Choosing engagement rings and wedding bands can be a daunting task. After all, they are to be worn for a lifetime, as a symbol of the unending bond of marriage. Now more than ever, couples aim to express themselves and the unique relationship they share through the distinctive rings that they choose. Some couples even go as far as to design their wedding rings themselves. Although there are a variety of precious metals to choose from, many brides and grooms are choosing platinum for its purity, durability, rarity, and beauty.

Discovered in South America in 1735, platinum is one of the purest forms of any of the precious metals. It is made of 90%-95% pure platinum, reducing the need for color- and resilience-altering alloys. This composition allows platinum to be more durable than other precious metals, protecting against tarnishing, heat, acid, oxidation, and scratching. An 18-karat-gold ring, for example, only contains about 75% pure gold, and the rest is alloy. For this reason, gold has a much greater tendency to tarnish, fade, or oxidize. All metals can become scratched; however, when platinum is scratched, the metal is not lost but simply displaced. This makes repairs a simple matter of a professional polish. White gold is created to give the same color and feel as platinum, but it is actually yellow gold combined with specific alloys to give it a “white” color. Again, the addition of alloys makes the metal vulnerable to fading to its true yellow color with time.

Platinum’s unequaled durability and resistance to blemishes make care and maintenance effortless. Simply clean the band periodically with a cloth and mild soap. Platinum will not be affected by chemicals, but they may diminish the strength of the setting or the luster of the gem. It is recommended that a platinum ring be polished by a professional jeweler 2 times a year.

Platinum is about 30 times less abundant than gold. Today, the majority of the world’s platinum comes from South Africa and Russia. Platinum’s relative rarity makes it a good choice for something as significant as wedding bands. Because of its strength and durability, platinum will secure a gemstone like no other metal. Since platinum is true to its color, it allows the stone to display its own beauty. Platinum is particularly ideal when coupled with diamonds, as both are valued for their pure beauty and eternal strength. The brilliance of the diamond will never be compromised, because platinum holds it securely and timelessly enhances its charm. Platinum wedding bands are a great choice; allow platinum’s rare beauty to forever represent your commitment to one another.