What Makes Platinum Wedding Rings So Popular for Modern Couples?

Gold rings are the most popular accessories for wedding and engagement events in the UK. Platinum wedding rings are definitely in the top three, trailing gold and silver. But considering how expensive platinum is, why is it in close competition with gold or other metals used in jewellery? Well, aside from the allure, there are many distinct advantages that platinum jewellery has over other precious metals used in jewellery making. This article highlights what they are and you will learn how platinum’s unique characteristics keep it in the top ranks as one of the UK’s highly sought-after precious metals.

Why Platinum Rings Reign Supreme In The UK’s Jewellery Industry

Platinum wedding rings are unparalleled if you are not considering the cost. A lot of couples in the UK go for platinum as their metal of choice and this is because platinum holds a myriad of exceptional advantages that justifies it's value.

1. Cultural Significance: Platinum has always been widely heralded as the metal that blends elegance with endurance, making it a cornerstone of the UK’s jewellery industry for years. Prevalent during the Edwardian Era, platinum is the most exquisite choice as a metal for those who want a touch of luxury and refined taste in their modern traditions. The crown made for Queen Elizabeth for the joint coronation in 1937 made use of a platinum setting, and even in the late nineteenth century, platinum enjoyed a height in popularity among the regal and the merchants alike, and it became more widespread amongst the common population as well due to its attractive appearance.

2. Durability: Platinum's durability is a characteristic that the metal is widely known for. Customers will want to have a metal for their ring that can withstand the daily wear and tear. Cheaper metals may be easier to acquire but you will pay for it in the long run with maintenance works and repairs as you'll find that the cheaper quality cannot hold up to the daily gradual decline like gold and platinum can. However, platinum is naturally strong and sturdy, making it highly resilient to damage. Gold may wear down with time and can even get scratches if not properly taken care of. That is not the case with platinum.

3. Hypoallergenic: Another big benefit of using platinum as the metal for your jewellery is the fact that it is naturally hypoallergenic. There won't be any irritations, skin reactions or allergies when wearing platinum as 95% of the metal itself is pure. This is ideal for those who cannot wear gold or metal alloys, and hence, platinum is a safe choice for all conditions and for all skin types. People with skin conditions will have a tough time finding the right jewellery for them but in the case of platinum, they don't have to worry about these issues at all.

4. Best Value for Investment: Platinum is extremely rare, rarer than gold and silver, and found only in parts of South Africa and Russia. The exorbitant price tag is a result of that rarity. Hence, there is a sense of exclusivity and allure when buying platinum because you are paying for something that takes up only a minor fraction of the earth's metals, an extremely small one. Platinum metals also have more purity and has no coatings or other unnecessary mixes, except for the 5% alloy to increase workability.

5. Versatile: The density of platinum is high enough that it makes platinum wedding rings exceptionally safe to set gemstones and diamonds in. For this reason, platinum rings can manage a wide variety of styles and designs, from intricate expressions of aesthetic beauty to minimalistic designs for everyday appeal. The metal and its colour matches well with both traditional vintage styles and modern contemporary looks. Diamonds with platinum can create an unparalleled exemplary look as the metal showcases the diamond’s brilliance perfectly well. It is why most customers prefer platinum as their preferred choice of metal.  

6. Natural Colour: In the long run against wear and tear, platinum wins. There's no competition. Rose gold and other alloys need rhodium plating to keep the sheen for years to come and even gold will lose its hue if not properly taken care of. But platinum, on the other hand, will be more or less the same colour and hue as the day it was bought. What's more interesting is that overtime, the metal will develop a natural shine known as “patina”, which adds to the allure and natural beauty of platinum. The versatility and this natural property makes platinum the go-to choice, complimenting the design or the setting of the ring beautifully and serving as the perfect backdrops for gemstones and diamonds.

7. Eco-Friendly: Platinum engagement and wedding rings can last a lifetime, and even beyond. Compared to most metals, this would mean that there is not much need for replacements and maintenance works in the future, and in turn, lowering the carbon footprint when compared to metals that wear down easily or need frequent repairs and resizing works. Moreover, the metal can also be recycled without losing an iota of its purity and old platinum metals can be repurposed into new pieces. This reduces the need for constant mining and other environmentally disastrous activities to procure the metal. 

Now that you know the several advantages that platinum can offer, the next step is to find a ring or a design that suits your preference. Not to worry! Our experts at Eternity Jewels have put together a collection of the best platinum wedding rings and engagement accessories for your to peruse. Feel free to check them out!