Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum – Plat. or Pt. – also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.

This guide attempts to cover each traditional event where diamond rings may be given to a partner, the differences between them and a rough price guide. Historically there has been a degree of influence from the jewellery trade, where they attempt to make new opportunities for people to buy diamond wedding rings, when traditionally they may not have otherwise, however jewellery has long been the best way to mark special occasions or communicate appreciation with a long lasting, valuable token. This means that traditions have built up around marriages that have established appropriate times to give a ring to your partner.

Pre-Engagement Rings

The first of these occasions is the pre-engagement wedding ring. This type of ring signifies a commitment to a relationship and implies that it will be followed by a proposal in the future. Typically these rings are made from gold or silver. Some are set with diamonds and commonly carry a heart symbol.

Engagement Rings

The next occasion where a diamond wedding ring may be given is the engagement. Traditionally this is presented to a woman by a man while, or shortly after a proposal is made. These rings are steeped in tradition and would normally contain an arrangement of one or more diamonds. In some cases three diamonds are set into the ring signifying the couples past, present and future. These are known as Trilogy rings. Engagement rings may be purchased as part of a wedding set which also includes a wedding ring.

Wedding Rings

The wedding ring is typically a simple yellow or white gold band with some embellishment and a high carat value. Traditionally the groom would also receive a ring and some jewellers can arrange a matching pair. Wedding rings may also be made from platinum or palladium and include one or more diamonds.

Eternity Rings

Finally eternity rings are sometimes given at a later stage in the relationship, perhaps after the birth of a child to reinforce the bond between the couple. As these wedding rings are given at such significant times they would be made from gold or platinum set with a line of diamonds.

The Costs

White and yellow gold wedding rings for these occasions are available in a range of carat weights from 9 to 24. The prices of each type of ring varies as much as the style but to give you a frame of reference an 18 carat gold ring could cost upwards of £300 depending on the design and carat weight of any diamonds set into it. As an example, a ring which includes a 3 carat diamond could cost upwards of £1000.

A solid platinum wedding band could cost upwards of £500 and diamonds will further increase the price. Palladium wedding bands are an alternative to gold and like platinum, are a white metal. The advantage to these rings over white gold is the fact that they never need to be re-whitened. Palladium wedding bands could cost upwards of £250.

Body jewelry is an ancient way of expressing one’s ideas, religion, and so on. But it is still popular to this day, and probably always will be. Wearing jewelry is no longer the sole pastime of a woman.

But sometimes it is not possible for you to go for valuable and expensive jewelry made of precious metals like platinum or gold. As an alternative to the highly priced expensive body jewelry, a whole new range of jewelry has occupied the market, which is cheaply priced but looks as beautiful as the real gold or platinum jewelry. Body jewelry, better known as fashion or costume jewelry, is made of low-priced metals like silver or titanium, glass or plastic. This kind of jewelry is available with gold polish and with the use of semi precious stones like beads, diamonds, kundan etc, to give an exquisite look.

This kind of cheap body jewelry is especially targeted to the college crowd, who tend to want a cool and modern look via earrings, nose rings, naval jewelry and the like. This group, however, has limited pocket money and can’t afford expensive stuff. This kind of jewelry is also meant for middle class society, who want to be in tune with fashion and decorate themselves with trendy and charming jewelry, but whose resources are limited. So the concept of cheap body jewelry gives the freedom and opportunity for a not-so-rich class of society to decorate themselves with body jewelry.