Platinum Jewellery Buying guide

An insider’s guide to the world’s most precious jewellery metal.

Precious platinum is the perfect choice for the woman of today – it is beautiful, versatile and elegant, yet it has hidden strength and resilience. Choosing precious platinum is the perfect way to express your own individuality, strength and style. This guide answers the questions you might have when choosing your platinum jewellery. 

Platinum qualities 

 ETERNAL

• Platinum is eternal, with everlasting radiance and durability.
• Platinum’s unequalled durability and resistance to wear makes it the most secure and protective metal, which means your jewellery will be protected for a lifetime of wear. 
• Platinum does not change shape or wear away so precious stones are held firmly and securely. The density of platinum makes it more durable than other jewellery metals. 

PURE 

• Platinum is pure, naturally white and is kind to the skin.
• Platinum is a naturally white metal so it will not cast any of its own colour into a diamond. 
• Usually 95% pure (by comparison 18 karat gold is 75% pure), platinum never fades or tarnishes but keeps its natural white colour for a lifetime. As platinum is so pure, it is naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin. 

RARE 

• Platinum is rare, a treasure coveted by influential individuals for centuries. Found in very few places around the world, platinum is 30 times more rare than gold. 
• Platinum jewellery is exclusive, a statement of individuality, and desired by those in the know. 

VERSATILE 
Platinum is versatile, with remarkable qualities that have led to astonishing applications. 

The world’s greatest jewellery designers have always preferred working with platinum. Its remarkable pliability allows it to be drawn out to a fine wire, enabling the creation of intricate platinum mesh accessories which could not be fashioned from other precious metals. 

Platinum & precious gems 

Diamonds
With a white luster that never diminishes, platinum enhances a diamond’s sparkle. Platinum’s superior durability means that it is the most secure setting for precious stones. 

Platinum & other metals

What is the difference between platinum and white gold? 
Platinum is a naturally white metal that will never lose its brilliant lustre. White gold is an alloy created using yellow gold.

How do I know that a piece of jewellery is made of platinum?
All platinum jewellery is hallmarked. There is a symbol or mark that has to be displayed on a piece of jewellery to indicate that it is high purity platinum.

How can I distinguish platinum from other white metals?
Platinum is denser than gold, so an identical ring made in platinum rather than gold would be around 40% heavier.

Why is platinum more expensive than gold?
Platinum’s rarity means that its price is invariably higher than that of gold. The process of making a piece of platinum jewellery also requires a higher level of craftsmanship.

Caring for your jewellery 

Ensure your precious platinum pieces remain in perfect condition with advice and tips on jewellery storage, cleaning and maintenance. Look after your precious platinum jewellery and its looks will last forever.

Where should I keep my platinum jewellery when I am not wearing it? 
Store pieces separately, in a jewellery box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items.

How do I care for platinum jewellery?
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewellery to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewellery cleaning solution.

Will platinum jewellery scratch?
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. Platinum is however unique,because the metal is only displaced, not lost. 

Can I wear my platinum ring while doing manual work such as cleaning or gardening?
Remove your platinum jewellery when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewellery. Although they won’t hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.