When a man is engaged he commits himself heart and soul to the woman he chooses to be his wife. The engagement ring has to special as it is the expression of his love and commitment. Diamonds have long been the first choice where engagement rings are concerned. A white sparkling diamond looks radiant on the finger of a bride. The rings aesthetic appeal is determined by the choice of metal used in setting the diamonds. Platinum is fast becoming the favorite choice in diamond settings and bands. Over the past fifty years it has steadily climbed in popularity as being both a durable and beautiful metal. Weighing sixty percent more than gold, platinum is stronger, denser and therefore provides more protection to the diamond. Platinum is white in color and enhances the beauty of diamonds as well as complementing them perfectly. Platinum was discovered in Ecuador by Spanish people in the late sixteenth century. Platinum only began to be used two centuries later. It is now in vogue and is one of the most fashionable metals these days. White gold, a mixture of alloys, plated with Rhodium is also used extensively in setting diamond rings. White gold is less durable than platinum, though, and loses its luster sooner. Platinum used in jewelry is ninety five percent pure platinum and five percent alloy. This makes it more durable and suitable for regular use. Platinum is rarer and four times as costly as gold, but still people prefer it to white gold because it is more resistant to wear and tear. Another reason for platinum being a popular choice is that its hypo allergic in nature, and therefore doesnt irritate the skin. |
