Platinum is a rare precious metal that is used to create fine jewelry. Its weight, durability and sturdiness make it a metal that is not only a great option for a ring that will be won constantly, but one that will last a long time. Platinum's natural white color is perfect for setting diamonds, but is just as beautiful when used to create a piece of jewelry, either a simple polished ring or an fancy piece of jewelry. Platinum has an extremely high melting temperature. Platinum is a very popular choice for wedding rings. Platinum wedding rings have come to be known as the popular choice for couples exchanging vows. Unlike white gold, platinum does not tarnish or oxidize over time, and does not have to be rhodium plated in order to maintain its white color and luster. It is extremely scratch resistant and needs little maintenance.

The engravings that you see on the inside of your rings are the platinum marks that explain what percentages of platinum, along with other metals, make up your ring. Jewelry can contain different percentages of pure platinum. Jewelry that contains at least 95% pure platinum may be marked or described as "Platinum." Jewelry that contains between 85% and 95% of pure platinum may be marked "Plat" or "Pt", as long as a percentage is used in front of the term to disclose the amount of pure platinum in the piece, such as "850 Plat" or "850 Pt", or "950 Plat" or "950 Pt." Jewelry that contains at least 95% of what is considered the platinum group metals, with at least 50% pure platinum, may be marked as platinum as long as the numbers of each metal are disclosed. For example, "600 Pt. 350 Ir." or 600 Plat. 350 Irid." for 60% pure platinum and 35% iridium, and "550Pt. 350Pd. 50Ir." or "550Plat. 350Pall. 50Irid." for 55% pure platinum, 35% palladium and 5% iridium.

No. Actually platinum, like most metals used for jewelry making, is mixed with other metals. For example, sterling silver contains other metals such as copper and zinc. Silver and copper are mixed with gold. This mixing of metals is done for a variety of reasons:

• it makes soft metals stronger;
• it lowers the melting point of the metal;
• it changes the color of the metal to a more desirable color, like changing yellow gold to white gold;
• it makes metals more affordable.

In the past, most platinum jewelry had to be about 85% pure platinum, in order for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to allow it to be called platinum. However, as we all know, platinum has become very popular. It’s a favorite now for wedding bands and engagement rings. It’s a status symbol for music industry celebrities. But it is also usually very expensive. Lots of jewelry lovers want it but few can afford it.

That’s where ePlatinumRings.com comes in. We are on the forefront of the current movement to change the current FTC platinum standards to include platinum jewelry made from 14 karat platinum, or 58.5% platinum. We have patented a process in which our manufacturers alone are able to create a platinum alloy that looks and feels just like 950 platinum. In fact, it’s even more durable and long lasting than 950 platinum. Now we are able to provide you with the luxury of platinum for the price of gold.

So why settle for anything less than the best metal out there? You can finally afford platinum. According to an article published by National Jeweler ("FTC seeks Comment on .585 Platinum"), “Several manufacturers have recently brought .585 platinum jewelry to market, raising questions regarding the use of the word "platinum" in selling the jewelry, as well as how the material is presented to consumers.” The article goes on to say that there is a task force that is looking into this, and eventually, this could change the current standards for identifying platinum jewelry.

The metal of an engagement ring can affect its style as much as the diamond. Does your future fiancé tend to wear more silver or gold jewelry? What is his/her complexion, and how would certain types of metals look on his/her finger? Would you rather the look of gold or silver against diamonds? The most common metals for engagement rings are: Platinum – For those who don't like the look or yellow color of gold, or who are looking for something more durable, consider platinum. Romantics like platinum engagement rings because it's pure, like they consider their love to be. While most platinum does cost more than gold, ePlatinumRings.com has patented a platinum alloy that shares the look and feel of platinum but is a fraction of the price, even comparable to gold. Finally, there is platinum for the people!

Platinum has become a very popular choice for modern jewelry, replacing gold. Its hardness and durability allows it to be used to set stones securely. It is superior to silver because of its resistance to oxidation and discoloration, and for its sheer heft and durability. Its rich color and shine enhances the brilliance of precious stones. Platinum is hypoallergenic which makes it the best jewelry choice for people who suffer reactions from other metals or 14k (alloyed) gold.

Gold – The classic look of gold explains why it is a popular choice for engagement rings. Gold jewelry is available in several different carats; typically 9k, 14k and 18k. To the average shopper, the important differences between the carats are a) color: 18k has a richer, more yellow color than 9kt. b) Price: 9kt is considerably cheaper than 18k. c) Durability: 18k is slightly harder, making it stand up better to everyday wear. White Gold – While it doesn't have the steely whiteness, durability or long lasting properties of platinum, white gold is a good, more affordable alternative.

No. White gold and platinum each have their own unique properties. Platinum is a white metal, but unlike gold it is often used in jewelry in almost its pure form (approximately 95% pure). Platinum is extremely durable and is very white, so it does not need to be Rhodium plated to maintain its color like white gold.

• Density- Platinum is very dense and heavy, so a platinum ring will feel heavier than an 18kt gold ring. Platinum is 60% more dense than Gold. A piece of jewelry made from Platinum is therefore more expensive due to its dense weight alone.
• Qualities- Platinum can be very expensive, depending upon its composition. A 950 platinum ring will be approximately twice the price of an 18kt white gold ring. It's easier to work with than gold when it comes to making complex items, and oftentimes with simple solitaire rings as well. Platinum is easier to hand engrave. When not rhodium plated, white gold is a bit yellowish and platinum is whiter in color.
• Plating- White gold is usually blended with silver to create its white shading. It is also coated with Rhodium to enhance and protect its appearance. However, Rhodium on a ring is a short term treatment anyway so it is only an initial "look". Eventually the plating wears down and you will need to have your white gold ring re-plated and cleaned. This is "essential maintenance" if you want to keep your ring polished looking for years to come. It is important to consider this annual expense when you are deciding between gold or platinum, which requires less upkeep.
• Durability- Platinum is more durable than gold. Over time, platinum simply doesn't wear away anywhere near as fast as white gold or other gold alloys. Platinum is not susceptible to problems like stress corrosion or stress cracking as can be the case with white gold. Platinum will not oxidize or change color over time like gold.
• Strength- Platinum is denser and stronger than white gold. This means that settings can be made of thin, seemingly fragile constructions, and still have the needed strength and integrity to securely hold stones or jewelry together. Its density and strength combine as well to make it remarkably resistant to abrasion.

Platinum itself is an extremely hard substance that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is extremely durable and long lasting and will wear better than gold. This doesn't mean it is scratch-proof; what it means is that any abrasive particle that would create a scratch on platinum would only plow a furrow without actually removing material. Platinum jewelry has about three times the lifespan, in the same conditions, as a similar piece in white gold. Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even in platinum. However, due to platinum’s durability and strength there is usually little metal loss when the piece is scratched.

Because of its beauty and value, platinum jewelry has always been given as a special expression of love for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. One of the most rare precious metals, platinum is found in only a few locations around the world. Platinum has a rich and noble history.

Many of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, are set in platinum. Carl Fabergé, the famed 19th-century Russian jeweler, prized working in platinum, as did Louis Cartier of Paris and many other great jewelers throughout history. Platinum's exclusive and rare nature is what makes it expensive. To extract one ounce of gold - about three tons of gold ore must be mined. To yield an ounce of platinum - a full ten tons, or 20,000 pounds, of platinum ore must be excavated from the earth!

Platinum is normally located quite deep below the earth's surface and is four to five times as expensive as gold to refine. Platinum's rich, white luster complements diamonds and other precious gems and enhances a stone's brilliance and depth. Platinum jewelry is very fashionable today because of its subtle beauty and understated elegance. Platinum is truly one of earth's rarest gifts and most precious of metals.