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Diamond halo engagement ring designs are extremely popular at the moment. Whether it is a centre round brilliant cut diamond or fancy shape like this radiant, the range of halo designs is always expanding.
When deciding on a halo engagement ring design there are two main design styles to choose from – grain set and claw set. Don’t worry to much about worrying if you have made the right choice as ultimately there is no right or wrong style. It’s just a matter of personal preference, and which ring you think looks better on your hands. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for your diamond
1. Grain set halo engagement rings
A grain set halo engagement ring is typically a single row of 1 point diamonds (0.01ct) surrounding the centre stone. However lately double row halo designs are also becoming more popular.
Advantages
Grain set diamonds are embedded into the metal and are secured with small grains/beads that hold the diamonds in. Because there is more metal around the stones, you will save money of the overall diamond weight of your ring.
Disadvantages
The grain set diamonds create a diamond set border around your centre stone. In the case of a single row this may make your centre stone stand out more, because it creates a contrast. In the case of a double row, while it might create an overall larger look, it can tend to make your centre diamond look smaller.
2. Claw set halo engagement rings
A claw set diamond halo engagement ring, uses typically 2 – 3 point diamonds (0.02 – 0.03ct) set in claw settings around your centre diamond.
Advantages
Because the surrounding diamonds are much larger it tends to give a greater sparkle that blends in more with your centre stone giving an overall much larger diamond look. The design style is also great if you have a few inclusions towards the outside of your main diamond. The sheer volume of sparkle and bling tends to make it harder to focus on the the inclusions.
Disadvantages
The only apparent disadvantage of this style is that you might loose the individualism of your centre stone. Although this is a disadvantage that many brides are willing to live with.
Diamond halo engagement ring designs need to be made by exceptional jewellers.There are two things that you must look for when choosing your engagement ring.
1. Which ever design you choose make sure that the ring is made well and there isn’t any gaps between the halo diamonds as this will give you a really gappy look. This usually happens with the jeweller has either not calculated the right spacing around the main stone or the diamond setter has selected diamonds that are too small for the setting.
2. Ensure there is not a gap between the centre diamond and the surrounding diamonds. This will not only detract from that bigger diamond look that you are aiming for, but it is also a place that hand cream, soap and dirt will collect.
At Xennox Diamonds, I always like to draw a 3D sketch of our halo diamond engagement rings, so you clients can see exactly what your ring will look like. Drawing your engagement ring to scale is extremely helpful to see how big the diamond is, and what the overlapping effect will look like. If you would like to arrange an appointment to see me and have your halo engagement ring draw, please send me an email at design@xennoxdiamonds.com.au
Matching a wedding band to your engagement ring should be an easy process if your engagement ring has been designed with this in mind. Almost every engagement ring can be made to sit flush with a wedding band. It just takes extra time and precise direction to angle the wires to a small base. While some ladies might be inclined to change their engagement ring at one time or another, most feel extremely sentimental about their wedding bands. So it is important to choose a band that you can see your self wearing for the next 40 -50 years.
Having your wedding band compliment your engagement ring perfectly can make all the difference to the way the set looks. An expert craftsmen can shape the profile of the wedding band to match the engagement ring so it looks like the two were made at the same time.
1.Solitaire
The great thing about a classic solitaire engagement ring is that you can have either a classic wedding band or a diamond wedding ring. It really depends on whether you love the”traditional” look your mum used to have or whether you would like something that reflects a bit more or “your style” The traditional wedder will generally give a a constant level of wear all around that band, as it will constantly spin on your finger.
2. Engagement rings with shoulder set diamonds
If your engagement ring has diamond set shoulder stones, the best matching option is to hand make the matching diamond band with the same setting. For example – If you have channel setting in the engagement ring, then your perfect match would be a channel set wedding band. Ideally one that starts and finishes as the same spot as your engagement ring.
When choosing the size of the diamonds in your wedding band, I always recommend choosing the same size, and shape. Remember it is not just the wedding ring you have to think of, in a years time there will be an “eternity ring” on the other side. If you do want to go bigger in the diamond size, then make sure it is noticeably bigger. Otherwise it will look like you tried to make it matching but couldn’t.
Micro pave – the philosophy behind this setting style is to make the beads holding the diamonds in as small as possible to accentuate the diamonds. The problem with this is that the settings are not as secure and the diamonds are more likely to fall out. Unfortunately with this style it is not a case or IF your are going to loose a diamond it is a matter of WHEN.
If you are looking for some advice on the best wedding ring to compliment your engagement ring, our friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to offer guidance and help you pick the perfect match to your engagement ring.
SI2 diamonds that are eye clean are becoming harder to find. They are something that takes patience and experience to find. As a qualified diamond grader, I am always searching for the most perfectly cut SI2 diamonds with the best located inclusions. Looking at a diamond’s inclusion location is just like property, it is all about location, location location. The second most important thing to understand about diamond clarity and inclusions, is that they are expressed as a percentage of the diamonds size. So the bigger the diamond, the bigger the inclusions can be; becoming more evident in larger diamonds around the 1ct plus size.
There are four main locations of SI2 diamond inclusions:
White inclusion on the edge of the diamond (rarest and most desirable) Having a specialised and qualified diamond grader hand pick your diamond with an eye clean SI2 diamond will not only make it sparkle more, but will save you money as well. It will sparkle more because the inclusions are on the edge of the diamond and not interfering with the light as it travels through the centre of the stone. This gives the diamond more brilliance and sparkle. It will save you money because you won’t need to spend money needlessly on upgrading your clarity to a VS grade.
SI2 clarity inclusions can either be:
Inclusions in the table should be avoided if at all possible. The table facet or centre of the stone is the easiest place to see any inclusions. Like something sitting below a clear glass table, once you see an inclusion, you will always see it. Your eye is trained to find the inclusion and will always go back to the same spot; one of which can be seen here just off to the left of centre in the middle of the diamond.
Inclusions on the edge are definitely preferred. The combination of facets that run around the outside edge of the diamond (star facets, kite or mainfacets, and upper girdle facets) scatter the light as it exits the stone. This provides a unique camouflage effect, making the inclusions much harder to see. Inclusions are seen here at 10 o’clock and 7 o’clock, halfway to the edge of the diamond.
One big inclusion on the girdle (edge of the diamond) is the perfect location for an inclusion. Most claw settings will cover an inclusion, provided that they don’t come too far into the centre of the stone. Even if the claw doesn’t cover 100% of the inclusion, when an inclusion comes out of a claw, it is much less noticeable as the eye is not draw to a blank space. Inclusion here is near 12 o’clock, perfectly located to be covered by a claw.
At Xennox Diamonds, our specialty is hand picking eye clean SI2 inclusions. We are always aiming for the “perfect” inclusion that you can cover with a claw. This leaves more money in your budget for maximizing your cut grade, colour grade or size. Please make sure to always avoid “Clarity Enhanced” diamonds, as these do not follow the same guidelines outlined here. If you have any questions about this blog or about what to look for when choosing a diamond, please post a comment below as I always enjoy responding.
There is no such thing as a perfect proposal. What might be magical for one couple may be the complete opposite for another. This aside, there are a few ingredients you should include to ensure it’s the magical moment it should be for the both of you. From choosing the right diamond ring to uncovering the perfect proposal location, here are a few must have’s for planning the perfect proposal.
Like buying a home, the right location can make all the difference. Choosing an amazing location that means something special to your partner, will really set the scene. It doesn’t need to be on a romantic island on the Great Barrier Reef. It could be where you first met, a special place from her childhood or yours, or something extreme like on top of a mountain. You don’t need to spend a lot of money choosing the perfect location, it could be something as simple as a sunset walk down your favourite beach.
Adding things like signs are a great way to add impact. If you find you get tongue tied, perhaps try writing a series of notes and leave them as a trail for her to follow. A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not make a collage of your history together and leave some space for future photos to go?
These days, with the prominence of technology, a lot of gents are choosing to create short videos and upload them to YouTube to create a bigger impact. If you choose to do so, there is no need for a fancy video camera, more often than not, your trusty iPhone will suffice. The inclusion of music is also a great way to improve the atmosphere for your perfect proposal. Use your special couple song or have her favourite music playing in the background when you pop the question, and finally give her a dozen roses once she’s said yes.
This is probably the least favourite part for most guys, because it usually involves a bit of mushy stuff. However, if there was ever a time for it, then this is it. Prepare a few short heartfelt words for the proposal and practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t need to be 5 minutes long or outline a list of your best attributes, just tell your partner why you love them and why you want to spend the rest of your life with them.
For some the tradition of asking a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage may seem a little old fashioned, but for others it is still an important step and something that will certainly be appreciated. In this day and age, there are very few fathers standing at the door with a loaded shotgun, warding off all intruders. They may be just as protective of their daughters, but most fathers are approachable. Offer to take him out for a game of golf for example or choose your moment where the two of you can be alone. I think most fathers at this stage will anticipate what’s coming next. Try and plan to do this the week of the proposal also, so that way they are not having to keep the secret from their daughter for too long.
One of the most important things about planning the perfect proposal is of course surprising your partner with the perfect engagement ring. According to The Knot, 32% of women say the biggest proposal mistake you can make is not having a ring. If she hasn’t been dropping any hints about what she would like her engagement ring to look like, go with something simple and classic. Have a look at the jewellery she is already wearing. If she wears a lot of silver or white gold, then a white gold diamond engagement ring is usually a safe bet. When purchasing an engagement ring, it is always a good idea to ask what the exchange policy is.
A Word of Advice to the Gentlemen
Call it intuition or plain curiosity, most ladies will know that the proposal is coming. While the element of surprise is something to strive for, it is not as important as creating the perfect proposal that is magical in every way. When she retells the story to her friends and family later, she will no doubt remember all of the effort you put into the proposal, irrespective of whether she knew it was coming or not.
Xennox Diamonds, Brisbane
If you’re looking for engagement, wedding or any other type of diamond ring, drop in and see the team at Xennox Diamonds, Brisbane. They boast the largest range of diamond engagement and wedding rings in Brisbane. If your partner isn’t happy with the ring you have chosen, you can bring it back and change it for something she loves.
Have you been waiting for Mr Right to propose with your dream engagement ring? If it doesn’t look like it is going to happen any time soon, maybe you might need to start dropping some carefully positioned hints in order to get the ball rolling. After all, maybe the reason he hasn’t proposed is because he doesn’t know which engagement ring you like? When you think about it, you would actually be doing him a favour by helping him along this journey. Whether you choose to drop these hints or not, and how often you drop them might depend on how long you have been together or whether you have discussed the prospect of marriage yet. The average time before most couples consider tying the knot is usually around the 3-5 years.
Circling engagement rings in catalogues or magazines is a great way to show your partner which rings you like. Similarly, putting crosses through rings that you dislike, will definitely let him know what NOT to buy. A few well positioned notes also next to the ring such as “my dream ring” could certainly help your cause. Once you have selected the ring or rings you like, the next thing you need to do is strategically place them around the house. A great place would be a coffee table, with the TV remote placed on top of it. If he misses this subtle clue, try opening the magazine to the right page.
They often say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If watching tv is not his thing, why not try cutting out your favourite engagement ring picture and putting it on the fridge? That way he is more likely to see it.
Once you find your dream ring, try taking a photo of it and strategically placing it on technological devices. With most smart phones these days, you can save the photo to your lock screen or your phones background. Your home computer is also a great place to save your photo somewhat subtly on the desktop, and perhaps less so as the screensaver.
Liking an engagement ring specialist Facebook page is always a subtle way to let him know you are interested in moving your relationship to the next stage. If that doesn’t work, try tagging him in your favourite engagement ring photos or in the comments section of your different wedding and engagement ring related posts.
The Jewellery Store Drive-byIf you find yourself walking past a jewellery store, gradually drift over to the window. As he follows you, make a few comments about the engagement rings you do and perhaps don’t like. The subtle version can be a general casual remark about the ring styles you like. For example, “Isn’t that one beautiful? I love the white gold princess cut diamond rings”. The more overt version may start something like, ” When you propose to me, I like these designs….”
Designing or shopping for your engagement ring together might not seem as romantic, but is a sure-fire way to get the exact ring that you want. One way to make it easier is to cut down the number of jewellery stores he gets dragged through by doing some of the leg work for him. After you have narrowed it down to a few stores by yourself, get a few designs you like written on cards. Try and keep the number of rings you like to two or three, that way he will still at least have had some input into choosing your engagement ring and there will still be an element of surprise. Don’t be afraid to tell him exactly what it is you do and don’t like from a design point of view. He can always personalise it later from a diamond size perspective. Don’t worry if you know what the engagement ring looks like, he still will be able to keep the proposal a romantic surprise for you. Once you have chosen the ring with him, make sure you put it out of your mind and not nag him every week for it. You have done all the ground work for him, now it is time to let romance take its course.
If you would like something totally unique and individual, you are welcome to come into our design showroom anytime. We have Brisbane’s largest range of engagement and wedding rings, and with our onsite workshop can combine multiple ring styles you like, into the one perfect engagement ring for you. After all you are going to wear it for the next 50 – 60 years, so we won’t let you settle for anything less than perfect. The team at Xennox Diamonds are always available for advice. You can either email us, or connect with us through Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or Instagram.
Jewellers and setters are very different trades even though they are connected to the same industry. Just as plumbers and electricians are separate trades but connected to the building trade, so too are jewellers and setters unique. Jewellers are involved in the construction of the ring, while setters are the ones responsible for securing the stones. While some jewellers can set stones, it is usually best to leave it to a professional gem setter.
In Brisbane to become a jeweller, you must complete a four year apprenticeship under a fully qualified jeweller. As in all apprenticeships, apprentices of the appropriate age are able to receive a learning wage, which makes it economical for the employer to train them. In their 4 years, apprentices should learn all the basic techniques of making simple rings and carrying out repairs. At present, and at least for the next few years you are able to complete your jewellery apprenticeship in Brisbane. However due to falling numbers at Tafe and reduced government funding the future of jewellery apprenticeship scheme seems uncertain.
Jewellery that is made especially for a particular stone is always going to be better than an “off the shelf” setting that is trying to be squeezed or stretched to fit the stone. This is especially important in three stone settings, where it is vital that the stones overlap. A professional jeweller, must not only make sure that the stones and claws are positioned in the correct places, but the shoulder stones must be angled correctly to create a pleasing level appearance. When a jeweller is making a ring, they are constantly making adjustments to improve the aesthetics of the ring, something that is impossible to do in CAD or mass produced style rings. Metal that has been hammered is also always harder and tougher than cast metal. A mass produced ring, has very little room for modification, because all the pieces are set in their current positions.
Setters
In Brisbane there is currently no provision for completing a setters apprenticeship. In England, a setters apprenticeship is normally five years. However here there is no such apprenticeship for setters, neither is there any subsidy for employers to train setters. Consequently there are no new setters being trained. The only new setters entering our industry are those that have traveled here from overseas, or are jewellers that have crossed over to become full time setters.
Setters are crucial to maintaining the highest quality finish of a piece. Even if the ring is expertly hand crafted, if it is set poorly, the finished ring will look terrible. It is the setters job, to ensure that the stones are not only secured correctly and tightly into the ring, but they are also set level and straight. Stones that are not securely are prone to coming loose and falling out over time. If the shoulder diamonds have not been set well, there may be gaps between the stones. Channel set rings, will not have straight bright cuts (the inside lines between the stone and the metal) , and their may be gaps at the end of the channel. This will become noticeable as the rings become dirty, as the dirt often gets trapped in the gaps. It goes without saying that the centre stone should be properly set. Poorly set centre stones, will not only through off the symmetry of the ring, if they are not set in the middle, but they can also be prone to coming loose, and if not regularly checked – lost. Another symptom of a stone that hasn’t been set correctly is catching of threads under the claws. A properly set stone should be nice and smooth on top, and have no gap between the stone and the claw. If you are finding that your clothes are catching on your claws, simply bring them into us, and we can secure the claws correctly on your stone.
At Xennox Diamonds, we have full time jewellers and a setter, to make sure there is never any compromise in the finished product. Our standard for choosing to only work with the best diamonds and metals, applies to our jewellers and setter too, to ensure that you will receive enjoyment from your treasured piece for many years to come. If you are finding your are having problems with your setting, please don’t hesitate to email us, or pop in for a free inspection.
A diamond engagement ring is one of a ladies most precious prized possessions. It symbolises a couples love and the start of their life journey, called marriage. Like a new car, that people try and keep clean for the first few months, the cleaning of a diamond engagement ring, is something that sometimes get put to the bottom of the to do list. The great thing about your diamond engagement ring is that when it is properly cleaned and cared for it will look like the day you picked it up from the jewellery store.
1. Clean it with hot water and dish washing detergent. I generally recommend to add just off boiling hot water and detergent into a coffee cup. Don’t worry – The melting point of gold and diamonds is much higher than 100
degrees, so your diamond engagement ring should be safe. After it has been sitting there for around 3 -5 minutes, use an old toothbrush to dab in and around the settings. A dabbing motion is preferred to scrubbing. Dabbing allows the bristles to find their way in and behind the setting, whereas scrubbing may affect the polish of the metal, causing it to dull.
2. Don’t use hand cream while wearing your rings. One of the biggest causes for diamonds to dull, is the use of hand cream. To understand what hand cream does to your diamond, imagine smearing hand cream over your bathroom mirror. After a day or two, the general everyday dirt would stick to the cream, forming a layer and preventing the light from getting through. As diamonds require light to sparkle, anything that prevents the light from interacting with the stone, will cause the diamond to dull, like this one.
Have it professional cleaned at least once a year – While cleaning your diamonds and jewellery at home will certainly make a marked difference to the performance of your diamond. To achieve the best result, we recommend that you bring it to a qualified jeweller at least once a year for a professional clean. Jewellers will generally have an ultrasonic cleaner. Most professional ultrasonic cleaners cost in excess of $1000. Ultrasonic’s are great for getting into all the really hard to reach places and shaking the dirt out. At the same time your jeweller can check all your settings to make sure that all your diamonds and gemstones are secured. This is a complimentary service that we offer to all our clients, even if the piece is not from us.
1. Toothpaste – Ideal for cleaning your teeth, not your diamonds. I am sure that the original inventors of toothpaste did not envisage a lady cleaning her diamond engagement ring with it.
2. Vodka – Great for drinking, but unnecessary to use to waste on cleaning your diamonds. While pure alcohol is sometimes used for cleaning diamonds, i am sure that you can find a much better use for Vodka than cleaning your diamond engagement ring.
3. Cloudy ammonia – there are a lot of websites advising to use cloudy ammonia when cleaning your diamonds and jewellery. The origin of this most likely came about when jewellers used a polishing compound called rouge. This red polishing paste was notorious for sticking to the gold. The cloudy ammonia was an excellent solution for removing this paste for the metal. These days jewellers use a much more refined compound which is cleaner and dissolves faster in water, making the cloudy ammonia unnecessary.
1. Emeralds – almost all emeralds have been oiled. Placing them in hot water, causes the oil to come out of the stone, and the hot dirty water to go in. When this happens the usually invisible feathers and inclusions can sometimes become visible. This will have a detrimental effect on the value of the stone. While the process can be reversed, it is not an easy or cheap one.
2. Opals – Opals are known as a hydrated silica. They have a reasonable amount of water in them. Placing opals in any environment which is hot, can cause the opals to crack, making them effectively worthless.
3. Pearls – being the product of a once living organism, pearls are also to be kept away from heat. When pearls are used in jewellery, they are usually always glued in. As the heat from a flame would destroy them. When cleaning pearls, it is recommended to use cold water, with a soft cloth similar to a glasses cleaning cloth. (non abrasive)
A honeymoon can sometimes be the thing that couples really look forward to, one week out from the wedding. Especially if you have been planning this amazing event for the last 12 months. All the stress of deciding which table decorations to use, and who isn’t going to sit next who at the reception, can sometimes take its toll. The honeymoon is a great way to recharge the batteries and reconnect with your new loved one.
With the average Australian wedding now costing over $40,000, a relaxing overseas tropical honeymoon is something high on the wish list for brides today. If you have been trying to decide where to go for your honeymoon, this might make the decision making process a little easier.
Lucky couples who purchase their wedding or engagement ring from Xennox Diamonds between July and August 2013, will see themselves soaking up the sun with seven nights accommodation in Fiji or Thailand for free. Although all couples will receive their accommodation for free, each month one lucky couple will also win free return airfares to their destination. Saving the stress and expense of planning that dream honeymoon and leaving nothing to do but relax and bask in the beauty of that sparkling new ring.
While the concept for this promotion was designed around honeymoon’s, there is no reason why it can’t be used to plan a surprise proposal, Hint, Hint !!!! Gentlemen, please take note, all three locations would be ideal for popping the question. Now there really has never been a better time to take the plunge. It will truly be a proposal she will never forget.
There are three levels of accommodation on offer, with customers spending over $3500 receiving seven nights in Phuket. Those spending over $8000 receive seven nights on Fiji’s The Pearl and those spending over $15,000 will be spending seven nights in luxury on Fiji’s Taveuni Island. All accommodation packages are valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
Its location is the perfect setting for a quiet, peaceful holiday only a 5-minute drive from the lively exciting resort of Patong Beach, with the fabulous long powder sand beach of Karon a similar distance for daytime lazing and swimming in the gentle waters of the Andaman Sea.
The “Secret cliff resort”, opened in 2007, which lies hidden in Luxurious rain forest setting on the slopes of coast of Andaman Sea between Patong Beach and Karon beach.
The Pearl South Pacific, an elegant, sun-drenched resort within the sublime environs of Pacific Harbour, between Suva and Nadi. Perfect for leaving a frenzied world far behind. Refresh, renew and indulge in world-class facilities and consummate service.
Set by the beach and surrounded by lush, tropical landscape, The Pearl is an idyllic escape where chic accommodation, exquisite cuisine and as much – or as little – adventure and relaxation await you.
Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is the jewel of the Pacific. It is set in ten acres of immaculate manicured tropical gardens, and accommodates only 12 privileged couples. There are only twelve accommodations with each house positioned for maximum privacy and to take advantage of the spectacular views over the azure ocean and surrounding islands.
Jewellers are not just craftsmen they are artists too. People are often amazed at how these artificers of metal, are able to manipulate gold and gemstones into the beautiful finished creations, that are adored for generations. But have you ever wondered how long you would have to train to be an exceptional jeweller to create these amazing pieces ?
A basic jewellers apprenticeship takes about 4 years, and not only has on the job training, but a considerable amount of time at tafe as well. In this time they are taught a variety of skills, ranging from hand making jewellery to producing wax pieces and masters for mass production.
The completion of a Jewellers apprenticeship really only marks the start of their journey. For at least the next 3-4 years, jewellers will learn to hone their basic skills they have learnt so far and apply them in a range of new fields. At the end of this time, if they have worked hard and diligently, most can expect to reach a good standard.
The next stage after that, often involves the jewellers moving around to different workshops and learning from a range of other jewellers. In our industry, you can’t learn all there is to know from a book. The best way to grow is through experience and learning by watching others. A jeweller can easily spend the next 7 years learning the finer aspects of the trade, which could involve working with platinum, cluster settings and fine tuning their tools to achieve a better finished piece.
The last category i put only a handful of jewellers into is the exceptional category. While some jewellers can achieve this after a further 10 years, some can work a lifetime and never obtain it. In some European countries like Germany, you can actually go back to college and graduate as a Master Jeweller. This requires many years of study and assessment, and is not a term that is given out lightly.
The next time you look at an amazing piece of jewellery that has been expertly hand crafted, it is worthwhile remembering that the ring did not just take 12 or 16 hours to complete. It represents someone who has spent more than a decade of relentless pursuit of excellence to ensure you have a symbol of your love that will last a lifetime.
Platinum has long had a great allure. Whether you should choose a platinum or white gold diamond engagement ring is often an important decision most couples come across when looking for their dream diamond ring.
There are a few things you need to know before deciding whether platinum is the right choice for you. One of the main benefits of platinum is its density. Platinum is about 40% denser than white gold. While this makes it a better wearing metal, it is important to understand that it does not mean it is scratch proof or indestructible. Any piece of jewellery that is worn will require maintenance, so even a platinum ring will still dull over time as the metal becomes scratched. The increased density means that the ring will also weigh more, which is a feature that a lot of clients find appealing.
The other main advantage of platinum is that it doesn’t need to be be rhodium plated. The platinum used in jewellery is usually 95% pure, and as it is naturally a white metal, it doesn’t need to be rhodium plated. The colour that you see now, is the colour that it will always be.
Another benefit that some people find useful, is that it is a very hypoallergenic metal. If you are finding that your body is reacting to the minor alloys in white gold, then platinum might be an option to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
One misunderstanding about platinum is that it is actually whiter than white gold. Although platinum does not require rhodium plating as white gold does, the rhodium plating process actually makes the white gold look whiter. So it is important to compare the two side by side, to see which colour you prefer.
The other important consideration with platinum, is its melting point. As it is much higher than gold, if you ever need to retip a claw or do work near the diamond, often the stones will need to be removed. This will add extra costs to any repair work that you might need to have in the future.
Remember if you choose a platinum engagement ring, it will mean that you will need a platinum wedding band and eternity ring as well. Sometimes the extra money spent on upgrading your metal (which you may not always see), may be better spent on upgrading your diamond (which you definitely will see).
Platinum is a great metal to use in jewellery, as long as you understand all the pros and cons. If you would like to compare the differences, we can help show you the contrast between the two metals, and help you weigh up the costs and benefits to see if platinum is the best fit for you.
