Platinum is back. The last few years the recession halted many consumers from buying high end platinum setting for their wedding rings. Instead, many consumers went for less expensive 18K or 14K gold settings. Over the last year, many consumers have recognized that jewelry is an investment that appears to be more stable than the stock market, that being said, platinum settings are more popular than ever.

More than ever, celebrities have influenced platinum wedding sets in 2010, which means the ring settings that graced the ring fingers of Hollywood starlets will be front and center for 2011. Celebrity stylist and jewelry expert Michael O’Connor has pointed out the top six wedding setting styles from 201 that are sure to be the most requested styles as we move into the 2011 wedding season.

1. Colored Center Stone: Gone are the days when American women feel the need to have the largest and clearest diamond on Earth. Colored stones are all the rage; as they have been in Europe for centuries. With Kate Middleston and Penelope Cruz wearing blue sapphires, Carrie Underwood in a yellow diamond and Kristina Bell in a colored diamond, the non-clear center stone is all the rage.
2. Vintage or vintage inspired: Platinum rings with filigree or engraving work are increasingly popular. As seen on Megan Fox, Miranda Lambert and Christina Applegate.
3. Ultra-Modern diamond cuts and bands: Asscher cuts with trapezoids and cushion cuts with split shanks; mixing and matching less common cuts is hotter than hot. Vanessa Minnillo and Maria Sharapova have both opted for unique mixes of cuts.
4. Eternity bands: Emily Blunt, Megan Fox and Carrie Underwood have chosen eternity bands with their settings. The eternity band is a sparkling edition to any engagement ring.
5. Pave and micro-pave: Nicole Richie and Zoe Saldana opted for pave settings to enhance their enter stones. Pave is an understated way to add sparkle without telling the world, “Here comes my hand!”
6. Classic band: a return to the simple times. Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Dave Annable have opted for simple, platinum wedding bands which are shiny or brushed. The classic platinum band is the ultimate wedding band when it comes to understated elegance.

Platinum is classic. In the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s platinum wedding sets were extremely common. In the 1950’s through to the 1980’s, the cost of platinum and ever-changing tastes in fashion made yellow gold wedding sets all the rage. In the 1990’s the platinum setting returned to the center stage and is still going strong today despite a slight drop during the recession.

If you would like to get the celebrity look, check out www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery?celebrityengagements

SOURCE Platinum Guild International-USA

Carrie Underwood’s durable platinum engagement ring www.preciousplatinum.com. (PRNewsFoto/Platinum Guild International-USA)