Buying Platinum jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of Platinum jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality Platinum jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum – Plat. or Pt. – also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.

The first reason why you should sit in front of home computer for searching the sites selling engagement rings is that it is convenient to do so. You do not have to pay money and spend time in traveling to numbers of shops. Online sellers do not usually own physical stores and they can always pass on the saved money on overheads to the consumers.

The benefit of comparing numbers of rings displayed on the websites of the jewelers is another reason. At a jeweler’s shop you are shown only limited numbers of rings and you can not repeatedly ask for more varieties for comparison. On the websites, you can take your time and hundreds of engagement rings can be compared for their varieties of settings, colors and styles. Prices of different jewelers can also be beneficially compared for a low cost ring.

Online shopping also means that there are no middlemen involved in the deal. You may have to counter some people indirectly before you actually purchase the ring as happens with some other items. But there is no one between you and the direct seller when purchasing a ring online. This eliminates lots of hassles as well.

A wide range of diamonds and gemstones can be sought through online jewelers as you can log on to different sites in quick time. Picking up a right stone is certainly not easy and you have to counter the pressure of time in a jeweler’s shop. But diamonds can be picked up only after you are completely satisfied with the choices available online. Another convenient of online shopping is that you receive the delivery of the ring right at your doorsteps. But make sure that the online jeweler is genuine and check the return policy as well for safer deal.

Shop for engagement rings, wedding rings, eternity rings and diamonds at Since1910. They provide the same uncompromising quality, expert guidance and personal service they’ve provided in their family owned jewelry store for over 99 years!

Located in downtown Garden City, Long Island, Since1910 is a family owned 5th generation jeweler. It is your trusted source for diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Create your own engagement ring with a GIA or AGS certified diamond and designer setting. Tacori, Scott Kay, Henri Daussi, Martin Flyer, Simon G, Precision Set and more. They provide a personal shopping experience with satisfaction guaranteed and free shipping. They have several certified gemologists on staff that will always provide you with accurate, unbiased advice. If you prefer email, please email them and they will get back to you as soon as possible.