The pure, rare and eternal qualities of platinum have been highly treasured by nobles for centuries. To established European jewellers, platinum represents their image and value. Recently, the Platinum Guild International (PGI®) and Han Tang Culture talked to four legendary jewellery brands about their love affair with platinum.
Platinum has captured the hearts of artisans with its brilliance since the ancient times. Evolving alongside the history of human civilisation, the precious white metal has been valued by royal families across cultures for thousands of years.
Celebrated jewellery house Cartier offers an eclectic range of luxury jewellery pieces, including an impressive collection of top-quality platinum jewellery. As such, royals became a huge part of its customer portfolio.
Pierre Rainero, director of Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier, cited a combination of factors that makes the use of platinum almost mandatory for Cartier. Platinum is a solid metal and only a small quantity is necessary to mount important pieces such as tiaras, stomacher brooches and big necklaces. Despite their size, platinum pieces are fluid and articulated with diamonds. The application of platinum on jewellery ushered in the neo-classical style with a late 18th-century French decorative spirit, or commonly known today as the "garland style" with floral designs.
Established in 1735, Garrard's first royal commission was for Frederick, Prince of Wales. The brand was awarded the title the Crown Jeweler by Queen Victoria in 1843.
According to the company's creative director, Sara Prentice, Garrard has made a number of crowns, which are now proudly held in the Tower of London. Among the royal collection is the Imperial State Crown that the Queen wore on her coronation. She continues to wear this crown for the opening of the State Parliament every year.
Platinum has been an important metal to Garrard throughout the years especially as a symbol of eternal love. Inspired by the sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria on their wedding day, Garrard created the 1735 Cluster Collection.
Born from the love story of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first store at the Place Vendome in 1906.
According to Nicolas Bos, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, platinum is often the favourite metal for wedding or engagement rings due to its ability to retain its quality and brilliance without tarnishing.
Pure and untreated, platinum offers whiteness and brilliance that last a lifetime, signifying the infinite and intrinsic value of pure love.
Inspired by Rome's 2,700 years of magnificent architecture, art and cultural heritage, Bvlgari Jewelry has proven to be the one of the world’s most prolific and artistic high jewellery brands.
Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin regards platinum as the best of the precious metals especially when combined with diamonds. Its latest high jewellery collection, Wild Pop, was launched in 2018 and demonstrated the use of extraordinary craftsmanship with high-tech materials. The fusion between platinum and carbon exhibit Bvlgari’s uniqueness and remarkable creativity as a pioneer in the field of high jewellery.
