WHY PLATINUM? PALLADIUM AND PLATINUM RINGS

Being your soulmate and laying the foundation for a love-filled life requires the perfect engagement ring. At Shimansky, we recognise these special moments. We also know that when choosing your dream engagement ring, you will consider many factors, including the choice of metal.

Being the leading platinum pioneer in South Africa and having over two decades of platinum jewellery crafting experience, Shimansky is world-renowned for its platinum engagement rings. We recommend platinum as the perfect metal to showcase your diamond. However, there is another similar option: couples often enquire about palladium. We are here to assist you in selecting the perfect diamond engagement ring. To help you do that, we have compared palladium rings vs. platinum rings.

PLATINUM VS. PALLADIUM

There is not much of a difference between platinum and palladium. Both of these noble metals are hypoallergenic, durable and highly comfortable. Due to their remarkable natural white colour, palladium and platinum rings have minimum upkeep and maintenance compared to white gold, which requires regular rhodium plating. This makes platinum and palladium perfect for an engagement ring or a men's wedding band. Below are some key points to consider when you compare palladium vs. platinum: 

Weight – as platinum is a denser metal than palladium or gold, platinum engagement rings weigh more than the same ring in 18K gold or palladium. Sometimes, people value platinum's more substantial weight than palladium's lightweight quality. In the end, the choice is up to the wearer.

The price tag – the most apparent difference between platinum and palladium jewellery is its cost. Palladium rings cost less than platinum rings due to palladium's low density. Since palladium is not as dense as platinum, the manufacturer must create the same item with fewer grams than grams of platinum (almost half the amount). This means that a palladium jewellery item will have a lower manufacturing cost and, therefore, a lower price than a similar platinum piece. 

Availability – The range of palladium jewellery is very limited as not many jewellers are knowledgeable and equipped to work with palladium. Relative to gold and silver, crafting palladium jewellery requires a unique set of skills, so many jewellers don't stock rings made of this metal. Shimansky has a wide selection of palladium jewellery, such as the Shimansky Max-Line men's wedding ring collection. 

PLATINUM RING BENEFITS

As pure as your love for each other, platinum is the perfect choice for your engagement ring that will last a lifetime. Not only is platinum considered one of the strongest and most durable metals, but it has a fascinating story that dates back to 1557 when Italian-French physician Julius Caesar Scaliger discovered it.  As one of the world's most precious and rare metals, known as the most noble metal for jewellery, platinum is a preferred choice for diamond engagement rings. When weighing up palladium rings vs. platinum rings, there are many unique platinum ring benefits to consider:

• Platinum is a noble metal, resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist air, unlike other base metals.
• Platinum is a pure metal, making it hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin or prone to allergic reactions.
• Platinum's purity makes it one of the world's strongest, most durable metals. Its strength ensures that the diamond is most secure in the setting.
• Platinum does not wear thinner over time. If scratched, the metal is displaced and can be polished to its original shine.
• Platinum will not tarnish and needs less maintenance than other metals, like white gold, which requires regular rhodium plating to maintain its white colour.
• Platinum's remarkable natural light colour complements a diamond perfectly and brings out its shine magnificently.   

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Whether you choose platinum or palladium, ensure your finger size is adequately measured. We always advise making the ring fit rather than resizing your engagement ring later. However, if you do need your ring resized, Shimansky will gladly assist in the process.

CHOOSE A PLATINUM EXPERT

Platinum only melts at an extreme boiling point of 3190 degrees Fahrenheit or 1755 degrees Celsius, making it highly delicate. Crafting platinum into fine jewellery requires expert skill and a wealth of experience, which led Shimansky to become the world's platinum pioneer and top specialist. 

PATINA VS. POLISHED LOOK

Platinum and palladium will develop a patina finish; this is when the scratches on the metal move to different parts of the ring, giving it a matte-like finish. In most cases, the patina look is loved by many, but if you want to restore the metal's shiny appearance, you can easily request that it be polished.

HAVE YOUR RING CHECKED REGULARLY

A Shimansky engagement ring is designed and made to last forever. However, even the best platinum engagement and palladium rings need the expert eye of a jeweller from time to time. We recommend having your engagement ring checked by your jeweller twice a year to ensure the diamond is still secure in its setting.

MATCH YOUR METAL

Whether you choose a platinum or a palladium engagement ring, we recommend choosing a wedding band made with the same metal. Different metals and alloys will pair poorly together. 

YOUR QUALITY ASSURANCE

Our platinum engagement rings are hallmarked with PLAT950 and the SHIMANSKY mark. This assures you that the best platinum was used, as anything less than the finest quality will deliver different benefits than make your platinum engagement ring so unique and everlasting. 

GET EXPERT ADVICE

Having pioneered the use of Platinum in jewellery in South Africa, Shimansky is one of the world's top platinum specialists with the delicate skills and expertise needed to create exquisite pieces in this precious metal. If you need guidance in deciding between a palladium and a platinum ring, we will be privileged and delighted to help you make the right choice. We invite you to visit your nearest Shimansky store and browse the best engagement rings, exquisite platinum wedding bands, and palladium wedding bands for men. We have that special something you are looking for that will be with you for the rest of your life, becoming a symbol of love forever.