Antique Platinum Rings

Antique platinum rings come from the Edwardian era (1901 to 1910) and Art Deco eras, the Edwardians being the first to use platinum in their jewellery (a metal which revolutionised the world of jewellery). Platinum was very widely used in jewellery of this period partly because it was such a new material for jewellery and also because it enabled the creation of jewellery which was not previously possible. The great strength and hardness of platinum meant that finer rings with more intricate detail could be made and smaller less obtrusive gemstones settings were also possible. Large claw settings to hold the gemstone in place were no longer necessary as gemstones could be held in place with smaller claws all could even be held in millegrain settings. Millegrain consisted of clusters or lines of raised platinum beads and in addition to holding the gemstones was also used to decorate the edges of rings and other jewellery. Filigree work was popular at this time, and it was created by strands of platinum being twisted together, shaped and soldered to give the jewellery a lacy appearance. Favourite gemstones that were used in combination with platinum for Edwardian rings were diamonds, emeralds and rubies.

In addition to Edwardian platinum rings, antique platinum rings were also made in the Art Deco era. Platinum remained very popular as a material for rings during the Art Deco years alongside other popular metals such as palladium and rhodium. Art Deco rings tended to be less delicate in appearance than those of the Edwardian era and the platinum was often set with large clusters of gemstones in geometric patterns. Baguette cut diamonds were particularly popular at this time as were rubies sapphires and emeralds.