Platinum is regarded as a superior metal for fine jewelry and is used in many exquisite diamond engagement rings. It is 35 times more rare than gold and is naturally white. It is the strongest metal used in jewelry and is 90 to 95 percent pure. The high purity level makes this metal hypoallergenic and is an ideal choice for a person who has sensitive skin. Platinum is also almost twice as heavy as 14K gold which makes it very durable.

The reason Platinum is a desirable metal for making jewelry is because it is very malleable and can be formed without cracking or tearing. Once platinum prongs are bent to hold a diamond they will stay in that position and not spring back.

It takes 10 tons of ore to produce a single ounce of platinum. There is only one platinum mine for every 10 gold mines which make this metal one of the rarest. On an average, 88 tons of platinum is used to craft jewelry, compared to 2,700 tons of gold each year.

The purity of platinum is expressed as parts per thousand and the number designation represents how many parts per thousand are contained in the metal. The marks used on platinum jewelry are 900Plat, 950Plat or just Plat. Platinum is usually alloyed with metals in the platinum group which are similar in weight and chemistry to platinum.

Over the last 200 years platinum has resurged itself in popularity. It was held in high esteem during the early Egyptian times. The Spanish conquistadors discovered platinum in the New Word when they were mining for gold. The considered it worthless and discarded it. In the 18th century King Louis XVI elevated platinum's popularity by calling it the metal of kings.

The Art Deco Period was when platinum became popular in modern jewelry. The strength and malleability of this metal allowed artisans to create filigree and wire patterns that were popular during this period. It has regained it status in recent years and is the preferred metal used in engagement rings.

Even though it is growing in popularity it still remains one of the world's rarest metals. The yearly worldwide production of platinum only amounts to about 160 tons compared to approximately 1,500 tons of gold. One reason it is so rare is because the mining and refining process is time consuming. To extract one ounce of platinum over 10 tons of ore has to be mined. The refining process takes at least five months. There are only a handful of regions where platinum can be found and the primary source of this metal is in the mountains of Russia and South Africa.

If you love the look of platinum but can't afford the cost. There is an alternative metal that is increasing in popularity called Palladium. It is part of the platinum metal group and is an excellent alternative to platinum. Palladium is highly resistant to corrosion and has the lowest melting point in its metal group. It will not tarnish and is whiter and lighter than platinum. If you are in the market for an engagement ring you might want to look into Palladium for that special ring.