Purely Platinum:
Discover the Metal that defines luxury
What is Platinum?
Platinum is a precious metal renowned for its stunning silvery-white appearance, durability, and rarity. It is one of the densest and most enduring metals, making it an excellent choice for fine jewellery and bespoke designs. Platinum’s natural lustre and resistance to tarnish and corrosion ensure that it maintains its beauty over time, even with everyday wear. Additionally, its hypoallergenic properties make it a preferred option for those with sensitive skin. Often symbolising prestige and elegance, platinum is the perfect metal for creating timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Platinum: Is it Right Choice for You?
Cost: One of the standout features of platinum is its incredible durability highly resistant to scratches and tarnishing. This makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, especially in pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands that are worn continuously. Unlike softer metals that may require frequent maintenance, platinum jewellery maintains its beauty and lustre over time, ensuring that your cherished piece remains stunning for years to come.
Durability: One of the standout features of platinum is its incredible durability highly resistant to scratches and tarnishing. This makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, especially in pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands that are worn continuously. Unlike softer metals that may require frequent maintenance, platinum jewellery maintains its beauty and lustre over time, ensuring that your cherished piece remains stunning for years to come.
Ethical Sourcing: Platinum is well-regarded for its ethical considerations. We ensure that our suppliers follow responsible mining practices, prioritising environmental sustainability and the welfare of local communities. When you choose platinum, you are often supporting operations dedicated to ethical standards and transparency. At Durham Rose, we take pride in sourcing our platinum from trusted suppliers, so you can feel confident that your bespoke jewellery is crafted with integrity.
Design Versatility: Platinum’s versatility in design is unmatched. Its naturally white hue serves as a perfect complement to any gemstone, enhancing its brilliance and colour. Whether you envision a classic solitaire ring, an intricate vintage design, or a bold modern statement piece, platinum can accommodate your creative vision seamlessly. Its malleability allows our goldsmiths to create intricate details and unique designs, ensuring that every piece of jewellery is as individual as you are.
Platinum vs White Gold: Understanding the differences
When it comes to choosing the perfect metal for your bespoke jewellery, platinum and white gold are two popular options that each offer unique qualities. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white and hypoallergenic metal known for its exceptional durability and purity. We use the platinum with a purity level of 95% (often marked as 950 Platinum), as it is one of the densest and most robust metals available. This inherent strength makes platinum an excellent choice for everyday wear, as it resists tarnishing and maintains its lustre over time. Its natural white hue also complements a wide range of gemstones, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a timeless and classic look.
White Gold
White Gold, on the other hand, is an alloy composed of yellow gold mixed with other metals such as palladium or silver to achieve its white colour. Typically, white gold is available in 18K, 14K or 9K, with 75%, 58.3% and 37% gold content respectively. To enhance its appearance and provide added protection, white gold jewellery is often rhodium-plated. This plating not only gives white gold its bright, reflective finish but also adds a layer of scratch resistance. While white gold offers a similar aesthetic to platinum, it may require occasional replating to maintain its appearance over time.
How Your Platinum Piece is Made:
Design and Wax Model: A detailed wax model of your design is created using advanced 3D printing technology, serving as the foundation for casting.
Casting Tree Assembly: The wax model is attached to a wax “tree,” which creates channels for molten platinum to flow during casting.
Moulding and Wax Removal: The wax assembly is encased in a heat-resistant mould. Once hardened, the mould is heated to remove the wax, leaving a cavity that mirrors your design.
Platinum Casting: Molten platinum is poured into the mould, flowing through the channels and capturing the intricate details of your design.
Finishing and Quality Check: The piece is cooled, cleaned, polished, and inspected to ensure it meets our high standards before progressing to the next manufacturing stage.
Hallmark & Engraving:
Hallmarking Platinum: Hallmarking is a process that certifies the purity and authenticity of platinum. In the UK, this involves several key marks: the sponsor’s mark, the fineness mark (such as 950 for 95% pure platinum), the Assay Office mark, and a date letter indicating when the piece was tested. 950 Platinum, which is 95% pure platinum mixed with 5% other metals (often ruthenium, iridium, or cobalt), is the most commonly used quality for jewellery. This blend enhances the metal’s strength and durability while maintaining its luxurious appearance. The hallmarking process ensures that the platinum meets high standards of quality and authenticity.
Engraving Platinum: Engraving adds a unique touch to platinum jewellery. Skilled jewellers use traditional methods and laser engraving for precise, detailed work. Platinum’s hardness ensures that engravings remain sharp and clear over time, preserving your personalised message beautifully.
Caring for Your Platinum Jewellery
Regular Cleaning: Clean your platinum jewellery regularly to maintain its shine. Use a mild dish soap diluted with warm water and a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the piece. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your platinum jewellery away from harsh chemicals, such as bleach, chlorine, and cleaning agents.
Store Properly: Store your platinum jewellery in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box
Remove During Activities: such as swimming, exercising, or cleaning. This helps prevent damage and wear.
Professional Check-ups: Schedule periodic professional cleanings and inspections.
Book in for a Professional Clean.
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How much does it cost?
Discover how bespoke jewellery is priced, with a clear overview of the elements that shape the overall cost of your piece. From metal and gemstone selection to the level of craftsmanship involved, this guide outlines what influences pricing and provides an idea of typical starting points when planning your design.
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