Platinum Opportunities Beyond the Bridal Aisle

In the world of fine jewelry, platinum is often thought of in terms of its appeal to brides and grooms on the hunt for wedding rings that are pure, precious, and rare. But the metal is a lot more versatile than many jewelers give it credit for.

Sure, there’s a strong case to be made for choosing platinum for an engagement ring or wedding band, such as Harwell Godfrey’s studded Checkerboard ring or Chris Ploof’s simple, seductive solitaire (both featured below).

Checkerboard ring double in platinum with 0.54 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,250; Harwell Godfrey

Platinum milgrain 6 mm wide ring with 1 ct. diamond, $5,200 (center stone not included); Chris Ploof Designs

Then again, the metal pairs beautifully with diamonds in all manner of fashion-forward styles that don’t read bridal. We’ll start with Macadam’s show-stopping Complement necklace (at top), which includes two detachable pendants in a futuristic design with a groovy, galactic vibe.

Jharokha hoops in platinum with 0.52 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,500; Etiq

Between Etiq’s charmingly scalloped Jharokha hoops, Mindi Mond’s elegant Lovers Line bracelet, and Oscar Heyman’s sapphire, diamond, and garnet-studded mega bracelet, the list of platinum jewels that go well beyond wedding wear is long and rich with possibilities.

Lovers Line bracelet in platinum with 12.83 cts. t.w. diamonds, $58,000; Mindi Mond

Bracelet in platinum with 8.69 cts. t.w. multicolored sapphires, 2.31 ct. garnet, and 12 cts t.w. diamonds, price on request; Oscar Heyman

And it’s not just feminine styles. Rolex chose platinum for its groundbreaking new Land-Dweller model introduced in April. With its icy blue dial, the 40 mm timepiece, hailed by watch experts as a true horological game-changer, is emblematic of a growing appreciation for platinum outside the wedding realm.

For retailers, the message is clear: As designers experiment with bolder, more contemporary applications, the metal is finding renewed relevance among fashion jewelry buyers and watch collectors alike. And with the price of gold soaring, don’t expect that scenario to change anytime soon.

Land-Dweller in 40 mm platinum case, $64,200; Rolex

Top: Complement transformable necklace in platinum with 1.4 cts. t.w. emerald-cut diamonds, $44,750; Macadam