Few jewelry lovers are aware of the fact that platinum was banned from ornamental use during World War II. It was declared a strategic metal that was crucial to the war effort. Prior to the ban, platinum had been one of the most popular precious metals in the jewelry industry. The proscription against using platinum in non-military applications was lifted after the war. But by that time, jewelry designers had moved on. Gold fever had gripped the industry. It would take an ambitious young designer to bring about its revival.

Scott Kay first started working with platinum at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. At the time, it was considered little more than a novelty in the industry. The young designer couldn't understand why. Not only is platinum rarer and stronger than gold, it is also hypoallergenic and will not change color over time. His fondness for the underappreciated metal was one of the reasons he founded his own company in 1984.

As jewelry lovers everywhere rediscovered platinum in the 1990's, Scott Kay received much of the credit. The Platinum Guild International, a highly acclaimed organization, rewarded him with their highest honor for two consecutive years. He would come to be known as one of the world's premier designers of platinum jewelry. Scott Kay Platinum is currently America's most requested bridal jewelry.

But the designer, who was still in his thirties when hit it big, would not rest on laurels. Just as he had done with platinum, Scott Kay turned his attention to another underdog--the sagging men's market. Bridal jewelry for the guys had long been an afterthought in the industry. Most of the major designers only offered a few gold wedding bands for men. There were few new styles or metal choices.

After Scott Kay introduced a line of platinum wedding bands for men, he realized that guys actually do care about what they wear. As the popularity of gold steady declined, the designer offered men more options. In addition to platinum and gold, Scott Kay now offers non-precious metals like cobalt and palladium. He has also has a small line of silver wedding bands for men who appreciate platinum, but might not be able to afford it.

Like most designers of fine jewelry, Scott still spends most of his time creating inimitable bridal jewelry for the girls. His platinum and diamond engagement rings are among the most requested in the industry. His refusal to compromise when it comes to the quality ensures that he will only work with superior stones. All Scott Kay diamonds are G (near colorless) and VS (very slightly included) in clarity grade.