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 and wedding 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.
Curious if platinum is the best ring metal for you? Read on for everything you need to know about platinum engagement rings.
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.Â
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.
To help you find your dream ring, we've researched the best options available. For those who love a lot of sparkle, we recommend the James Allen Pear-Shaped Platinum Engagement Ring and the Brilliant Earth Petite Twisted Vine Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Want a simple and classic look? Opt for the Bella Ponte Engagement Ring Setting in Platinum or the Shane Co. Vale Swirl Diamond Engagement Ring.
Read on for the best platinum rings.
Brilliant Earth Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
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.Â
Tiffany Soleste Heart-shaped Halo Engagement Ring
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.
Brilliant Earth Diamond Bridal Set
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 Destinée Solitaire Platinum Round Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Cartier is revered for its beautiful jewelry, and this platinum diamond engagement ring proves that point. It has around center diamond and brilliant-cut pavé diamonds surrounding the primary stone.
Bella Ponte Engagement Ring Setting in Platinum
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.Â
Kirk Kara Platinum Pirouetta Split Shank Engagement Ring
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
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
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 Luxe Viviana Diamond Bridal Set
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 pavĂ© diamonds around three-quarters of the band and engagement ring.Â
Diamond in the Rough Jewelry Classic Champagne Yellow Raw Ring
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 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Be prepared to make a statement with this conversation-starting platinum engagement ring. One emerald-cut diamond in the center is flanked by smaller diamonds for a high-impact look that's just as bold as it is elegant.
De Beers Classic Half Eternity Band in Platinum
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
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 pavĂ© diamonds surrounding the round diamond in the center.Â
Tiffany Soleste V Ring
For the minimalist at heart, this stackable v-shaped ring will be the perfect match. A streamlined silhouette is balanced out by a sparkling set of round brilliant diamonds.
De Beers Aura Half Eternity Band in Platinum
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. Vale Swirl Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
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 Ribbon Engagement Ring in Platinum
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
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.
Blue Nile Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring
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.
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.
Why Trust Brides
Brides contributor Robin Raven has been a professional journalist for over a decade. In addition to Brides, she has written for The Washington Post, HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and USA Today. She also has a travel column on Forbes.com.