Benefits and Pitfalls of Platinum Jewelry

Submitted By: Christine MacDonald




Today like no other time in history the choices in metals that can be used to make jewelry especially engagement rings and wedding rings is almost over whelming.
A metal that may be new to many people is platinum, however it does have a rich history with its use in decorative pieces dating back to the 7th century and ancient Egypt. The use in jewelry and decor began its rise in Europe in the 18th century however it was not obtainable to those who were not royalty or extremely wealthy. In 1930's during the time of the great depression and WWII platinum became a controlled substance therefore its use in jewelry making was almost unheard of.

It has only been in the last ten years that platinum has made a real resurgence. This metal has gained popularity in recent years among the general population however the price makes it an unrealistic choice for most of us. A platinum ring generally costs double the amount of its white gold counterpart therefore it still viewed by many as a symbol of wealth and status.
Platinum is a white metal that is appreciated for not only its beauty but its strength and long wear ability. This is one of reasons many skilled jewelers especially those making high end items like to use platinum prongs in order to set diamonds and gems in their pieces. It is also a desirable choice because it does not oxidize and is hypoallergenic. Another characteristic that makes platinum stand out from the competition is that when it does sustain a scratch this will not cause further damage to your ring, where as if a gold ring is scratched the gold will continue to breakdown in that area.


Unlike gold, high quality platinum has a purity of 95% and is often alloyed with metals such as titanium, copper, rhodium, palladium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. Platinum is rated by a 1000 count, with platinum of 950 parts per thousand being used to make high quality jewelry. It is recommended that if you are going to pay the money for a quality platinum piece that you do not buy anything below 850 parts per 1000. High quality platinum will have a mark stating what its count is and it should be and combination of the number such as 950 and the lettering Pt or Plat.

If you ever decided to purchase or even try a platinum ring on the first thing you will notice is the weight of it. Platinum is a very dense metal therefore a platinum ring will weigh approximately 60% more than the same ring made from 18kt gold. As well platinum has a much higher melting temperature then gold, and can be heated over and over again allowing very small intricate pieces to made. Platinum allows a jeweler the flexibility to make pieces that are very elaborate and detailed without losing strength or durability.
Platinum rings may not be for everyone however if the price is out of reach then an option may be to purchase a ring that has its diamonds or stones secured with platinum prongs. Other options can be to go to a simpler design with the added security that your ring will last or do to a ring with a mix of metals.

Harajuku Jewels

Tokyo is one of the undisputed, and at times utterly disregarded, fashion capitals of the world. While Japanese fashion appears to march down the runway to its own beat -- it is distinctive and unique nonetheless

Harajuku fashion -- named for the Harajuku district of Tokyo -- is nothing short of fun, hip and diverse. The Tokyo Girls Collection festival held March 16, 2008, featured top-notch designers such as Deicy, Vivayou and Luv. Ronde. These stylish boutiques showcased bold prints, colorful accessories, layers of beaded necklaces, bangin' bangles, charms, and much more. Even cellphone jewelry is glam - especially the Vivayou cellular strap shown above.

For local fashionista's, this fashion festival is the 'crem del la creme' of shopping experiences -- certainly worth its weight in gold. The teddy bear themed jewels, long swanky necklaces and large pendants were cute, daring and expressive. When it comes to jewelry, Harajuku girls earn high marks for their upbeat, uber-hip and ultra-swank style.

Blue Topaz

Blue topaz is particularly popular and the colour most people think of when they hear the word topaz. it is a mellow empathetic stone which directs energy where it is needed most.

Blue topaz heilps shed light on your path, highlights goals and taps into your inner resources .

Blue topaz attunes to the angels of truth and wisdom and helps you recognise where you have stayed from your own truth, its vibrant energy brings joy, generosity, abundance and good health - negative does not survive around joyful.

Blue topaz is one of the stone for those born under the sign of Taurus, Virgo and Sagitarius, cakra is throat

Topaz crystals have been held in high regard as gemstones from classical times, though they went under the name of 'chrysoprasios', the golden stone, and not 'topazios'.

At that time the stone we call topaz was probably lumped together with other yellow gems, such as yellow sapphire, beryl and chrysoberyl.

A topaz color seen in jewelry as blue is enhanced to become blue, because few blue topazes have a sufficiently deep color. Most are paler than aquamarines and like these can have a greenish tint. Most common and also less valuable is completely pure, colorless topaz. Colored topazes have been very popular from the sixteenth century onward, and have often been worn in exquisite settings as necklaces, earrings, brooches or entire suites. Being hard, they take an excellent polish and display a fair lustre.

According to the Greeks, Topaz gives strength as it was connected to the powerful Sun God via the golden glow.

The Romans believed that it could help to evade poisoning, as it changed color in front of poisonous substances. It is the birthstone of those born in the months of November and December, in yellow and blue color respectively.

Blue topaz is also the 4th and 19th anniversary gemstone for a marriage. The 23rd year of marriage is celebrated with an Imperial topaz.

The stone is believed to cure asthma, diseases like insomnia and hemorrhages. Topaz is associated with wisdom, courage and strength.

Beautiful lingeries

You will certainly like a black lace thong studded with 518 brilliant-cut diamonds in a floral / modern pattern.

The skimpy Triumph Luxurious Diamond Thong became very much the centre of attention at a lingerie show during the Singapore Fashion Festival / high class taste.

Just imagine, the total weight of the diamonds is 30 carats! They also attached to the thong 27 tassels made of white gold. In general the diamond thong left little to the imagination.

Oops I forget to tell you about the price for the thong with diamond - the world's most expensive undies is worth 122, 000 dollars!

(modern taste of lingeries series )

10 Modern / Beautiful Rooms

This sophisticated / modern San Francisco bathroom features Art Deco style complemented by mosaic tiles of recycled glass. Photo from HGTV.com user jamescollins.
HGTV favorite, Vern Yip, didn't sacrifice a modern style in this eco-friendly living room makeover. Green resources include a bamboo floor, silk pillows (silk is a semi-renewable fabric) , earth-kind sofas and its combined with a modern tatste

These 10 beautiful / modern rooms prove you don't have to sacrifice a modern style to go green. In this one, designer Lori Dennis created the ultimate / modern dining lounge for a sophisticated bachelor. For a green touch, she added a custom dining table made of eco-friendly wood and stain.t

For other modern taste, see next posting

The Advantage of Ruby ( a modern taste )

Wearing rubies will become wealthy, have good children, happiness, courage, a respected position in society, high honor, prestige and property. The wearer’s will-power and determination will also be strengthened. Rubies support the development of will power, courage, and vitality. They also help one have a proper spiritual view and to see truth, as well as helping to improve one’s status in life. The wearer will develop a royal life, and be protected from problems, fear, misfortune, and disaster. He or she will be fortunate, successful, optimistic, authoritative, intelligent, and will receive social status ( modern taste )

Wearing rubies is good for persons in authority, politicians, and for people trying to get a high position in the country. They protect the wearer from the jealousy of others, from deadly enemies, and from their competitors. They strengthen administrative skills, managerial abilities, and initiative. Astrologers, artists, judges, gem experts, sculptors, architects, lawyers, and engineers can use rubies to support their work. Rubies also help cure learning problems

Wearing rubies will protect one from diseases caused by imbalances in the bodily functions. Rubies work with digestion, metabolism, rheumatism, fever, gout, headaches, bones, indigestion, and stomach ulcers. They can also help with eye problems, and have been known to help with cancer. Rubies can help develop general good health, and prevent unhealthiness

Since rubies are so powerful, they can cause trouble when worn by the wrong person. If the sign of Capricorn, Virgo, or Pisces are on the ascendant (rising), it may be better to use the substitute gem for ruby; the ruby itself may be too powerful. in the ancient period Ruby deals with the fifth chakra, Manipura. The color to be enhanced for the Sun is red. The number relating to ruby is one ( in modern period )

Rubi be touched with modern taste

Ruby stone be touched with modern taste
Rubies are mined in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, and Cambodia, but they have also been found in the U.S. states, in Montana, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar has produced some of the finest rubies, but in recent years very few good rubies have been found there. The unique color in Myanmar (Burmese) rubies is described as "pigeon’s blood". They are known in the trade as “Mogok” rubies. In central Myanmar the area of Mong Hsu also produces rubies. The latest ruby deposit to be found in Myanmar is situated in Nam Ya. In 2002 rubies were found in the Waseges River area of Kenya. Sometimes spinels are found along with rubies in the same rocks and are mistaken for rubies. However, fine red spinels may approach the average ruby in value.[1]

Most of jewelrys are using ruby and diamond so its look amazing and touched with modern taste

By the way, its good too for future invesment
The value of natural rubies varies depending on their size, cut, origin, clarity and quality. As of 2000, a gem quality, uncut one carat (0.2 g) ruby cost about $4,200 USD.[2] As of 2008, an average quality, certified, untreated 1 carat (0.2 g) ruby cost between $800 to $3,500 USD.[3] Since it is easy to spot synthetic rubies by their lack of natural inclusions, they have not greatly affected the price of natural rubies.[4] Synthetic rubies are much less valuable.