AdminWedding rings are the main symbol of a married couple’s union. Gold is still the most popular type of wedding bands, but some couples choose to use platinum rings instead.
For centuries, married couples used gold wedding rings to symbolize their union. The ancient Romans believed that by giving the bride a gold wedding ring, the man expressed how much he trusted her with his property. Before, only the wives wore these rings, but today, both the husband and the wife wear them on their left ring fingers.
Gold is an ideal metal for wedding rings because it is sturdy, resists tarnish, and is highly valuable. While gold is still preferred for making fine jewelry, platinum wedding rings are also starting to become popular. Platinum is a white-gray metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, wear, and tarnish. Couples who have their wedding rings made of platinum often decide to do so because of the metal’s value and beautiful, gleaming finish.
Many jewelry stores sell platinum pieces, but you should be careful when buying from them. Here are a few things to watch out for while buying platinum rings.
Purity
Jewelry is rarely ever made from pure platinum. Platinum requires alloying with other metals to make it easier for jewelry makers to shape it. The more platinum content a ring has, the more valuable and “pure” it is. If money is not an issue, look for rings that are 90-95% platinum.
The commonly used metals for platinum alloying include iridium, cobalt, and ruthenium. Cobalt and ruthenium alloys are more costly, but often have a mirror-like finish and are more resistant to tarnishing. Iridium alloys are less pricy, but are softer and more prone to damage.
Maker
Platinum is less malleable than gold or silver, which makes it more difficult to work with. Look for specialized jewelers who have years of experience in crafting with platinum to ensure you are buying high quality and beautifully crafted pieces.
Fine Details
Whether you want to buy plain platinum rings or rings with any other design, always look for handcrafted designs. Designs made through mass-production are usually less detailed than handmade work, and some even start wearing out after a few years. Common accents include filigrees or lace-like patterns, and milgrain edges.
You may also look for jewelers providing customization services. These specialized shops can create a one-of-a-kind pair of rings for you and your spouse.
Wearing a platinum ring is a good way to express your undying love and devotion for your beloved, but always keep your budget in mind as you browse different jewelry stores. Take your spouse with you as you visit these stores so you can decide on what kind of rings to buy, and discuss how much money you are willing to spend. Some couples choose white gold as a low-cost alternative, but white gold’s quality and luster hardly compares to platinum. Ringsmaker