Saturday, March 21, 2009

Platinum is the Tops When it Comes to Wedding Rings

By Twyla Ness

Platinum is more than just a fine metal. It can be the heart and soul of a stunning wedding ring. Platinum wedding rings are often more costly than a wedding band crafted from white gold, even though they look very much alike. Frequently, they are nearly double the price. However, there are some excellent reasons for the price difference.

Platinum can retain its shape far beyond any other alloy. Because it's so concentrated, it retains its shape throughout the day to day abuse that a wedding ring typically receives. And you'll never have to be concerned about nicks and scratches, because it's highly resistant to these everyday accidents. However, it is more expensive than other fine metals, just because it's so rare.

Nevertheless, there's a reason that rises above the rest for purchasing a platinum wedding ring. Platinum is sensational in its appearance. Platinum rings are crafted from an extremely high percentage of pure alloy. Generally they are 90 to 95 percent pure, which makes a platinum ring more substantial and considerably brighter. But the other 5 to 10 percent is certainly not base metal. It's usually comprised of a mix of osmium, iridium, and similar alloys that enhance the elegant appearance of these exquisite items of jewelry.

No other metal comes close to the brilliance of platinum. It's a first-class material, even in a category of jewelry that boasts a number of precious metals like silver and gold.

Platinum has been a component of wedding rings for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were entranced with platinum and made good use of it. In South America, it was known as "little silver" and was used by ancient artisans for a variety of ornamental purposes. After it came to the attention of Louis XVI in the 1700s, there was no looking back.

Modern society is the lucky recipient of these historical trends. There is now a huge variety of designs available in platinum wedding rings. Even a simple wedding ring crafted from platinum is a stylish piece of jewelry. All alone, platinum demonstrates sophistication and style that you can wear with confidence. But there are also lots of ways to dress it up.

A few simple gems can elevate a basic platinum band to the status of a family heirloom. A square-cut diamond might be the centerpiece of a design that elevates an already splendid piece to fresh heights. Just the ring alone without any stones will show off your sense of style. - 15252

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