Login

Conflict-free Diamonds
What are conflict-free diamonds?

Our Policy We require written warranties from all our diamond suppliers stating that the diamonds have been purchased from legitimate sources and have not been involved in the funding of conflict. Furthermore, we only trade with diamond suppliers who belong to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses. The World Federation of Diamond Bourses helps to implement the Kimberly Process to ensure that conflict diamonds do not enter the legitimate diamond market. Our Guarantee Our invoices for diamond jewellery carry the following guarantee: The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds. What are Conflict Diamonds? Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas. The United Nations defines conflict diamonds as "diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council." What is being done? i) World Diamond Council Amid growing concern over human rights violations and atrocities committed against innocent victims in diamond producing countries, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association passed a resolution at their Antwerp meeting in July 2000, creating the World Diamond Council. The resolution called for the newly formed WDC to include representation from the diamond industry itself and also from among countries where diamonds play a major economic role and from the international banking sector. The ultimate mandate for the World Diamond Council is the development, implementation and oversight of a tracking system for the export and import of rough diamonds to prevent the exploitation of diamonds for illicit purposes such as war and inhumane acts. Human rights activists refer to diamonds exploited in this way as blood diamonds or conflict diamonds. ii) Kimberley Process Under the Kimberley Process, diamond shipments can only be exported and imported within co participant countries in the Kimberley Process. Trade between participants and non-participants is not allowed. Only certified shipments of rough diamonds are permitted to enter or leave a participant's country. Diamonds are monitored from mining through to retail in order to prevent diamonds from areas of conflict entering into the legitimate diamond supply chain. These monitoring processes are called the Kimberley Process.

Payment Method
For your convenience, Vivo Diamonds accepts the following forms of payments.

VISA MasterCard Bank wire transfer (1.5% discount) Instructions will be sent via email after order confirmation This discount is offered due to the elimination of clearing house charges imposed by credit card companies. We can accept internet fund transfer to the following banks: - DBS - UOB Cheques or money orders Must be denominated in Singapore dollars. Cheques must be drawn on a Singapore bank, and have the customer's name imprinted located on the bottom of the cheque. ATM fund transfer (for Singapore only) You may use ATM fund transfer if you do not have internet banking service for your bank account. Paypal Moneybookers Western Union Good Service Tax (GST) : All items on the website are GST inclusive and there will not be any additional hidden charges. Next: Cut >

Free Shipping
Enjoy free shipping for all Singapore orders!

Vivo Diamonds provides fast and free shipping on all order destinations within the continental Singapore, regardless of order amount. In addition to free shipping, rest confident that all items are securely packaged and fully insured while in transit to your home or office. Shipping methods All orders are shipped within 3-7 days. This includes any loose diamond or "Design Your Own" order, regardless of exact value. Order status and tracking information are available from the VivoDiamonds.com by emailing us. For your protection, VivoDiamonds.com always: - Insures and registers all items for their full value. - Uses only professional services for the fastest and safest delivery of high value packages. - Requires that all deliveries must be made to a physical business or home address only. - Disallows delivery to PO Box addresses. - Requires an adult to sign for the package. Alternate shipping addresses At the time your order is placed, we will collect your billing and shipping information. For your own protection, we suggest that any credit card order be shipped to a valid address on file with the credit card company, although alternate addresses are acceptable. We can also arrange to have your package shipped to your working place. You may call our office at any time for assistance. International shipping VivoDiamonds.com offers shipping and insurance for customers residing outside the Singapore. The shipping and insurance for international customers is $150 SGD + 3% of total order amount. International customers will be responsible for any duties, GST, VAT, taxes or surcharges levied or charged by their country. Please check with local authorities prior to placing your order to confirm taxes and duties.

Price Match Guarantee
Our program gives you the confidence that you are paying the best price for your diamond.

With Vivo's direct access to the world's leading diamond sources, we can offer you exceptional value. Price matching Simply contact us with your diamond quality and price specifications, and we will locate a matching diamond for you. If a competitor's diamond is priced for less, we will attempt to find a similar diamond at a lower price. Uniqueness Our Price Match Guarantee Program requires that diamonds are to be graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS) labs. Diamonds will be compared according to the Four Cs - Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight - as well as additional criteria such as fluorescence, polish and symmetry, table and depth percentage, etc.

30 Days Return
Enjoy 30 days to get opinions so you can be 100% sure of your purchase.

100% money back guarantee We care about your satisfaction and stand behind every item we sell. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it to our offices within 30 days of the shipment date for a full refund or exchange. In addition, we also offer several other valuable services to our clients. 1) Lifetime warranty We warrant that all items will be free from any manufacturing defects at the time of delivery. Our quality-control staff personally inspects every item prior to shipment, so it is very unlikely your purchase will be anything less than perfect. In the event that there is ever a problem with your jewellery, it can be sent back to our office for inspection and/or repair. We also offer free prong tightening, repolishing, and cleaning for the life of your fine jewellery. 2) Free resizing VivoDiamonds.com will resize your ring free-of-charge anytime within the first 60 days of purchase. Free resizing is available for all platinum, white gold and yellow gold engagement rings. To have your item resized free-of-charge, please contact our customer service representatives. Return procedures In order to process a return, contact our Customer Service department at +65 6836 3789. All refunds will be processed within five days and done in the form of the original purchase method. Bank wires are refunded via company cheque. Terms & Conditions - Returned merchandise must be undamaged and in "new and unused condition" to be eligible for refund or exchange. - Items showing obvious signs of wear or alteration by a jeweller other than Vivo Diamonds will not be accepted. - Loose diamonds must also be accompanied by the original laboratory grading report or a $250 charge will be charged for replacement of the certificate. - Special orders are not returnable. In addition, any engagement ring design sold without a centre diamond may be subject to a 20% restocking fee. - Eternity bands and tension rings cannot usually be resized and must be completely remanufactured. For that reason it is very important you order the correct size at the time of original purchase.

AGS Lab Certification
Explaining AGS laboratory diamonds What is AGS?
Founded in 1943, the American Gem Society (AGS) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the diamond and jewellery industries. Among the main priorities of the association is top-notch industry education, with numerous courses offered to jewellery professionals and consumers.

The AGS laboratory is renowned for their scientific approach and research into diamond cut grading. Instead of using an alphabetical rating system, AGS uses a scale of 0-10 for rating a diamond’s characteristics, with 0 being termed “ideal”.



AGS diamond grading standards
Every diamond graded by the AGS is analysed for its colour, clarity, and cut by at least two gemologists. Carat weight and proportions are measured using carefully calibrated computerized instruments. AGS uses a unique numerical grading system to quantify diamond colour, clarity, and cut. A grade of 0 indicates the rarest, most valuable quality, while a rating of 10 is the least desirable. Each number corresponds to a grade on the GIA's internationally accepted diamond grading scale.

Which lab should I choose? AGS or GIA?
Both AGS and GIA laboratories are very reputable and trusted laboratories, each have their own advantages and specialities. Whether to choose AGS or GIA-certified diamond very much depends on what your priority is. Speak to our jewellery expert online or call us at 6836-3789 to seek professional diamond advice.

Click here to view our AGS-certified Vivo Signature diamonds >

GIA Lab Certification
Explaining GIA laboratory diamonds. What is GIA?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most respectable laboratories in the diamond industry. To jewellers and gemologists in the industry, they are a reliable source of information.
Diamonds that are graded by this worldwide non-profit organisation, dedicated to produce consistent, accurate and unbiased grading reports, are the most highly valued in the industry.

GIA diamond grading standards
A GIA diamond grading report details an appraisal of the 4Cs and is the result of work from an entire team of gemologists. Trained eyes scrutinise the diamond using specific tools and analyse the ratios of the dimensions, clarity, colour, polish, symmetry and other elements before determining its grade. All GIA diamonds have a unique serial number laser inscribed on the girdle which enables you to match the diamond to its certification proving its authenticity.

Buyer’s tip
Ensure that your diamond certificate is kept in a safe place. The certificate provides invaluable security in the case of loss (helping to establish the quality and size of diamond required for equitable replacement), trade, or resale. Whenever the diamond must leave your possession (for example, to be cleaned), always let the party taking possession know you have a certificate. Knowing you can positively identify your diamond removes any temptation on the part of the third party to commit fraud (such as switching the diamond for one of lower quality).

Most importantly, only buy diamonds which have been certified by a reputable lab. Do not accept certifications created by retailers, even if they claim to be GIA trained.

Click here to view our extensive selection of GIA-certified diamonds >

Fluorescence
There is a full spectrum of opinions on fluorescence in diamonds, read on to learn the facts. What is Diamond Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the reaction of trace minerals within the diamond that cause the diamond to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is a characteristic that affects diamond colour and can occur in different intensities. Gemological laboratories measure the fluorescence of each diamond on a scale from "None" to "Very Strong".

Fluorescence under UV light exposure
None - No fluorescence, no influence on colour
Faint - Weak fluorescence, not a significant influence on colour
Medium - Average fluorescence, small influence on colour
Strong / Very Strong - Strong influence, substantial colour influence
Is diamond fluorescence a good or bad thing?
For diamonds in the normal range (D-J colours), fluorescence can affect the diamond appearance in two main ways. Fluorescence in diamonds may not necessary be negative. For H to J colour diamonds, they may actually benefit from the effect; the blue hue in the fluorescence can neutralise the yellowish tint in the diamond, making the diamond look 1- 2 colour grades higher than the actual colour grade.

To summarise
If you are looking for H, I, or J colour, then a diamond with "medium" fluorescence can make your stone look slightly whiter. If not, your diamond will still look as good without it. But if you are buying a diamond with a G or higher colour, then find a diamond with either "none" fluorescence or "faint" fluorescence.

Jewellery Making Process
We believe the best thing are still made by hand, see how we create each piece in our jewellery studio and workshop.

Custom Design Process
See how our rings are custom made to suit every client's needs.

	Step 1: Consultation / Sketches We usually begin the process with a meeting in which we will make hand-sketches and establish our client's goals and budget.
	Step 2: 3D Drawings Next, we will make CAD drawings and illustrations for review and approval. These illustrations allow us to show you a remarkable lifelike rendering of what the piece will ultimately look like.The beauty of this communication tool is that what you see is exactly what you get!
	Step 3: Wax Model Once the images have been approved we make a "wax" model for you to see the design in 3D. Again, the wax model is an exact replica of the finished product.
	Step 4: Fitting / Completion After the project is in metal we will usually do a fitting (unless it's a surprise) as well as confirm final approval before the stones are set, engraving is (sometimes) added, and the ring is completed.

Custom CAD Designs
Our selection of custom-designed engagement rings is constantly growing, visit our store to view the full collection.

The 4Cs - Cut
Find out why the diamond cut is an important attribute of a diamond. How are diamonds cut?
For instance, one rough diamond crystal can be cut to yield either 2 ideal proportion stones with smaller carat size, or 1 deeper cut stone with a larger carat size.

Why is the cut of a diamond so important?
Two diamonds of the same carat weight but with different cut may have difference in their appearance; for example, an ideal cut diamond will look larger as compared to a deep cut diamond. Thus it is essential to choose a diamond with better cut quality.

Signature diamond perimeters
The diamond below illustrates the ideal perimeters to qualify as our Signature diamond.

Hearts & Arrows ideal cut
The chart below shows the ideal Crown angle and Pavilion angle combinations for Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut as well as our Signature ideal cut diamond combinations.

The 4Cs - Carat Weight
Find out how big the diamond looks like for different carat weight. Carat size
Diamond price increases with carat weight, because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have varied values and prices, depending on three other factors in the 4C; clarity, colour, and cut. The chart below gives you an estimation of the diamond size based on the carat weight.

The 4Cs - Colour
Learn about what affects the diamond colour and decide which colour is ideal for you. GIA Colour Grading
The colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, and consequently, holds a higher value. D colour diamonds are completely colourless, while Z colour diamonds look yellowish or brownish.
For diamonds with colour that fall beyond the normal colour range, the Fancy Colour Grading Scale is then used. Fancy colour diamonds come in a variety of colours; from brown, grey and yellow which are more common, to red, blue and pink which are the rarer ones.

Main factors that affect diamond colour Shape: Fancy cut and mainly square cut shapes like Radiant, Cushion and Princess cut, emphasises colour more than other shapes. It means that if the uncut diamond does not necessitate cutting it into a fancy shape, the diamond cutter would prefer cutting it into a Round shape. Fancy colour diamonds are mostly cut into fancy shapes due to the same reason; fancy shapes emphasises the intensity of the colour. Cut quality: Better cut equals better colour. A good diamond cutter will cut a diamond in a way that will allow light to be reflected through the diamond. A well cut G-H colour round diamond will usually appear one to two colour grades above its actual grading. Which colour should I choose? Colour is a matter of personal preference in different places around the globe. The traditional Asians will prefer D-F colours, while the Europeans are just fine with I-J colours. Here’s our gemologist’s tip for choosing colour; G colours can be a great choice especially if they are well cut to a round shape.

"Here’s our gemologist’s tip for choosing colour; G colours can be a great choice especially if they are well cut to a round shape."

The 4Cs - Clarity
Learn about what affects the diamond colour and decide which colour is ideal for you. GIA Clarity Grading
Clarity measures the presence or absence of flaws or inclusions (internal flaws) in a diamond. The fewer flaws a diamond have, the higher its grade.

FL: Flawless, no internal or external flaws. Exceptionally rare and valuable.
IF: No internal flaws, but will show minimal surface flaws.
VVS1-VVS2: Tiny inclusions can be detected under 10x magnification by a trained gemologists. VVS2 has slightly more inclusions than VVS1.
VS1-VS2: Minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Typically cannot see inclusions with the naked eye. VS2 has slightly more inclusions than VS1.
SI1-SI2: Inclusions visible under 10x magnification but usually not visible with the naked eye. SI2 has more inclusions than SI1.
I1-I3: Inclusions visible to the naked eye. Not carried by Vivo Diamonds. Diamond examples
Here are some of our actual diamond images under 10x magnification for clarity grading comparison.

Diamond Grading
Read on to learn how a diamond is graded using different tools. Diamond Grading Tools
The following tools are commonly used in assessing and viewing a diamond: Ideal scope, ASET scope, and Hearts & Arrows viewer.



Ideal scope: Creates structured light environment. Shows indications of light return, symmetry and proportions.
ASET scope: Reveals light leakage within and around a diamond. Shows light performance of a diamond.
Hearts & Arrows viewer: Used for viewing Ideal cut round brilliant diamonds. Reveals any deformation or absence of Hearts or Arrows. Grading with Ideal scope
The reference chart below shows the light return, symmetry and proportions of a diamond using the Ideal scope.



Grading with ASET scope
The 3 colours seen in an ASET scope image represents 3 kinds of light that is directed to the diamond; green for reflected light, red for direct light, and blue for obscured light. To determine whether the diamond has an excellent light performance grading, the ASET scope image must reflect a perfect balance of these 3 colours. The following examples illustrate the different light performance grading.

Hearts & Arrows
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are cut to ideal proportions with superior optical symmetry and a specific faceting pattern. When all these factors are in harmony, the result is a repeatable, near perfect pattern of eight symmetrical arrows in the face up position and eight symmetrical hearts when viewed in the table down position.



Poorly formed Hearts result in no Hearts & Arrows in the diamond while perfect symmetrical Hearts result in perfectly formed Arrows in the diamond.

Popularity Ranking
See what are the popular choices among our customers. View the most popular choice in each diamond attribute.

Popular Diamonds Range
The following charts will give you a guide to the popular diamond range. Diamonds ranging between clarity VVS2 - VS2, and D - G colour for our Vivo Signature Triple Ideal cut diamonds are pretty popular amongst our clients. As for our GIA Triple Excellent cut range, between clarity VS1 - SI1, and E - H colour are well liked by our clients.

Vivo Signature Diamonds
Learn about the world's most dazzling diamonds cut to perfection.
Vivo Signature Diamonds
Our signature diamonds are manufactured with less than 1000 diamonds per year. Created by specialised ideal cut diamond cutting factory, virtually unheard-of in today’s mass-manufacture world. The goal is precisely the same for every signature diamond; identical cutting to achieve the highest possible light performance.

Every signature diamond is high inside the top 1% of all diamond cut quality. Every diamond has the AGS Ideal light performance grade from the American Gem Society (AGS). The diamond earns top marks in the most modern cut performance grading systems. No other cutter boasts as much strict and abundant proof of high performance as our signature diamonds.
Browse Vivo Signature diamonds >

Flawless Cut Rarer than D colour, FL clarity, and geometrically identical, every signature diamond is a blazing performance-twin to the next and the next. Compare your signature diamond to any Hearts On Fire, Tiffany or Cartier diamond, these companies sell for 40-50% more, with nowhere near the micro-cutting precision. Our clients make these comparisons all the time and constantly tell us how our diamonds matches or exceeds every other diamond. Our signature diamonds are carefully selected within the colour range of D-G, clarity range of FL-VS2, and non-fluorescence. Diamonds cut like this are rare enough that most people have never even seen one. Our signature diamonds actually improve in the other Cs due to their flawless cut; they appear larger for their carat weight, face up more colourless and the clarity characteristics can be less visible. They also have dazzling whiteness and dancing rainbow colours, even away from the jewellery store where most diamonds go dark.

"Rarer than D colour, FL clarity, and geometrically identical, every signature diamond is a blazing performance-twin to the next and the next."

Conflict-free Guarantee
Our diamonds are produced in accordance with the United Nations Kimberley Process, Belgian Federal AML compliance, the United States Clean Diamonds Act and the voluntary JVC-USA Patriot Act Compliance Program in co-operation with legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict. Vivo Signature Diamonds are guaranteed to be conflict-free based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees with partners who share a kindred commitment to humanitarian rights and “green” practices.

Jewellery Guide
Useful tips on taking care of your fine jewellery Jewellery Care
Store each piece separately when you're not wearing them to prevent scratches.
Do not wear rings and jewellery while doing laborious work such as sports, gardening, and etc.This is because doing so may bend jewellery and stones can be lost.
If you take your jewellery off while out and about, do not leave them in the bottom of your bag.Keep a little soft pouch or box in your bag for safe keeping.
Put your jewellery on last when getting ready in the morning to avoid direct contact with perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics and other body products, and be extra careful not to get solvents and sprays on precious stones.
Cleaning Your Jewellery
If you're not sure how to clean your jewellery, simple come to us and we will do it for you! If you want to have a go at home, the process depends on what you're cleaning.

Gold, Platinum or Diamonds: White and yellow gold, platinum and diamonds can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush. The best result come from a professional buff to remove scratches and ultrasonic cleaning which can be done in our store by our expert jewellers.

Coloured stones: All natural coloured stones have different propertics and characteristics. Ruby and sapphire stones can be cleaned safely as you would do with a diamond. Emeralds require special care as they are very delicate, hence we recommend emeralds to be cleaned professionally by a jeweller.

Quick Diamond Guide
Learn how to select the perfect ring and diamond. Elements of an Engagement Ring

The diamond will most likely account for most of the overall cost of the ring. Educating yourself on the four Cs will ensure the making of an informed decision.

The setting, also referred to as the head, is the part that holds the diamond in place and is manufactured to fit the size and shape of the diamond you choose. The two main types are either prong or bezel settings. With round diamonds, you will have an option of either four or six-prong. A four-prong setting shows a bit more diamond, while a six-prong setting offers a slight security advantage.

The band, also referred to as the engagement ring setting, is available in a variety of styles from the classic solitaire to diamond accented styles. Your choices of metals are 14k white or yellow gold, 18k white or yellow gold, and platinum. Some engagement settings are also available in two-tone.
How to choose the ideal engagement ring?

	Step 1: Set your budget Diamonds vary greatly in price, but there is most certainly a diamond to fit your taste and budget. The idea that a man should spend roughly two months' salary on a diamond engagement ring is a widely accepted convention. Learn about the various options available to you before you set a budget. You'll be faced with decisions about the shape of the diamond, the setting style, and the choice of metal.
	Step 2: Choose the ring setting The choice of the engagement setting is as important as the diamond itself. Vivo Diamonds offers various ring styles ranging from the classic solitaire to diamond accented settings. Browse through our wide selection of engagement ring settings >
	Step 3: Select the perfect diamond Educate yourself on each of the four Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour, and how each of these can affect the price of a diamond. By understanding these qualities you can determine which traits are most important to you, and you can find a balance between what suits your needs best. Learn more about the 4Cs >
	Step 4: Know your jeweller This is one of the most important purchases of your life, and we are committed to assist you in making the right decision. But beyond the uncompromising quality and lasting value you'll receive from Vivo Diamonds, you can also rest assured that you are about to establish a lifelong relationship with a trusted and respected jeweller. Find out why Vivo Diamonds is the perfect choice for you >

What is my ring size?

We provide a printable ring sizer that can help you determine your ring size.

View Ring Sizer

Prior to printing, ensure that the paper is printed in actual size (100%).
(The document is a PDF file and it requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.)

Things to note while measuring ring size
- Confirm the printed paper size with a ruler.
- Pull tightly. The sizer must fit snugly to produce an accurate size.
- Do not measure cold fingers. This is when fingers are at their smallest.
- For the most accurate reading, measure your finger at the end of the day when it is largest.

Tips for buying ring as a surprise
- Ask your partner's mother or one of her friends if they know her finger size.
- Borrow one of your partner's rings (from the correct finger) and use the Ring Sizer PDF to determine the size.

What if it’s the wrong size?
Don't worry if you've ordered the wrong size. If it is within 30 days of shipment, ring us up at 6836-3789 to set up your return for resizing. Just ship the ring back to us, and we'll get it resized for free.

Precious Metals
Learn about the different types of precious metals used in making fine jewellery.

Gold is available in different karat
22 karat (91.7% gold): While beautiful, it is really too soft for use in jewellery as the gold would literally bend out of shape. You will often see antique 22k gold jewellery in museums.	18 karat (75% gold): Excellent for use in fine jewellery with a rich, deep colour. 18K gold is a little softer than 14K and will usually wear a little more, giving it a soft patina.
14 karat (58.3% gold): Great for usage in traditional jewellery. This is a hard and resilient metal that will maintain much of its original look (polish and detail) for many years.	12 karat (50% gold): We do not use nor recommend below 14k gold as the colour is not an attractive, rich hue at this percentage.
10 karat (41.7% gold): Although this is the minimum legal karatage allowed to be called gold in the US, we do not use nor recommend it for making jewellery.

Types of gold
• Yellow Gold: Vivo Diamonds offers both 14k and 18k yellow gold settings for our diamond jewellery. If you prefer a deep, rich, golden colour, we recommend 18k. Many people also enjoy the traditional colour of 14k yellow gold. The choice is entirely up to you.

• White Gold: We offer both 14k and 18k white gold settings. Although much whiter in colour than yellow gold, 14k white gold has a subtle yellow hue as it is made with 58.3% yellow gold. For a whiter colour, rhodium is plated over our 14K white gold settings. (Rhodium is a hard, durable, silvery-white metal.) Rhodium plating wears off eventually. Your local jeweller can easily re-plate the rhodium finish on your jewellery to restore its shiny white colour. Your 14K white gold jewellery should be re-plated about once a year.

• Rose Gold: Rose gold jewellery has become one of the popular choices in the 21st century and is commonly used for wedding bands, bracelets, and other jewellery. Vivo Diamonds offer 18K rose gold.

Pricing of gold
The price of gold jewellery is based on the purity of gold used or karat weight, as well as the design and craftsmanship of the piece. With greater karat weight comes a higher purity of gold, a heavier piece of jewellery, and greater cost.


Characteristics of Platinum
The most appealing characteristic of platinum is its strength and durability - it is by far the strongest and most durable precious metal. Each time other metals are scratched or polished, a small amount of metal is lost. However, platinum will not chip or splinter easily. Platinum is an alloyed group of six closely related metals - platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. Today, it is often alloyed with titanium and copper. Most platinum jewellery is 95% pure platinum mixed with 5% iridium, palladium, or ruthenium alloy for added strength. It can also be 90% pure platinum with 10% alloys.
To guarantee its quality, each piece of jewellery should be stamped with "950 Plat" indicating 95% purity or "900 Plat" indicating it is 90% purity. Because of its purity, platinum is ideal for people who are allergic to other metals as it rarely causes any reaction.

Pricing of Platinum
Compared to gold, platinum is heavier, rarer, and more valuable. It is also more durable than gold and sold in purer form. Platinum is not sold by karat weight. Platinum's density and weight give it a different feel from other precious metals and is almost twice as heavy as 14k gold. This heaviness when used in fine jewellery is one of platinum's strongest selling points, as people tend to equate weight with value.

Proposal tips
Read the dos and don'ts of marriage proposals before you get down on one knee.


Share your story
An engagement can be one of the most exciting and joyful moments of a person's life, so share your proposal story with the world. Was it romantic or adventurous? Was it a private moment, or was the proposal in a public place? Either way we’d love to hear it from you! Email your story to service@vivodiamonds.com and published stories will receive a $100 gift voucher for your next purchase at Vivo Diamonds.