If you follow fashion at all, you can’t help but notice the plethora of white metallics that have come down the runways – whether its clothes, handbags, shoes or accessories the white wave is here. For jewelry, that means that platinum is back in the spotlight for both bridal and everyday wear.
Platinum has many attributes that make it a particularly desirable metal. For starters it is naturally white, which means that it won’t change color with wear – except to develop a lovely patina over time. Since it’s a white metal, platinum doesn’t alter the color of a gemstone or diamond. It’s also hypoallergenic, very durable and its unique properties hold a gem more securely in place than other metals.
Brides Love Platinum
Many people were introduced to platinum for the first time through their engagement ring. Classic six prong Tiffany settings remain popular, as are toi et moi rings, bezel sets and wider bands, styles that have been fueled by high profile celebrity engagement rings. “One trend that we’re seeing is that people are wearing just a band, with or without stones, as an engagement ring,” reports Rebecca Moskal, vice president marketing for Platinum Guild International.
Platinum for Everyday
Platinum is not just for bridal or very expensive haute joaillierie, it’s great for everyday wear for work or play. One of the reasons that platinum is a good everyday metal is because it doesn’t wear away. With gold, when a ring is worn daily or often, the metal begins to wear away, however with platinum, the metal doesn’t wear away. Little nicks and scratches displace the platinum rather than actually losing the metal, which makes it a really good choice for daily wear. It also has great appeal for the woman who self-purchases jewelry.
“Platinum is the antithesis of fast fashion,” says Moskal. “A woman could buy a pair of silver hoops, or she can buy a pair of platinum hoops. She won’t have to replace the platinum hoops, so she can pass those along to the next generation.”
Affordably Priced Platinum
Layering with classic pieces in platinum is also trending. And Moskal cites stackable rings, solitaire earrings, chains and pendants as some of the favored items at wallet friendly prices.
Yes, platinum jewelry can be reasonably priced. Six years ago, PGI launched Platinum Born, an affordable collection of platinum jewelry with no gems. The collection is meant to fill the void in the market between bridal and high-end platinum jewelry. “This collection was created with the self-purchasing woman in mind,” explains Moskal. “Women will spend $3,000 on a handbag or $900 on a pair of shoes, now we have platinum jewelry in that price point.”
Moskal notes that platinum has been around forever and will be around forever, the difference is in the way people are wardrobing the pieces, such as wearing platinum jewelry more casually. “The value will always be there,” concludes Moskal.