Today's couples pledge their love in platinum

Current wedding trends run the gamut from destination nuptials to bridesmaid gowns in deep hues to ethnic celebrations and ceremonies. However, when it comes to selecting engagement rings and wedding bands, the tried-and-true tradition of choosing platinum remains stronger than ever.

Power of platinum

Engagement- and wedding-ring sets in platinum have maintained their title as the white-hot trend for couples saying "I do."

Why does platinum continue to dominate the wedding scene?

Express your endless love with a platinum and diamond engagement ring.

"It is the most precious of all metals," explains Michael O'Connor, jewelry and fashion expert and television commentator. "Noted for its purity, beauty and strength, platinum has a natural white luster that enhances the sparkle of diamonds and other gemstones."

Therefore, after making the investment in a colorless diamond, a platinum setting will not affect the purity of the diamond in a negative way; similarly, after investing in a colored gemstone, platinum will not cast any other color into the stone and thus the stone will stay true to the radiant color intended.

Jeweler to the stars Neil Lane, who designed Kate Hudson and Reese Witherspoon's platinum wedding-day rings, agrees that there is no substitute for platinum.

"Platinum has a unique cache about it that appeals to celebrities," he says. "Platinum symbolizes romance and beauty and has set the standard for celebrity weddings."

Platinum is a very rare metal —30 times rarer than gold —making it the coveted treasure of discerning couples from Rodeo Drive to Main Street.

"Platinum —while more expensive than other precious metals —is well worth the investment," says O'Connor. "Most couples spend a tremendous amount of money for one wedding day on items that will not last, but an investment in a platinum engagement ring and wedding ring will celebrate their union and last a lifetime."

Given the unique attributes of this precious metal, it is not surprising that it has come to signify emotional connections and lasting bonds, particularly among women.

In fact, according to an independent research study, 76 percent of all brides-to-be agree with the statement, "Platinum is the only metal that I would choose or the one I would choose above all others for my engagement ring." Some of today's most popular celebrities agree that platinum is the must-have choice for engagement and wedding rings.

Recent high-profile couples that have pledged their love in platinum include Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner.

Making memories

Whether you're proposing or reciting vows, platinum is the perfect accompaniment to these occasions.

Popping the question: This year, designers and marrying consumers are favoring platinum engagement rings with intricate embellishments from Tacori, Martin Flyer, and Scott Kay. Settings are enhanced with hand-carved custom designs, filigree and inset stones. Romantic details such as engraving, pave and weaving are also in vogue.

Art-deco and vintage-inspired platinum engagement rings continue to remain popular choices among the fashionable crowd. Designers Kirk Kara, Verragio and A. Jaffe combine antique-style bands with modern touches including large cushion or princess cut center stones surrounded by micro-pave diamonds. Contemporary styles include tension set in platinum bands from Steven Kretchmer, where the stone appears to be floating, as well as several stackable engagement rings from Martin Katz or Suna Bros. with a variety of diamonds.

Whether you select a classic or contemporary style, colored stones will certainly personalize the ring. From rubies and sapphires, to opals and tourmalines, bright gemstones and colored diamonds from Alan Friedman, Beaudry and Peter Norman & Co. are turning up in trend-setting engagement rings. Since platinum is one of the few naturally white metals, it allows these fabulous gems to sparkle from afar. Separating a large, colored center stone with two thin bands is another option for stylish brides.

Three-stone or single solitaire rings will always remain coveted items among brides who want simplicity and timeless elegance. Precision Set, Memoire, and Jeff Cooper have perfected the style with complementary eternity bands.

Bands of Love: Gone are the days when brides and grooms need to have plain, matching wedding bands. Today's couples can select from a multitude of platinum wedding-band styles and finishes to match their individual tastes. Designers Kwiat, Chris Correia, and Michael Bondanza offer thin and chunky bands in matte and shiny finishes, with some styles featuring diamonds, braiding, or even rubber.

Thick and heavy platinum bands with geometric details from Furrer-Jacot and Lieberfarb are increasingly popular among men who appreciate durability, yet want the rugged or sleek style.

Beyond rings

Platinum goes beyond the wedding couple. It can be enjoyed by attendants and parents as well. Platinum necklaces, cufflinks, earrings, pendants, bracelets, tiaras, barrettes, combs and hairpins designed by Erica Courtney, Suzanne Felsen, and Neil Lane are hot this season for the bride and her entire bridal party.

Short and long cluster earrings with diamonds or other gemstones are a new trend. Cuff bracelets with strands of diamonds as designed by Daniel K. are in vogue. Creating the layered look with platinum pendants is hot this season. New designs run the gamut from geometric objects like circles or squares, to hearts and religious symbols.

Grooms and their attendants are selecting brushed cufflinks mixed with small diamonds or engraved with their initials from Cede, and platinum watches by A. Lange & Sohne or Kubik.

For more information on platinum bridal jewelry trends, to order a buyer's guide or to find a platinum retailer in your area, visit www.preciousplatinum.com.

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