the most expensive jewelry metals due to its stunning appearance and superior durability.

Which type of platinum is best? ›

Understand what alloys yield the best quality.
  • A composition of 950 parts platinum and 50 parts cobalt is often considered the finest alloy quality for platinum rings. ...
  • A ring with 950 parts platinum and 50 parts ruthenium is very durable and almost scratch-resistant, so it is a very fine quality choice.

What are the weaknesses of platinum? ›

Platinum is unaffected by air and water, but will dissolve in hot aqua regia, in hot concentrated phosphoric and sulphuric acids, and in molten alkali.

How can you tell if platinum is good? ›

Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal. Therefore, all platinum jewelry will be marked to show authenticity. Look for the words "Platinum," "PLAT," or "PT" followed or preceded by the numbers "950" or "999." These numbers refer to the purity of the platinum, with "999" as the most pure.

What are 3 interesting facts about platinum? ›

Platinum Facts
  • Meteorites and our moon contain a higher percentage of platinum than can be found on the Earth.
  • The melting point of platinum is 3,215 °F (1,768.4 °C) and the boiling point is 6,917 °F (3,825 °C).
  • Typically 95% pure, platinum is one of the purest precious metals.

Can I wear platinum ring everyday? ›

Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat and extreme cold, which means platinum jewellery will retain its good looks better than any other metal.

Is it lucky to wear platinum? ›

It Brings Financial Prosperity

1 astro-numerologist and recipient of the 'Excellence in Astrology Award' says, "As per numerology, platinum represents the number 5. Wearing this metal will increase your financial prosperity.

How do you take care of a platinum ring? ›

How to Care for Your Platinum Jewelry
  1. Remove before using harsh chemicals like bleach.
  2. Avoid gardening while wearing platinum.
  3. Store each piece separately to avoid scratches.
  4. Take your platinum pieces to a jeweler bi-annually or after significant damage for cleaning.
23 Mar 2017

How do you clean a platinum ring? ›

Warm water and soap

The cheapest and easiest way to clean platinum rings is by soaking them in a sudsy solution of warm water and a mild washing up liquid for around 30 minutes. This will lift any built-up grime and debris from your rings, effortlessly restoring their lustre.

Can I shower with a platinum ring? ›

Can you wear platinum in the shower? A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.

Is platinum bad for your health? ›

Platinum metal is biologically inert, whereas soluble platinum compounds (e.g., halogenated salts) encountered in occupational settings can cause platinum salt hypersensitivity with symptoms that include bronchitis and asthma after inhalational exposure and contact dermatitis after skin exposure.

Do platinum rings wear down? ›

Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit). Some people actually prefer this look because it will accentuate the brilliance of a diamond and make it appear more sparkly.

Will platinum stick to a magnet? ›

The quick answer is no, Platinum on its pure form is not magnetic (a paramagnetic metal). It is also hypoallergenic, which means that it will not react to sweat, will not tarnish, nor corrode.

How can you tell real platinum from fake? ›

Use a Magnet

Platinum isn't magnetic. If you hold a magnet to a solid piece of metal you think might be the real thing and it shows signs of being magnetic, it's not real platinum. If you notice a slight magnetic pull, you probably have white gold mixed with a bit of nickel.

What is the highest grade of platinum? ›

To protect American consumers, a high-content platinum alloy will be marked 950Pt, 950, plat or platinum, meaning that it's at least 95% pure, elemental platinum. It's also the only platinum alloy that can simply bear the “Platinum” stamp to identify that it's 95% pure platinum.

What are 5 facts about platinum? ›

Platinum is a silver-white metal — it was once known as "white gold." It is extremely resistant to tarnishing and corrosion (which makes it known as a "noble metal") and is very soft and malleable, making it easy to shape; ductile, making it easy to stretch into wire; and unreactive, which means it doesn't oxidize and ...

What are 5 uses for platinum? ›

The electronics industry uses platinum for computer hard disks and thermocouples. Platinum is also used to make optical fibres and LCDs, turbine blades, spark plugs, pacemakers and dental fillings. Platinum compounds are important chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancers.

Is platinum better than gold? ›

Is platinum more valuable than gold? Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.

How long do platinum rings last? ›

Platinum 101: Does Platinum Tarnish and Other Questions. The cool, elegant look of platinum for engagement rings and other jewelry is especially popular today and with good reason: it is the strongest, most pure metal. Platinum is more rare than gold and will last a lifetime, resisting chipping and tarnishing.

Does platinum get ruined in water? ›

A: Durable materials like platinum and fine gold should be fine as long as you take them off before going in the water. It's the same with diamonds or precious stones because they're harder materials. No damage can come to a diamond ring at the beach.

Is platinum ring good for skin? ›

Silver, gold and nickel are the common agents. But platinum is almost entirely inert when it comes to contact with the skin. So if you are looking for a precious metal that is safe to your skin, looks great for decades, doesn't require almost any maintenance, and is a good investment, platinum is the perfect choice.

What is the symbol for platinum jewelry? ›

Platinum jewelry should be stamped “PT” for pure platinum or “PT900” or “PT950,” indicating the number of parts per thousand that are pure platinum.

Is platinum jewellery good for health? ›

Platinum is considered a biologically compatible metal because it is non-toxic and stable, so it does not react with, or negatively affect body tissues.

Can you scratch a platinum ring? ›

Platinum is not a hard metal. It is 4 – 4.5 on the MOHs scale of hardness. This means it can be scratched by anything harder than it is. Diamond is ten on the MOHs scale and can easily scratch platinum.

How do I keep my platinum ring shiny? ›

The best way to clean platinum is to use a gentle jewelry cleaner made specifically for platinum, like the inexpensive Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner. If that's not an option, using mild soap and warm water is a good replacement — just use your fingers to gently scrub the ring and dry with a lint-free cloth.

How often should I polish my platinum ring? ›

If you're wearing your platinum jewellery every day (maybe a wedding band or engagement ring) it will be exposed to lots of surfaces, oils and chemicals, so it's recommended that you clean regularly worn platinum jewellery once a month or so.

Why is my platinum ring turning yellow? ›

Rhodium is a precious metal belonging to the platinum family and used for the rhodium-plating. The rhodium-plating is the protecting coat giving the wedding ring the look we are used to. The wedding ring turns yellow because of the use consuming the rhodium coat, letting the natural colour of gold emerge.

Can you clean platinum with toothpaste? ›

Believe it or not, in less than 10 minutes, your platinum jewellery will have a renewed sparkle! You can also buy a jewellery cleaning solution from your local jeweller. Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any other such products to clean your jewellery.

Why is my platinum ring dull? ›

Example of Heavy Wear on Platinum

Heavy wear results in surface damage. Abrasive surfaces reduce the polish, resulting in a dull look to the ring. Many small scratches result in a consistent look to the ring.

Does platinum scratch easy? ›

Platinum Scratches Easier than 14k Gold

Despite being more durable, platinum is actually a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will scratch a little easier than 14k gold.

Is it worth buying a platinum ring? ›

Platinum would never fade or change color over time. All precious metals eventually show wear, including platinum. However, platinum is one of the most durable precious metals you can choose for a ring because of its enduring nature, and it'll wear the best out of any precious metal.

Is it good to wear platinum ring? ›

It Brings Financial Prosperity

Dr PR Sundhar Raja, India's No. 1 astro-numerologist and recipient of the 'Excellence in Astrology Award' says, "As per numerology, platinum represents the number 5. Wearing this metal will increase your financial prosperity.

Why is platinum rings so expensive? ›

Historically, platinum is always more costly than white gold because it is mined much less and is 30 times more rare than gold. To be more exact, 80 tons of Platinum are mined every year compared to gold's 2,700 tons. Platinum is also heavier and more pure than gold.

Are platinum rings valuable? ›

Due to the rarity of the metal, a platinum ring usually costs more than gold or any other metal of the same volume. A typical 4mm 95% pure platinum ring would cost you around $800, with wedding rings usually starting at about $2,000 (depending on the gem quality).

Can platinum rings get wet? ›

A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.

Does platinum turn yellow? ›

To be considered platinum, a piece must contain 95% or more of the metal, making it one of the purest precious metals you can buy. Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit).

How do you take care of a platinum ring? ›

How to Care for Your Platinum Jewelry
  1. Remove before using harsh chemicals like bleach.
  2. Avoid gardening while wearing platinum.
  3. Store each piece separately to avoid scratches.
  4. Take your platinum pieces to a jeweler bi-annually or after significant damage for cleaning.
23 Mar 2017

Does platinum get scratched? ›

Despite the cost and luxurious reputation of Platinum, this gleaming precious metal scratches over time. Like most other metals, small scratches appear from the first day of wearing an item of jewellery. The high polish of Platinum dulls to a natural semi-worn appearance.

What are the pros and cons of platinum? ›

Platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary gifts. It is more durable than gold or silver while still maintaining the same luster of one of these precious metals. The downside - platinum prices are significantly higher than those of other metal types so it can get costly quickly!

What does 950 mean on platinum? ›

To protect American consumers, a high-content platinum alloy will be marked 950Pt, 950, plat or platinum, meaning that it's at least 95% pure, elemental platinum. It's also the only platinum alloy that can simply bear the “Platinum” stamp to identify that it's 95% pure platinum.

How can you tell if platinum is real at home? ›

Inspect for a bright, white appearance, few scratches, and no tarnish. Compared to silver, white gold, and palladium, platinum has a brighter and whiter color. Compare to another piece of metal to see the difference. It is also more scratch-resistant, although it can still be scratched.

What is better gold or platinum? ›

Is platinum more valuable than gold? Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.

Will platinum rust? ›

Platinum, gold & silver

Known as the precious metals, platinum, gold and silver are all pure metals, therefore they contain no iron and cannot rust. Platinum and gold are highly non-reactive, and although silver can tarnish, it is fairly corrosion-resistant and relatively affordable by comparison.

Why is platinum so cheap now? ›

The price of platinum dropped 30% as a result of the 2014 Volkswagen diesel scandal – 40% of the annual end-use of the metal comes from autocatalysts, where it's used to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines. Experts predict that platinum prices have since stabilized and are steadily recovering.

How often should you clean platinum jewelry? ›

Platinum jewelry that is set with gemstones should be cleaned professionally every six months. Over time Platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" look. When this happens, you can take your piece to your qualified jewelry (or us)to have it re-polished to a high gloss look.

Which is cheaper diamond or platinum? ›

Which is the most expensive, gold, diamond, or platinum? ďƒ˜ Platinum jewellery is always more expensive than gold jewellery due to its unique and rare qualities, but diamond jewellery is most expensive of all.

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