THE SETTING

The Importance of a Secure Setting
Your future bride will wear her engagement ring every day for many years to come. It will be subjected to stress, chemicals, bumps, bangs and constant wear. Choosing a setting that not only reflects her personal style, but holds the diamond securely and endures over time, is key. Platinum, for example, is one of the most durable and densest precious metals. Once set, platinum prongs are less likely to shift or move than prongs made from any other precious metal.

As with fine antiques and precious works of art, value is usually affected by availability. The rarer something is, the more valuable it becomes. Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold. In fact, if all the platinum existing in the world were melted and poured into an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the depth would barely reach your ankles. Conversely, gold would fill three swimming pools.

75 year old platinum engagement ring

COMPLIMENT THE DIAMOND
The most desirable diamonds are those with little or no color. Consequently, their optimal setting is a white metal that won’t reflect color into the gemstone. Platinum is a naturally pure white metal (usually 90-95% pure) that will never lose its brilliant white color. All gold is a naturally yellow metal. Many are surprised to learn that white gold actually starts off yellow, and is then mixed with other alloys to make it appear white. Over time, however, white gold will lose its white appearance and begin to yellow, requiring replating year after year in order to maintain its white look.

The Stamp Inside the Ring
The stamp inside the ring identifies the type and purity of the metal used to produce the setting. Markings on a ring that denote platinum are Platinum, Plat or Pt, followed by the level of purity, i.e. Pt 900 or Pt 950. 900 denotes 90% pure platinum, and 950 is 95% pure platinum.

The Scratch Factor
All precious metals scratch. It's a natural part of everyday wear. However, a scratch on a platinum piece is merely a displacement of the metal, and no volume or value is lost. Gold, on the other hand, does lose metal and wears down when scratched.

Value is usually determined by availability. The rarer something is, the more valuable it becomes. Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold. If all the platinum existing in the world were poured into an Olympic swimming pool, the depth would barely reach your ankles.

SETTING STYLES

The setting design, paired with the shape of the center gemstone, is the framework for the ring’s personality,
and ultimately a reflection of her unique style (personality profiles provided by Marie Claire and Allure magazine).

CENTER STONE SETTINGS

PRONG: The setting that lets the gemstone be the hero, making it visible from all sides for maximum sparkle. Personality profile: A classic choice that appeals to a variety of tastes.		CATHEDRAL: Similar to a prong, but with rising slopes to protect the gemstone on two sides. Personality profile: Timeless, elegant, for a stylish woman who favors the traditional.
BEZEL: The gemstone is framed in precious metal, keeping it very secure. Personality profile: Clean and modern, especially well suited to women with active lifestyles.		TENSION: The gemstone is held with thousands of pounds of pressure, creating the illusion of being suspended in space. Personality profile: If she cherishes the unique, this bold look will be a favorite.

SIDE STONE SETTINGS

FLUSH: This high-impact, low-stress setting secures small gemstones inside tiny holes. Personality profile: Clean, simple and natural, attracting those who believe true style is easy and real.		BAR: A thin metal bar separates each gemstone, leaving the sides open to light. Personality profile: Appeals to the woman who appreciates the class and style of a bygone era.
CHANNEL: Gemstones rest between two parallel bars of metal, highlighting both the gems and the precious metal holding them. Personality profile: Subtle and balanced, for women who appreciate understated beauty.		PAVE: Tiny metal beads hold each gemstone in its own discreet setting. Personality profile: Women who love vintage style, antiquities and all things rare will be drawn to this ring.

WHICH FINISH
There are several options and each will affect the overall look of the ring.

POLISHED: a high shine finish.	MATTE: or brushed finish has a smooth, but less shiny surface.	SATIN: a brushed finish that is finer in texture than matte.

 

The Unique Look of Platinum

As platinum is scratched, the metal displaces, creating a harder area along the base of the impression and causing the sides to ascend into tiny ridges. Further wear will flatten these scratches, resulting in a satin-like finish, which is platinum’s signature patina.

Unlike the scratching of other precious metals, there is no measurable metal loss with platinum. It maintains its integrity and mass.