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Platinum Engagement Rings in San Diego Are The Embodiment Of Class

Friday, August 5th, 2011

When shopping for an engagement ring, you want to give your sweetheart the best. And when it comes to the best, platinum is the way to go. Platinum engagement rings are beautiful and embody a class that cannot be found in other rings. Let’s take a look at what makes platinum rings stand out from the rest.

One of the main reasons that people love Platinum rings so much is because Platinum is a pure, naturally white metal. Upon first look, this may not mean much to you. However, upon closer examination, choosing a pure metal for your ring can make a huge difference. First off, Platinum is a naturally white metal. This means that you will never see the color of your ring blend into the color of your diamond. With other rings, time can cause the color of the ring to cast into the ring’s diamond. With Platinum, this will never happen. Also, because Platinum is so pure, the color will never fade and will stay natural for as long as you have it.

Another reason that Platinum is so popular is because it is extremely rare. Thirty times more rare than gold, Platinum is not easy to come by. Because it is so rare, platinum is very valuable and desired. And, unlike some other metals, Platinum will only continue to get more valuable over time as its limited resources become more and more depleted.

Also, when buying any kind of engagement ring, it is important to remember that this is a ring that will last a lifetime. It is something that your loved one will take along with them and wear on a daily basis. Your love is eternal, and you will need a ring that will last as long as your love. This is where a platinum engagement ring comes into play. Platinum is extremely dense, making it the strongest of all metals and also making it very durable. This means that it will be resistant to wear and that it will last forever. Just as importantly, because platinum is so strong, it will never change shape. This means that your diamond will be protected for as long as you wear the ring.

Finally, aside from being the strongest of all metals, platinum is also the most beautiful and versatile of all metals. Unlike yellow gold, platinum can match with just about anything. Platinum rings will look great with any outfit and will blend well with any other jewelry.

When it comes to purchasing an engagement ring, your loved one deserves the best. And in buying them the best, you will want to seek out platinum. Platinum rings are the rarest, most valuable, strongest, and most versatile engagement rings that you can find. They are absolutely gorgeous and are the pure embodiment of class. They look beautiful on any woman and are the perfect way to show her that your love is deep and eternal. Search for platinum engagement rings today and show her that she only deserves the best!

Categories : Diamonds In San Diego, Engagement Rings In San Diego, Platinum

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Understanding Revised FTC Platinum Guidelines

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

With metals manufacturers and jewelry makers constantly having to react to the ever changing prices for precious metals in today’s economy (and other metals as well), variations in material content used to produce jewelry have changed dramatically over the years.

What was once the industry standard for “platinum” with variations regularly limited to the additions of iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and palladium (other platinum group metals), thing have changed significantly as the markets evolve. Today’s platinum products will just as easily see the addition to the base platinum of other materials such as copper, cobalt, tungsten, and other materials that are more susceptible to oxidation.

In light of these new material combinations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revised its guidelines for “platinum” as of December 2010. The new guidelines now take into consideration two separate groups of platinum material classifications: “traditional” platinum products, and “non-traditional”; platinum products. The traditional platinum products group covers the typical use of high levels of pure platinum. The non-traditional products group covers products in two separate classifications:

1) Combinations of materials below 950 parts per thousand (ppt) of platinum group metals
2) Those products that contain less than 850 ppt of pure platinum

An item containing less than 850 ppt of platinum with a total of platinum group metals below 950 ppt now require the amount of other metals to be disclosed. As an example, an item containing 65% platinum, 25% Cobalt, and 10% Palladium would require that a disclosure be made of the contents. Abbreviations are allowed in the markings, but identification is required nonetheless. It should also be noted that the word “platinum” cannot be used for any item that contains less than 50% platinum as part of the total mixture.

More details on the guidelines can be found at:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/reports/article_detail?id=25760

Categories : Jewelry Market Trends, Metals, Platinum

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North American Demand Up 30% in 2010 for Platinum

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Trading in excess of 31% the cost of gold (per ounce) in 2010, platinum demand rose 30% despite the inherent premium over this other precious metal. It would appear as if the significant rise in gold prices had pushed demand for platinum upward as people started to look for better overall value in a complimentary product.

To match the increase in consumer demand for platinum in 2010, larger manufacturers began to produce more to meet the increased demand producing 175k ounces in 2010 as opposed to 135k in 2009 (data provided by refiner Johnson Matthey in their free survey “Platinum 2011″).

With a noticeable increase in demand from jewelers, platinum rode the storm of 2010 as jewelers began to produce lower price point items to compete head to head with gold products. In data related in the report offered by the National Jeweler in 2010, sales at the jeweler’s bridal counter were helped directly as a result of rising gold prices. The general conclusion was that couples looking for precious metal wedding rings jumped at the opportunity to transition to platinum once the price narrowed to a couple of hundred dollars.

Globally, demand for platinum did not see the increase that was exhibited in the North American markets. Actually quite the opposite is true. Globally, demand for platinum dropped 14% in 2010 in total. Places like China saw an even greater reduction in demand for platinum with an overall decrease of 21% during the 2010 period.

Depending on the ongoing saga of gold prices in 2011, efforts late in 2010 to increase the number of platinum jewelry products offered in the market, and the general global economic weaknesses that seems to be continuing, demand for platinum looks to remain strong going into the balance of 2011.

Read the original story at:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/fashion/article_detail?id=26460

Categories : Jewelry Market Trends, Metals, Platinum

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Jewelry Trend – Platinum Jewelry Sales up Sharply over the Holidays

Friday, July 1st, 2011

The lion’s share of jewelry retailers interviewed recently regarding sales of platinum at their retail jewelry outlets in 2010 indicate, with a few exceptions, that platinum sales are up sharply over 2009. This was to be expected as the overall production of platinum in 2010 increased 30% to 175,000 ounces in 2010 versus 135,000 ounces in 2009.

It is known that December is the month for engagement proposals, and with an estimated 15% of all engagement proposals for the year occurring in December, it is easy to see how the sale of engagement rings would be very closely tied to the holiday season as well.

Retailers reported marked increases of sales in platinum engagement rings and wedding bands. In addition, sales were also noticeably up for other platinum items such as cuff links, rings, timepieces, and the occasional writing instrument.

With the price of platinum at a premium over gold of approximately 31%, with the overall cost differential of an item in platinum versus gold only being a few hundred dollars, many are making the jump to platinum over gold in today’s value driven markets.

Bridal and designer pieces seem to be the leading categories seeing the move towards platinum versus gold. Many retailers are anticipating that the trend towards more platinum sales will continue in 2011.

Through the roof prices on gold has significantly narrowed the gap between the end cost of an item in gold and an item in platinum. In addition, many new blends of platinum jewelry materials are being produced to further enhance the competitive position of platinum versus gold. Many retailers indicate that the sale of platinum to the end customer requires a little bit more consumer education to drive the sale than with the standard-bearer gold.

You can find the whole story at:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/reports/article_detail?id=25687

Categories : Jewelry Market Trends, Metals, Platinum

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2011 Should Provide Many Opportunities for Platinum Sales

Friday, June 17th, 2011

With platinum sales strengthening in 2010, what can be expected in 2011? Is it reasonable to expect that this trend will continue? Huw Daniel, President of the Platinum Guild International USA seems to think that the trend towards increased sales of platinum will continue as the economy recovers in 2011. In an uneasy economy, sales of luxury items such as jewelry are often the first to take the hit. Conversely, unleashing of the pent up demand for luxury items such as jewelry can often be an indicator that consumer confidence is returning to the markets.

People still fall in love during recessions. They may often hold off making a major commitment like an engagement or a marriage until they feel more confident in the overall economic prospects for the future, but you can rest assured that they are chomping at the bit for the signs that “now is the time” to formally express their love for each other. With production of platinum up 30% in 2010, and sales up significantly as well, 2011 could just see the trend of higher demand for platinum continue from 2010.

In an article dated Jan. 13, 2011, Teresa Novellino relates the following statement:

“An improving economic situation can only bode well for platinum jewelry sales,” said Daniel, who pointed to the latest report from Johnson Matthey in 2010 as evidence of an American market on the rise.

As the economy struggles to recover, slow progress seems to be occurring nonetheless. With a recovering economic climate, forecasts indicate an additional increase in platinum sales in 2011 of upwards of 33% with significant demand in the mid to high end bridal market. As the economy approves, it can reasonably be expected that those that have delayed an engagement or a wedding will take the step and enter the platinum market to find jewelry to express their commitment to each other.

Read the original story at:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/reports/article_detail?id=25686

Categories : Jewelry Market Trends, Metals, Platinum

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Five Platinum Jewelry Trends for 2011

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

With gold prices continuing to boom and the cost differential between gold and platinum jewelry continuing to narrow, one can expect that many will turn their attention away from gold jewelry towards platinum in 2011. With the ability to create more intricate designs with platinum, some stunning trends are happening in the realm of jewelry making that are creating some fabulously intricate new designs to catch the eye. One can expect to see innovations using platinum in the following retail offerings:

1) Classic Bridal Engagement Rings
2) Colored Stone Settings
3) Floral Design Engagement Rings
4) A Resurgence in Tennis Bracelets
5) Diamond Cluster Earnings

Classic designs are making a comeback in 2011 with the likes of Natalie Portman and Beyonce selecting timeless styles in platinum as their preference. With the ability of platinum to greatly enhance the look of colored stones, one can also expect that the display of such colorful stones as rubies or sapphires is not far behind.

Let’s not forget the fact that fine earnings can really make an outfit pop; one can expect a transition towards bright diamond/platinum cluster earnings to help make this happen. Further expect a resurgence in tennis bracelets made of platinum with the addition of perhaps of some nice diamond clusters to further support both dressing up and dressing down.

Most important though is the trend towards creating wonderfully beautiful new floral designs for engagement rings, which are sure to become a “new” old favorite. With some absolutely stunning detail capable of being produced in platinum that does not seem to be available in other precious metals, designers are really opening up on their creativity for rings with floral designs that appear to nestle the stone gently into the setting.

Read the complete story at:
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/reports/article_detail?id=25683.

Categories : Bridal Jewelry, Jewelry Market Trends, Metals, Platinum

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Using Star Power to Help Promote Platinum Bridal Jewelry Sales

Monday, June 6th, 2011

It is part of human nature to want to have some level of belonging to some group or endeavor when making a very large decision, especially if what you are considering is a little on the edge of what is normally customary and usual.

With centuries of acceptance that “gold” is the standard-bearer for wedding bands, current economics and the availability of different precious metals on a global scale are chipping away at this notion. Metals such as palladium, and platinum in particular, are beginning to become much more accepted as an alternative to gold for expressing one’s love and devotion to each other.

Recent trends by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to opt for expressing themselves through the use of platinum as opposed to gold in their jewelry choices and making their engagement or wedding ring choices in platinum further “legitimizes” the selection of this precious metal as viable alternative to gold.

Recent Hollywood notables such as Reese Witherspoon, Anna Paquin, Megan Fox, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood have opted for platinum over gold and have created a very favorable buzz for platinum in today’s precious metals jewelry market. A little name-dropping to help market a product never hurt anyone and it can often significantly sway a potential buyer that is sitting on the fence.

With gold prices going through the roof, trends in late 2010 were geared towards more and more jewelers in San Diego developing platinum jewelry options as the price differential between gold and platinum narrowed. In the North American market in 2010, a significant increase in platinum production of 30% over output in 2009 showed this trend for what it is, that it is a movement as much as it is a trend.

Read the full story at http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/fashion/article_detail?id=26460

Categories : Bridal Jewelry, Metals, Platinum

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