Platinum diamond rings merge the natural whiteness of a precious metal with the beauty of diamonds. But aside from the visual appeal, there are some factors that you must research before purchasing a platinum diamond ring. Not only will you learn how a platinum band affects the longevity of the setting, you will also discover the differences in overall ring weight and value.
While a ring may look stunning in a picture, it must perform day after day. Band width, setting height, diamond shape, prong shape and overall comfort should all be considered when purchasing a platinum diamond band. The following guide can help you understand the key elements to compare and how they pertain to the design and practicality of the ring.
Table of Contents
Why Platinum Complements Diamonds
Platinum metal is naturally white in color which eliminates the need to add any kind of finish to add whiteness. This characteristic makes platinum extremely desirable when it comes to the color around a diamond.
Metal color is important because it can help to draw attention away from and towards the center stone depending on the design. The natural whiteness of the platinum band will also be found around the prongs that hold the diamond in place.
Another important feature of platinum is its density. Platinum rings will also generally feel substantially heavier than rings made in other metals. While some buyers prefer this characteristic, not everyone favors a heavy ring band. When comparing the feel of multiple pieces of jewelry in person, always note those made of similar metals.
Know Platinum Before Looking At Rings
Avoid choosing a ring solely based upon the metal. Understand that a narrow band will not share the same qualities as a wide band. Pay close attention to width in addition to the weight of the piece because a higher amount of metal will also increase cost as well.
The other key element includes looking at the construction of the ring in relation to the diamond. Rings made with certain settings will balance the look of the metal and gemstone while others will offer comfort with every move of the hand.
Key features to analyze when comparing rings include:
Band width and thickness
Number and shape of the prongs
Setting height
Side stone placement
Profile of the ring against the finger
Wearing position of a wedding band
While center diamonds and decorative details on top of the band often grab attention, these other aspects tend to be more important concerning practicality.
Choose The Diamond Shape First
Diamond shapes play a huge role in the overall look and design of the ring. The shape also dictates what kind of settings will be most appropriate when it comes to protecting the stone. A round center diamond is the most popular because it offers balance that will complement most band widths. An oval will stretch across the finger to create the illusion of a longer finger while emerald cuts offer more unique geometric patterns. Pear shaped diamonds have rounded ends on one side and a pointed end on the other. Cushion cuts create an appearance similar to emerald cuts but with square shoulders.
There is no absolute rule as it comes to choosing between traditional and contemporary styles. Try looking at various options from different angles because the shape might appear to be larger or smaller in a picture than it will be in person.
Consider The Shape And Protection Of The Diamonds
Certain diamond shapes have exposed edges or points that call for extra protection. This means that some settings might not be appropriate for specific shapes. For instance, the pointed end of a pear shaped diamond almost always requires a special setting while princess cut diamonds also require special attention due to their sharp edges.
This is another reason why looking at the settings is so important. Rings featuring well constructed settings will balance the appearance of the ring and protect vulnerable areas in the gemstones.
Compare Different Setting Styles
The setting style is what will keep the diamond attached and secure. Each type of setting also offers a different aesthetic appeal. A solitaire setting will allow the eye to be drawn to a single center stone. Center stones are also generally easier to clean in this style due to the lack of side stones or additional diamonds surrounding the center.
Halo settings create more visual appeal by surrounding the center stone with smaller diamonds. Another option includes a three stone design where there will be a center stone flanked by one on either end. Pavé bands utilize small diamonds to decorate the shank of the band. A bezel setting will surround the diamond with metal to provide extra protection. It will also provide a different look than traditional prong settings.
Instead of choosing a ring only based upon its front appearance, think about the practicality of each option based upon everyday wear.
Be Mindful Of The Height Of The Setting
It is extremely easy to overlook this detail when shopping online.
A higher setting allows the center stone to take more attention away from the rest of the ring and allows wedding bands to nest more closely together. A higher center diamond in a ring may also prove to be snagging hazard depending upon the detail and height.
On the other hand, a ring with a lower setting keeps the diamond closer to the finger in general which may appeal more to those who use their hands on a regular basis.
Neither option holds absolute value.
Example: Someone who consistently wears gloves for work may not find that a higher setting with an exposed center stone proves to be the most convenient option.
Always look at pictures featuring a side view if possible to see how appropriate the details will be for everyday wear.
Balance The Center Stone Size And Proportion
Larger center stones do not always yield larger rings. There is a delicate balance between the overall size of the ring and the width of the band. A narrow band will accentuate the width of the center stone while a wider band creates a stronger metal appearance.
The width of the band also needs to be compared to the size of the hand as well.
Not only will a narrow band look larger in comparison to a thick band, it may also appear larger than many side stones. It makes more sense to shop for a ring using the entire composition rather than focus strictly on one component. For instance, compare the overall look of the center stone, band and side stones for rings in similar price ranges.
Know Which Diamond Characteristics Are Most Important To You
Diamonds are measured using four key characteristics including the cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Each of these factors will dictate different aspects of the overall appearance of the gemstone. The cut of diamond determines how the light will bounce off of a properly cut diamond. The color of the diamond will indicate how much color will be visible within the stone.
Clarity refers to specific characteristics that will be found within or on a diamond. The weight of a diamond does not necessarily correlate to the carat size.
You do not need to shop exclusively for the highest end characteristics however.
Determine what features will hold the most value to you for a diamond. There will always be variations between the same carat weights.
You should also compare the specific measurements and pictures provided for the characteristics of each diamond.
View the diamond within a ring setting if possible.
Considerations For Comfort
Comfort can prove to be extremely important when it comes to jewelry that is worn on a daily basis. Pay attention to the details of the inside of the band in conjunction with the overall look. Smooth edges and the right combination of width will help to determine the degree of comfort. Extra wide bands can prove to be uncomfortable, particularly in rings featuring the same nominal size. Rings featuring stones that wrap around the band might also appear similar in nominal sizes but can prove to be uncomfortable depending on the fit.
If you are shopping in person, keep a ring on for longer than a few seconds as you move your hand to see how it feels in comparison to other styles. This is also necessary if you plan on a ring featuring a band that will be worn comfortably for long stretches of time.
Consider A Wedding Band
If the ring will pair with a wedding band, consider this option when making a purchase decision
Certain ring settings allow straight wedding bands to nest snugly together. However, others will leave a gap along the setting due to the way that the center setting extends around the band. A contoured wedding band may offer a better solution.
This should not be considered a disadvantage but rather a factor to consider when purchasing the first ring.
Ask to see the ring next to different bands for an idea of how it will appear.
Think About Budget
Do not immediately plan on allocating your full budget to the center stone. The price will be dictated by a variety of factors including the diamond, weight of the platinum, complexity of the setting and the amount of additional diamonds that will be incorporated. Set aside a total amount of money that you are willing to spend. Divide that amount to focus more on those elements that appeal to you the most. If the value of a center stone in a solitaire setting proves to be most appealing, you will have a greater budget to allocate to that component. If intricate settings prove to be more desirable, you will want to set aside more funds for the setting itself.
Inspect The Ring From Every Angle
Many people lab diamonds at rings from a birds-eye view when shopping. This should not be the only method of inspecting a potential purchase.
Look at the side profile and underneath the band to analyze how the center stone is supported. Always note if any prongs hold the stone in place and if any side stones appear to be secure within their individual settings. If you are shopping online, a well produced image will always showcase a ring using more than a top-down perspective.
You should also study specific measurements if possible. Band widths and setting heights will always offer a better perspective than magnified pictures in some cases.
Consider Long Term Maintenance Requirements
Any well crafted ring worn on a daily basis will require periodic maintenance.
Dirt, oil, lotions and makeup will find their way onto diamond rings with ease and reduce the brilliance of the stones. Rings should also be periodically inspected for any issues that might develop with the setting itself. Platinum rings will also prove to be susceptible to scratches and scuffs once worn over a long period of time.
Some owners appreciate the appearance of naturally worn platinum while others prefer to take the ring in for professional polishing when this occurs. You are not required to implement a complicated maintenance schedule, but you should understand the importance of taking care of your ring as well as the reasons why it should be done.
A Simple Way To Compare Your Options
After reviewing a list of potential rings, compare the options based on the same criteria.
Does the diamond shape appeal to me? Is the setting appropriate for my lifestyle? Does the ring look comfortable? Is the center stone protected appropriately? Will the set complement additional bands? Are the details found on the diamond clearly documented? Does the ring appear to fit in the price range that I have set?
This process will facilitate the elimination of differences that are only found in design details. It will help separate unnecessary changes that might not prove to be practical once the ring is in constant use. In the case of platinum diamond rings, a careful analysis of the weight, setting and proportion will help to identify a ring that will feel comfortable on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is platinum appropriate for an everyday diamond ring?
Platinum rings can prove to be appropriate for everyday use. Every individual should look at their overall lifestyle in relation to the setting of the ring, band width and the way that the diamonds themselves are secured.
Do I need to worry about maintenance requirements for platinum diamond rings?
Like all rings, platinum diamond rings will require routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance and condition.
What Should I Look At First When Comparing Platinum Diamond Rings
Begin the comparison process by studying the characteristics of the diamond including the shape, ring setting, width and overall comfort. Next, look at the quality of the diamond details and compare the value of the overall piece.
