Platinum Rings NZ Choosing a Ring That Feels Right for Everyday Life
A platinum ring can be almost demure in its jewellery box. But as soon as you try it on, the weight, colour and finish register. These subtle impacts frequently play a greater part than the artistry, especially if the ring is to be worn on a daily basis.
For customers evaluating different platinum rings NZ jewellers have in stock, the choice rarely comes down to only the platinum content of the metal. Width, finger size, diamond setting and general maintenance must all be taken into account, when assessing comfort and wear. Platinum is a favoured metal for creating engagement and wedding rings, due to a naturally white tone and strength, being both dense and resistant to corrosion.
The true question is whether a certain type of ring is right for whomever is going to wear it.
Why Platinum Feels Different From Other Ring Metals
Platinum has a distinct heft, and it will make a noticeable difference between a ring made in this precious metal and one crafted from alternative jewellery alloys. Some buyers are not deterred by this attribute, whilst others may prefer a less substantial feel. Both approaches are acceptable. Trying on a selection of metals proves helpful.
Due to its grey-white colour, platinum metal does not always look identical to white gold, despite rhodium plating being involved in the final finishing process for the latter. The former will still fade to a more mellow tone, once markings and abrasions cause a patina to develop. Whereas this does not bother everyone, some people might want the platinum ring cleaned and polished by a professional jeweller to maintain its lustre.
Another characteristic of platinum is that, although tough, it is not scratch-resistant. Any ring worn regularly whilst gardening, exercising or engaging in manual work is likely to become scuffed or marked. It is always advisable to inquire about the impact of everyday wear on a prospective platinum band, together with the recommended maintenance schedule.
What Does Pt950 Mean on Platinum Rings in New Zealand?
It is informative to examine the hallmark and the description of the platinum, before contemplating a ring purchase. Fine jewellery rings are sometimes made from Pt950 platinum, an alloy which incorporates 95% platinum and 5% other metals within its composition. The latter are essential for creating the required properties for use in jewellery production. However, not all alloys are the same, and it is essential to find out the correct make-up rather than relying only on verbal descriptions.
In relation to platinum ring buying guidance, there are several factors to take into consideration when comparing options:
- the platinum purity and alloy
- if the ring is cast or fabricated
- the width or thickness of the band at its thinnest
- if the setting is appropriate for a specific diamond
- the ability to resize a band and any limitations regarding modifications
Whilst a metal hallmark is informative, it is worth obtaining a copy of a jeweller’s written specifications relating to the band.
Platinum Rings and Lab Created Diamonds
Platinum setting is compatible with a wide range of diamonds, both natural and laboratory-grown. Either is enhanced by the neutral tone of platinum, without any golden undertone of the metal affecting the overall appearance.
Lab created diamonds have a virtually identical composition and crystal structure to natural diamonds. It is only the formation process which differs: laboratory-grown diamonds are formed artificially within a controlled environment from a chemical vapour deposition or high pressure high temperature process, whilst natural diamonds are created geologically.
Diamonds, whatever their origin, can then be graded accordingly regarding their cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
Aimée and Michael in New Zealand can review Novita Diamonds New Zealand options to establish how a platinum setting is influenced by lab created diamonds. Considering the two items together allows a closer look at the variations between a wide, elongated oval, and a round brilliant cut, and how it impacts the appearance of the ring. Note how the metal band is the same on either ring, but the setting creates the difference.
The Setting Matters as Much as the Diamond
The size of a diamond is not always an indicator regarding the comfort and practicality of a ring, when set within a specific type of setting. A high-set stone may allow a wedding band to sit flush against a platinum engagement ring, but could also lead to snagging on any clothing. Whilst a low-set stone would allow for a less restrictive fit when worn on an everyday basis, not all band styles can sit together against a setting. Three setting styles, worthy of consideration, are:
- sets of four prongs at the top of the diamond: more of the stone surface is visible, but it is necessary to check if the tips are well-shaped to prevent any snagging, and to have regular inspections
- sets of six prongs provide additional points of contact, which means the setting is particularly suitable when used with round diamonds
- a bezel setting surrounds the outer edge of a stone, allowing a different aesthetic and preventing any undue exposure of a diamond, but is not impervious to marking
A professional jeweller will take the shape, dimensions and usage of a ring into consideration when establishing the most appropriate platinum ring setting, so that it is both functional and aesthetically-pleasing
Ring Width Can Change the Fit
Someone who regularly wears a narrow platinum ring may discover that the width of a broader band feels uncharacteristically tight, even if both rings have the same ring size. The reason is that the wider band makes contact with a larger section of a finger. When buying platinum wedding rings in New Zealand, it is always advisable to look at a range of widths. A band with a thickness of 2 mm looks much more elegant than a band with a width of 5 mm, but the latter will require more room when fitted upon a finger.
Size is never static; it fluctuates with a person’s body temperature, movements and, occasionally, swelling due to other, unrelated factors. A cold winter’s day may mean that the size of a ring feels too large, if only due to a smaller circumference.
If buying online, the best approach is that, after establishing a jeweller’s fitting guidelines, to ask if it is possible to resize the ring accordingly at a later time where appropriate, due to certain eternity rings or intricate platinum band styles being unresizeable.
Choosing Platinum Rings NZ Couples Can Wear Together
It is not uncommon for an engagement and wedding rings to be purchased at different times. This, although seemingly minor when considering a single ring, creates some small complications when it comes to the ring itself, when worn in conjunction with it. A platinum engagement ring with a low basket setting may result in a void between it and a wedding band, unless the band is curved or contoured to follow on from the ring, which should also be examined in relation to the shape of the engagement ring. Whilst it is tempting to match the same type of metal for both rings, this is also a matter worth reviewing with a jeweller.
A platinum engagement ring can be paired with a platinum wedding band for a seamless look. Matching metals are always ideal, but not invariably mandatory. However, the different content of metals (e.g. platinum and white gold) must be taken into consideration, in terms of hardness, finish and wearability. Aimée and Michael can discuss Novita Diamonds offering regarding coordinated engagement and wedding jewellery. The point is how each ring rests with the other, rather one being isolated from the other.
Is Platinum Worth the Higher Price?
Platinum jewellery typically commands a premium over its counterpart in gold, depending on a range of factors, including a ring’s metal, alloy composition, width, manufacturing and design. Due to its density, a platinum ring contains a higher proportion of its content within its weight compared with a ring made from another metal. However, price is not an indicator of craftsmanship.
A platinum ring with an appropriate band width, secure setting, smooth interior and aesthetically-pleasing dimensions is just as well-crafted as one made from white or yellow gold. It is helpful to review the full specifications of a ring, rather just its suggested price, particularly if resizing, regular maintenance such as inspections or repairs are offered separately.
Caring for a Platinum Ring in New Zealand
Looking after platinum is a simple but important measure to take, but the gemstone and platinum band should also be considered equally. In relation to cleaning, a mild wash of dish soap diluted in warm water and a soft-bristled brush may be sufficient to remove everyday grime from a platinum diamond band; but it is essential to rinse carefully and use a lint-free fabric to dry the ring.
Abrasive cleaners or chemical solutions should be avoided, and a ring should be removed prior to engaging in any activity which might cause undue stress on the band or platinum ring setting. Regular inspections can also be useful, particularly if a band has open prongs, or is prone to frequent wear.
A loose stone is not always immediately apparent. A jeweller, when considering the practicalities of ring settings, will review the integrity of a ring setting prior to any major issue becoming a more expensive repair.
What to Check Before Ordering a Platinum Ring Online
Photographs create optical illusions, particularly when it comes to the relative size and proportions of a ring. A band’s width or the size of a diamond, for instance, is often exaggerated, due to the use of close-up images.
Ask for the measurements in millimetres, rather than centimetres, and, if possible, for images of a ring which show a side view as well as a representation from a person wearing it. Regarding the inclusion of a diamond, obtain an independently graded diamond report, when an option is available: the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and similar reputable organisations offer this service. Always check the validity of an issue report number via a laboratory’s verification service.
Customers comparing rings in New Zealand, can use Novita DiamondsNZ’s designs as a point of departure for the examination of platinum settings and lab created diamonds, making sure that the exact specifications and purchase conditions are understood prior to an order being placed.
Buying online means understanding the exact currency, terms regarding delivery, returns and resizing conditions, and any guarantees given under a New Zealand merchant agreement. The Consumer Guarantees Act might also specify certain statutory guarantees relating to goods sold by a company in New Zealand, but it depends entirely on individual circumstances.
A platinum ring should be viewed as a unit, taking the metal, diamond, setting and fit into consideration. All will impact on the experience of wearing the jewellery, and particularly so when it is intended, especially when worn in the long-term.
