Rubies have long been cherished for their deep red color and symbolic associations with love, power, and passion. When paired with platinum, a metal known for its strength and purity, a ruby ring becomes not only a symbol of elegance but a durable, long-lasting piece of jewelry. But why choose a platinum ruby ring over rings made from other metals such as gold or silver? In this article, we will explore the advantages of platinum, the beauty of rubies, and why this combination is a top choice for many.
The Beauty of Rubies: Why They Deserve the Best Setting
Rubies have captivated the human imagination for centuries. As one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds), rubies are particularly valued for their vibrant color, rarity, and hardness.
Rubies: Symbolism and Value
Rubies symbolize passion, love, and protection. Historically, they were considered a stone of kings and were believed to bring good fortune and protection to their wearers. Rubies have also been linked with the heart and blood, making them a popular choice for romantic jewelry, especially engagement rings. These associations, along with the gem’s rarity, make rubies highly sought after.
Durability of Rubies
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are among the most durable gemstones, second only to diamonds (which rate a 10). This makes them an excellent choice for everyday jewelry, especially rings, which are more prone to wear and tear. However, to truly protect and enhance a ruby’s beauty, choosing the right metal for its setting is crucial. This is where platinum comes into play.
Why Platinum? An Overview of Its Unique Qualities
Platinum is often regarded as the king of metals in the jewelry world, and for good reason. Its unique properties make it a standout choice for setting precious gemstones like rubies.
1. Strength and Durability
Platinum is incredibly strong and resistant to damage. Unlike gold, which is mixed with other metals to increase its hardness, platinum is used in its nearly pure form (about 95% purity in most jewelry). This high purity gives platinum its strength, making it less likely to bend, scratch, or wear down over time. For a ruby ring, this means the stone is held securely in place, ensuring that it is well-protected from impacts and daily wear.
2. Hypoallergenic Properties
Platinum is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. This is particularly important for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies, who may experience irritation from other metals such as nickel in white gold or alloys in yellow gold.
3. Resistance to Tarnishing
Unlike silver, which tarnishes easily, or white gold, which can lose its luster over time, platinum retains its bright, white sheen with minimal maintenance. Platinum does not oxidize or corrode, making it ideal for everyday wear. This is especially important for a piece like a ruby ring, which many people choose as a lifetime piece of jewelry.
4. Heavier, More Substantial Feel
Platinum is denser than other metals, giving it a heavier, more substantial feel. This weight can make a platinum ruby ring feel more luxurious and valuable compared to rings made of lighter metals. For many people, the heft of a platinum ring is a reassuring sign of its quality and durability.
5. Longevity
Platinum is known for its longevity. Unlike gold, which can wear down and thin over time, platinum maintains its mass. When scratched, platinum doesn’t lose metal but rather displaces it, meaning the metal isn’t lost but can be polished back to its original state. This ensures that platinum rings last for generations, making them a perfect choice for heirloom jewelry.
Platinum vs. Other Metals: A Detailed Comparison
While platinum offers several advantages, how does it stack up against other metals commonly used in ruby rings? Let’s compare platinum to gold, silver, and titanium in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, and value.
Platinum vs. White Gold
White gold is a popular alternative to platinum because of its similar appearance. However, white gold is typically made by alloying yellow gold with metals like palladium, nickel, or silver, and then plated with rhodium to achieve its bright white color. Over time, the rhodium plating can wear off, revealing the yellowish tint of the underlying gold, necessitating regular replating to maintain its appearance.
Durability: Platinum is significantly more durable than white gold. White gold can scratch and wear down over time, particularly at the prongs holding the ruby in place. Platinum, on the other hand, is more resistant to wear and will retain its integrity longer.
Maintenance: While white gold requires periodic replating to maintain its luster, platinum maintains its color and shine without the need for plating.
Cost: Platinum is more expensive than white gold, but its durability and low maintenance costs make it a more economical option in the long run.
Platinum vs. Yellow Gold
Yellow gold offers a warm, classic look that many people love, but it is a softer metal than platinum. Although gold is durable, it is more prone to bending, scratching, and losing its shape over time.
Durability: Platinum outperforms yellow gold in terms of strength and resistance to wear. Yellow gold can be easily scratched and may require regular maintenance to maintain its shape.
Aesthetic: While yellow gold provides a traditional and warm appearance, platinum’s neutral, cool tone complements the rich red of rubies in a way that makes the gemstone appear even more vibrant. The contrast between platinum’s cool luster and ruby’s warm red hue is often striking.
Cost: Yellow gold is generally less expensive than platinum, but its need for more frequent repairs and polishing can add up over time.
Platinum vs. Silver
Silver is an attractive option for those on a budget, but it lacks the durability and longevity of platinum.
Durability: Silver is a much softer metal than platinum and is prone to scratches, dents, and tarnishing. Over time, silver rings can lose their shape, and the prongs holding a ruby can become weak and damaged.
Aesthetic: Silver has a bright, shiny appearance when polished, but it tarnishes easily and requires frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance. Platinum, on the other hand, retains its luster with minimal care.
Cost: Silver is significantly less expensive than platinum, making it a budget-friendly option. However, the need for frequent repairs and replacements may make platinum a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Platinum vs. Titanium
Titanium is another alternative metal used in jewelry due to its strength and lightweight nature.
Durability: Both platinum and titanium are extremely durable metals. However, titanium is much lighter than platinum, which may not provide the same luxurious feel that many associate with fine jewelry.
Aesthetic: Titanium has a more modern, industrial look that might not suit everyone’s taste, especially for classic or vintage-inspired jewelry. Platinum offers a more traditional, luxurious appearance.
Cost: Titanium is generally more affordable than platinum, but platinum’s longevity and timeless appearance make it a superior choice for a ruby ring.
See Also: 10 Best Stud Earrings of 2024
Platinum and Ruby: A Match Made in Jewelry Heaven
The combination of platinum and ruby creates a stunning contrast that enhances the beauty of both the metal and the gemstone. Platinum’s cool, white tone serves as the perfect backdrop for the fiery red hues of the ruby, allowing the stone to truly stand out.
Security for the Stone
Because rubies are often the centerpiece of a ring, it’s crucial to choose a metal that will securely hold the gemstone. Platinum’s strength and durability make it the ideal choice for prongs and settings. This ensures that the ruby stays securely in place, even with daily wear.
Symbolism and Longevity
Platinum, like rubies, carries a wealth of symbolic meaning. Both are associated with rarity, strength, and endurance. A platinum ruby ring, therefore, becomes not just a piece of jewelry but a lasting symbol of enduring love and commitment. This is why platinum ruby rings are often chosen for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
Conclusion
When choosing a metal for a ruby ring, platinum stands out as the superior choice for its durability, beauty, and hypoallergenic properties. While other metals like gold, silver, and titanium have their own advantages, platinum’s unique qualities make it the ideal choice for setting a precious gemstone like a ruby.
Though it comes with a higher price tag, the investment in platinum pays off in terms of longevity, low maintenance, and unmatched beauty. If you’re looking for a ring that will last a lifetime and retain its elegance for generations, a platinum ruby ring is the way to go.
