When selecting a platinum ring, there are various factors to consider when selecting a band. How big should the band be? How should it be shaped? What should its surface texture look like? These affect not only the aesthetic of the ring, but also your comfort when wearing the ring.
Platinum Band Designs
For many people, a ring may very well be the most important piece of jewelry they own. This is an item that they are most likely to wear every day, possibly for decades at a time. This is why, when it comes time to select your ring, you want to take the time to look through all the options that are available so as to find a band that best suits you. When making this decision, you want to look at the band’s profile, width, finish, and details.
Paltinum Band Profile
The profile of your ring band is the shape of the band. Most jewelers will offer you eight basic options, including the following:
- D-Shaped: Rings with this profile are rounded on the outside and flat on the inside, giving the cross-section that resembles the letter D.
- Traditional Court: This profile represents rings that are rounded on both the outside and the inside.
- Flat: A flat ring has a rectangular cross-section.
- Flat-Court: This profile features a rounded inside and a flat outside, with rounded edges.
- Double Comfort: A double comfort ring is similar to a flat ring, but with rounded edges for additional comfort.
- Halo: The halo profile gets its name for its circular cross-section, which gives it a halo-like appearance.
- Flat-Sided Court: This profile is similar to the traditional court, with a rounded inside and a rounded outside, but has somewhat flatter edges.
- Concave: This profile has a rounded inside and a groove along the outside.
Platinum Band Width
The width of a ring band represents a measurement from the top to the bottom, when the ring is sitting flat on a level surface. Most rings you find will be between 2mm and 8mm. However, some rings will be made with a greater width, particularly men’s rings.
Platinum Band Finish
Platinum bands can come with a variety of finishes on the outer surface, with some of the more popular varieties including the following:
- Polished: This is the most common finish found on jewelry, representing the most polished surface available. This finish is characteristic of a superior shine and a mirror-like appearance that you can see your face in. The downside is that scratches show the most readily in the pristine surface.
- Satin: These rings are smooth to the touch, much like a polished ring. However, they lack the same shine and do not reflect your image on their surface.
- Matte: Also called a brushed finish, this finish is similar to a satin finish in that it lacks the sine of a polished surface. However, a matte finish has a texture to it, giving the appearance of having been rubbed in with a wire brush. Popular for men’s rings.
- Hammered: A ring with a hammered finish has an irregular, dimpled surface, resembling a surface that was pounded with a hammer. Another popular choice for men’s rings.
Polatinum Band Details
Platinum is a strong and ductile material, which allows it to be fashioned into many engaging styles.
- Milgrain: Alternatively spelled “millgrain”, these rings are characteristic of a beaded line along the surface of the band.
- Beveled Edge: A ring with a beveled edge has an angled surface along the edge, often covered with a finish that either complements or contrasts with the main surface of the ring.
- Weave/Braid: A ring with a weave or a braid has a surface that creates the appearance of metal being woven together.
- Filigree: Platinum is great for creating fine, fancy filigree designs, like spirals, rosettes, and more.
