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 U.S.-based Jewelry and style expert Michael O’Connor sat down with GroomsOnline to exclusively dish on all things platinum – which celebs chose this luxury, premium metal for their weddings and what we, mere mortals, have at our option.
GroomsOnline: What are the differences between getting platinum, gold, or silver wedding bands. What are life expectancies? How long with each one last?
Michael O’Connor: Each metal has it’s own characteristics for wear, however the most durable of all the precious metals will be platinum. Because of platinum’s density it will not wear down as easily or quickly as other metals. I personally inherited a gold signet ring from my grandfather where the engraving was hardly readable any longer. Platinum’s durability means that it won’t wear down as quickly, therefore, on pieces like a wedding band for example, that will be worn daily, it’s important to go for the best. If you have a pattern or an engraving on your band this will be key.
GO: Could you tell us about any celebs who chose platinum wedding rings?
MO: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes used a matching pair of Classic Cartier Platinum bands for their wedding. Josh Kelly also has a simple high polished platinum band from jeweler Ryan Ryan to go with his wife’s (“Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl) diamond set band.
GO: What are the most popular style of platinum wedding bands for grooms now?
MO: For years the most popular style of wedding band overall for men has been a classic high polished platinum domed wedding band, with the most popular widths being between 4 and 6 millimeters. Over the past number of years there has been a definite upswing in men looking for something that is a little more unique and “signature” in appearance. To meet this, designers have been creating a number of uniquely patterned platinum bands and bands with great finishes. One of the most popular finishes lately has been a masculine matte finish. Additionally I’m seeing more diamonds than ever before being used in men’s bands.
GO: Do grooms bands always have to match with the bride's?
MO: I think that although bands don’t need to match exactly, there should be some similarity between the brides and grooms bands. That similarity can come from contour, profile or finish. After all, they symbolize that a couple is together. They shouldn’t be vastly different. They don’t have to match but should have some similar characteristics
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GO: What are the characteristics a groom should look for in a wedding band (comfort band, etc..) What are the most important elements?
MO: Although the outward pattern or style of a band is personal, one of the best things to look for in a wedding band is its comfort. The comfort of a wedding band can come from a variety of things. Firstly, the width of the band is something to consider. If your fingers are shorter and you get a very wide band, it may be uncomfortable to clench your hand or bend you fingers. You should look for a width of band that looks good on your hand and is comfortable to wear while using your hands. Additionally, many bands today come in what is known as a “comfort fit”. This means that the inside contour of the ring is domed against the finger. This adds a little more weight to the band but eliminates the feeling of the edge of the band being pressed up against the finger. The result is increased comfort for daily wear.
GO: What do you recommend for a groom shopping for a band -- let's say that they never have shopped for jewelry for themselves, where do they go? How do they know if the ring is really as good as the jeweler says?
MO: Like selecting your fiance, selecting a reputable jeweler can be crucial. Don’t just go the cheapest route and look for a deal.
Make sure that you know the jeweler, or at least the reputation of the jeweler that you choose to buy your engagement ring and wedding bands from. That way you’ll be sure that what he is telling you is true.
Additionally, jewelry is always stamped somewhere on the piece with makers mark and the metal stamp and purity of the metal used.
When buying gold there are several purities to look for such as 14 karat either marked as such or as 585 (meaning it contains 58.5% gold and a mixture of other metal alloys to equal 100%). For 18 karat the mark may also be expressed as 750 (meaning 75% gold and a mixture of other metal alloys to equal 100%).
With platinum, which is usually 90 – 95% pure platinum you’ll want to look for marks such as PT, Platinum or PT950 (meaning 95% platinum) or PT900 (meaning 90% platinum). With engagement rings and wedding bands this is always stamped on the inside of the shank (the part of the ring that rests against the finger).
GO: Gems on a man’s wedding band – done or not done?
MO: Styles vary, and as I mentioned before, I’m seeing more men’s wedding bands than ever before incorporate diamonds. However, I also think that it can be a nice touch if the women’s band incorporates another type of gemstone that is meaningful to the couple, there’s no reason why the man’s bands cannot. It’s also a great way to show uniqueness.
GO: How much should a ring cost -- what is the price range, what can a first time new groom expect to spend?
MO: Rings can vary in cost from a few hundred dollars to a quite a few thousand dollars. A good jeweler who has a good selection of bands will most likely have something to fit the budget. You have to set a budget that works for you. However, as a rule of thumb, if you’ve heard about the two months salary guideline for the engagement ring and feel comfortable with it, using one months salary as the guideline for both wedding bands is a good ratio to remember.
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The wedding band should not be relegated to a “last minute, see how much money we have left” purchase. While the engagement ring symbolizes the promise, it’s the wedding bands that symbolize the commitment between the couple.
When put into the perspective of the other wedding expenditures, remember, it’s one of the few things that will last for the rest of your life – and be worn daily. It’s important not to skimp.
O’Connor offers his pricing estimates for the most fabulous rings from the past few years:
BEYONCÉ – Jay-Z reportedly spent $5 million on a Platinum and 18-carat diamond engagement ring from Lorraine Schwartz for his bride.
MARIAH CAREY – sparkles in her Platinum and 17-carat pink diamond engagement ring by Jacob & Co., valued at $2.5 million.
BROOKE MUELLER – Charlie Sheen proposed to wife Brooke Mueller with a Platinum and 11-carat yellow diamond engagement ring by Lord Alon Barak, valued at $500,000. They also had the ring engraved with their initials!
JENNIFER HUDSON – will walk down the aisle wearing a Platinum and 5-carat diamond engagement ring by Neil Lane, estimated at $250,000.
BETH OSTROVSKY – received a Platinum and 5-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring by Richie Winick from her love of 8 years Howard Stern. Beth’s ring is valued at $250,000.
JAMIE PRESSLY – Eric Cubiche proposed to Jamie with a Platinum and 3-carat diamond engagement ring that the couple designed with Fourteen Karats, estimated at $225,000.
EVA LONGORIA – Tony Parker proposed to Eva Longoria with a Platinum and 5-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring designed by Jean Dousset, valued at $200,000.
JESSICA ALBA – said ‘I do” with a Platinum and 5-carat diamond engagement ring with an asher cut center stone and a pavé band, estimated at $150,000.
ELLEN DEGENERES & PORTIA DE ROSSI – Ellen and Portia exchanged vows with Platinum wedding bands by Neil Lane. Ellen also gave Portia a Platinum engagement ring by Neil Lane that included a marquis cut center diamond surrounded by pink diamonds, estimated at $150,000.
ALI LARTER – received a Platinum and 5-carat diamond engagement ring with a princess cut center stone, estimated at $150,000.
KATHERINE HEIGL – Josh Kelley proposed to Katherine with a Platinum and pear-shaped diamond engagement ring designed by Ryan Ryan. In fact, Katherine used the shanks of her mother’s engagement ring in creating her own. Josh selected a wide Platinum wedding band for himself, also from Ryan Ryan. Katherine’s ring is estimated at $150,000.
ELLEN POMPEO – took the plunge in a Platinum and 3.5-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Tacori, estimated at $100,000.
ASHLEE SIMPSON – Pete Wentz popped the question with a Platinum and 4-carat diamond engagement ring featuring a cushion cut center stone surrounded with pave diamonds, valued at $100,000. Pete wears his Platinum wedding band by William Noble.
CARMEN ELECTRA - is sporting a 2-carat black diamond engagement ring, valued at $100,000.
FERGIE – is always spotted wearing her Platinum and 4-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, valued at $75,000.
Platinum rings have always been a favorite of celebrities through the ages. Couples including Elvis and Prescilla Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Grace Kelley and Prince Rainier of Monaco, and King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson pledged their love in Platinum.
In addition to engagement rings and wedding bands, brides are also choosing Platinum accessories to wear on their wedding day. This includes Platinum chandelier earrings that Kate Walsh selected for her nuptials and Platinum and diamond bangle bracelets worn by Rebecca Romijn when she walked down the aisle.
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