Tacori platinum engagement ring with round solitaire center diamond

By Jewelery & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, almost every guy is faced with the same issues. How is he going to find an engagement ring she will love, keep it a surprise until he pops the question and how can he buy the highest quality ring that she’ll love without breaking the bank. Well there are a few things that should be of comfort to every guy as he begins this quest. First, if you’re a good listener, you’ve already been picking up her clues so that you can make the correct style choice. Secondly, it’s not impossible to get the ring of her dreams and still be able to buy her dinner afterward.

Make no mistake about it. Women hint! Even before being asked the big question the majority of women have already begun to research the engagement ring and thanks to websites, retailers and jewelry brands they are armed with the advice and tools to make their hints heard. From wish list emails to iPhone apps to clever tricks like leaving magazines open on engagement ring pages, women know how to go about this task. In fact, according to a BRIDES Magazine 2011 study, 2 in 3 women say they gave direct input to the guy on their engagement ring and 19% even admit to personally selecting it. So if the guy listens and is sensitive to the hints he should be able to get the clues loud and clear, therefore allowing him to surprise her with the perfect ring of her dreams!

L - Hearts on Fire platinum engagement ring. R - Simon G. Jewelry platinum engagement ring with round solitaire center diamond

Here are some additional facts to help guys know what’s the most desired as he puts the clues together.  Today, most women want their setting to be white in color. Platinum is the best setting since, unlike white gold, which is naturally a yellow color, platinum is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish and will maximize the brilliance of the center stone. Platinum’s superior durability also makes it the best for holding a diamond securely during daily wear. That’s why the most important diamonds in the world are set into platinum.  Most women still prefer the classic round “brilliant-cut” diamond with a growing number starting to lean toward square “princess-cut” shapes. Whichever her choice, “Color” (one of the 4 C’s) will be important which is another great reason to choose platinum’s natural whiteness for the setting. The classic platinum and diamond “solitaire” (containing only one center diamond) is still the most popular style choice. Additionally, according to research, most women say that they would prefer a smaller, higher quality diamond instead of a larger diamond of lesser quality. Finally, and very importantly (and probably pleasantly surprising) for guys, a high quality platinum and diamond engagement ring starts at only about $1,000 so he doesn’t have to spend his entire savings to get quality. Websites like www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery can help find a local retailer, educate guys on the importance of a quality setting, and showcase a wide variety of styles from a number of designers to ensure that he finds the ring of her dreams.

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Has your significant other been dropping hints about the style of engagement ring she wants? Have you researched platinum bands and settings? Tell us where you stand in the purchasing process in the comments section below.

By Jewelry & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

“As good as gold”, what’s better? Since childhood we’ve known that “as good as gold” indicated the highest level. But were we naïve? When we got older and wanted to show the highest level of financial responsibility, we didn’t want to settle for a mere “gold card”.  By then we learned there was something even better! There was something much more rare, something that showed a purity in our credit rating and showed our persistence and endurance as shoppers and diligent bill payers. We aspired, of course, to a “platinum card”.

This analogy isn’t entirely metaphoric, however, and actually becomes quite relevant as you search for the perfect engagement ring or wedding bands. Here’s why.

L - Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Hearts on Fire R - Platinum and diamond engagement ring and wedding band by Michael M.

Every metal has characteristics that make it “right” for usage in particular items. Titanium for eye-glasses, because it’s lightweight; aluminum for patio furniture, because it can brave the elements but be light enough to move around the pool; and surgical steel for operations, because it’s hypoallergenic. When it comes to jewelry, however, we primarily look to what’s known as “noble metals” (metals that are rare and resistant to corrosion) as being most suitable. Even within this “noble” category however, there are characteristics that make metals just “right”. Let’s take two of the most frequently used metals for engagement rings and wedding bands – platinum and gold. Both are noble, rare and precious, however when used for engagement rings and wedding bands, one metal shows superiority. The superiority has to do with what you need those pieces of jewelry to do.

Men’s platinum wedding band by Gelin Abaci

Engagement rings and wedding bands are exchanged to signify the highest level of relationship – marriage. Therefore, they should be made from something that’s precious, rare and pure. In the hierarchy of metals platinum is more precious and thirty times more rare than gold. Platinum jewelry is usually made of 90-95% pure platinum, while gold at 18K is 75% pure gold and 14K is only 58.5% pure gold. Therefore, from a significance standpoint this makes platinum the more appropriate choice.

Further, engagement rings and wedding bands are given with the expectation that they will be worn every day for life. Therefore, they need to be made from something that will never fade or tarnish, something durable enough to stand up to a lifetime of daily wear, something that is hypoallergenic, and in most cases, something that can hold a precious diamonds or gemstones securely for life.  Again, platinum proves to be most appropriate. Platinum is naturally white and will remain white over time, unlike white gold which is originally yellow but mixed with other metals, then plated over the top to look white. Over time, the white plating on gold will wear, revealing a “less white” color underneath. Platinum will not only stand up better to daily wear but gems held in a platinum setting are more secure because it is virtually indestructible. Finally, because platinum is usually 90-95% pure it will always be hypoallergenic.

Now that we’ve looked at the differences isn’t it time we updated our language to reflect our new knowledge? Let’s replace that old saying with something better. “As good as gold” should really be “perfectly platinum”.
www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Have you begun your engagement ring search? Did this blog post change your thinking on gold vs. platinum? Tell us your story in the comments section below.

Before you purchase platinum jewelery, study up on the best ways to buy

By Celebrity Stylist, Michael O’Connor

By early adulthood everyone should realize the realities of retail. According to Wikipedia: “Retail consists of the sale of goods or merchandise from a fixed location,…for direct consumption by the purchaser.” Retail stores are “for-profit” businesses that purchase products at one price, then, sell them to the consumer at a higher price that yields them a profit. This involves adding a markup amount (or percentage) to the retailer’s cost.”  By the nature of retail, each store carries an inventory of products that is in their best interest to sell to consumers in order to make profit and remain in business. This became resoundingly clear to me on a recent shopping trip when I attempted to buy jewelry as a gift for my sister.

Left - Simon G: Platinum and diamond band by Simon G. Jewelry, $1,870, Right - Whiteflash: Platinum and diamond heart pendant by Whiteflash.com, $710

When marking a special occasion with jewelry, it’s only natural to want to buy “the best”. Nobody approaches this quest wishing to buy “what’s adequate”. I wanted a quality piece to reflect the importance of our relationship, something that could be worn for a lifetime and something precious that provided long-term value.  I did homework on sites like PreciousPlatinum.com and decided on platinum and diamond stud earrings. It was only when I went to my local jewelry store to purchase them that I learned when shopping for platinum there are many myths and misconceptions.

First, I found that if the jewelry store didn’t carry platinum in his inventory he was very anxious that I didn’t go elsewhere to get it. The sales associate made a number of claims to justify platinum’s absence, such as, “Platinum is too expensive” and “it’s too soft”.  Having done research, I was able to reply that I had already seen platinum pieces from approximately $1,000. I asked the sales associate why most of the world’s most important gems were set into platinum. Gems like that wouldn’t be put into soft settings that didn’t hold them securely forever. The associate told me that because white gold was plated with rhodium that the diamond would sparkle just the same as platinum. Again, I knew that white gold was in fact, yellow gold, made to look white my mixing the natural yellow metal with whiter ones to disguise the color. It is then plated with rhodium in order to make it look whiter. So he was partially right, except for the fact that he wasn’t telling me that over time and regular wear, the rhodium would wear off, exposing the less white color underneath. I told him that I knew that platinum was a naturally white metal that didn’t need to be plated – ever- in order to enhance its whiteness. It was then that the associate tried to reason with me. He asked, “Why get platinum when you can get the same look with gold?” My answer was simple and direct. “Because I want this gift to be worn and cherished for a lifetime, something she can wear everyday and only the best is good enough.” The question really is, why wouldn’t I want platinum?

Stuller: Platinum and diamond stud earrings by Stuller, $810

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Which engagement rings will be hot in 2011?

By Jewelry & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

In pushing the fashion envelope forward, clothing designers sometimes help us look back and remember fun times and gentler eras.  Such is the case with this season fashion runways, which provided us with a retro revisiting of the classic elegance of the 50’s and early 60’s as well as the swinging spirited side of the late 60’s and 70’s.  And while fashion designers have set the directional frame, bridal jewelry designers are also taking notice, and creating fresh interpretations of these trends. Here’s a look at the top 3 engagement ring trends for this coming year:

1- Inspired by the hit television show Mad Men, classic dressing and classic engagement ring styles are back! Remember the timelessness of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Think the sophisticated elegance of a polished platinum setting with a solitaire diamond, or a vintage-inspired style with filigree.

Investing in classic styles is not only a wise choice from a wear-ability standpoint, since they will never go out of fashion, but the investment in a platinum engagement ring means that the ring you purchase today will last for a lifetime and ready to hand down to future generations.

L - Platinum engagement ring from Kirk Kara showcasing the floral motif R - Platinum engagement ring from CliQ Jewelry showcasing a classic diamond solitaire

2- Additionally, we’re seeing more colorful fabrics with exaggerated movement and ruffle detailing. This will translate into engagement ring designs by incorporating colored gemstones such as citrine, sapphire, and ruby, set into platinum. Since platinum is a naturally white metal, it will maximize the brilliance of all colored gemstones.

3- This year we’ll also see engagement rings with a variety of floral motifs inspired by the 70’s. Whether this design surrounds the center diamond, or it’s part of the band, much of this intricate detailing can only be accomplished in platinum.

When it comes to today’s consumer, value is one of the most motivating factors in deciding to purchase fine jewelry according to a recent study by W magazine. Today’s platinum jewelry designers are providing the versatility of design in pieces that are classic, colorful, and design oriented to work with any era, while platinum itself is providing the long term value that allows you to enjoy your favored pieces daily and still hand them down to future generations.

L - Platinum engagement ring from Art Carved showcasing a vintage inspired design R - Platinum and blue sapphire engagement ring from Beladora.com

For more information on engagement ring styles to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery.

What are your thoughts on 2011′s hot engagement ring styles? Tell us what you like (and don’t like) in the comments section below.

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

You may have to go into stealth mode to find the right ring.

By Jewelry and Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

There may come a point in your life when you find a great girl and want to buy an engagement ring, turning her into your fiancé, and eventually, wife. You’ll want to find a ring significant enough to mark the most important and meaningful relationship of your life. Your first issue (and your mission, should you decide to accept it) is to subtly find out the type of ring she’s been dreaming about since childhood – “her dream ring”, the symbol of a relationship that’s made it to the peak level, or you might say, “gone platinum”. Your next issue is that you probably know little about buying jewelry – specifically jewelry of this caliber that must be a high-quality piece that will last forever.  So how can you handle the challenge of finding the ring she’ll love, buying a piece that offers long term quality and value and fits within your budget? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

L - Gabriel & Co. - Platinum and square diamond engagement ring by Gabriel & Co. ($3,597 without center diamond) R - Timeless Designs – Platinum and round diamond engagement ring by Timeless Designs ($2,285 without center diamond)

Most women drop plenty of hints about what they like and don’t, especially when it comes to something as important as an engagement ring. Listen carefully as she describes a friend’s ring! You’ll pick up clues. If you don’t, make a comment about one of her friend’s rings (Example: “I liked the carving and size on ‘Jane’s’ ring”) and see how she reacts. She’ll tell you what she likes and doesn’t about the ring. A couple of facts that will help you immediately are that round diamonds are the most desired shape, followed by square.  Next, most women today want their diamond mounted into a white setting since it’s more timeless and goes with everything. Platinum is the most valued for settings because it is a very durable metal, which will hold your diamond more securely and not wear down like other white metals, like white gold.

Maevona – Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Maevona ($1,950 without center diamond)

When you start your research you’ll see that in most instances you’ll be buying the diamond separate from the setting. Therefore, you’ll need to know a little about diamonds. A diamond’s value is determined by its rarity. The more rare a diamond is across 4 categories, the more valuable it becomes. The 4 categories are known as the “4C’s”. Color (colorlessness is most rare), Cut (how precise the cut proportions and angles are returning light), Clarity (how few imperfections there are) and Carat weight (weight/size – larger diamonds are more rare). Now you need to know about a high quality setting. As I mentioned earlier, platinum is the preferred metal for a setting not only because it’s durable, but also because it’s a naturally white metal that will stay white and enhance the sparkle of a diamond (all gold is naturally yellow and made to look like platinum by adding white metals to it). Finally, platinum is 30 times more rare than gold making it the most significant metal for this important symbol.

Remember that you need to set a budget for the ring. Once you do this, figure approximately 80% of that will be spent for a diamond but leave 20% to ensure you get a platinum setting.  After all, the setting is what will need to hold the diamond forever. And if you’re thinking you may not be able to get a platinum engagement ring on a budget, don’t worry. There are platinum engagement ring settings starting for as little as approximately $1,950.00 so you can get a high quality ring that she’ll love for a lifetime.

Congratulations! Mission accomplished.

For more information on platinum ring styles to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com

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Grooms, how did you find out what style of ring your fiance wanted? Let us know in the comments below.