Platinum Engagement Ring

Platinum became popular in the early 20th century and really took off as a precious metal in the 1930s. This is why you'll see a lot of vintage engagement rings of the time made from platinum. 30 times rarer than gold, it's also incredibly strong, making it suitable for more intricate filigree designs. That rarity and strength continue to make it incredibly popular today for engagement rings, women's rings and men's rings too.

Platinum is a highly durable metal and is tough enough to put up with everyday wear, so it's suitable for use in platinum engagement rings. Another attractive quality of platinum is that it doesn't lose any of its volume if it does become scratched. Most other metals will shed tiny chips of metal when they’re scratched; platinum doesn't, which makes it easier to polish back to almost perfect condition. It also develops a matt patina over time which some people like. Again, a quick buff on a polishing wheel will bring back the shine. Any jewellery expert should be able to offer a platinum ring polishing service.

Learn more with our metal education guide.

It's easy to look after a platinum engagement ring. Because of its purity, platinum is incredibly robust and perfect for everyday wear. To avoid it taking on a matt patina, rub it with a jewellery cloth regularly. You can also clean your ring with warm soapy water. When you're not wearing your ring, store it in a cool, dry place in a soft cloth pouch. Bear in mind that, if your platinum ring also includes gemstones, you may need to be a little more careful cleaning so that you do not damage the stone. If you have any doubts, take the ring to a professional jeweller for cleaning and polishing.

Discover our page about jewellery care as well as how to clean a diamond ring.

Yes. Because jewellery-grade platinum is between 85-95% pure, there is very little in the way of additional alloys included in the metal that could cause a reaction. Platinum jewellery is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for almost all wearers. However, constantly wearing a ring may cause microscopic dirt and bacteria to gather between the ring and your skin. Simply cleaning your ring regularly and making sure you take it off when you bathe will prevent any irritation or skin allergies from flaring up.

Consider other metals for your engagement ring including 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold.