Platinum still "reigns as the premiere bridal metal" among consumers shopping for engagement and wedding rings, it has emerged.

According to an article in Modern Jeweller the precious white metal remains popular with brides and grooms-to-be, although settings are less ostentatious than in recent years.

"Design elements are important and so are side stones but there's a general toning-down of decorative flourishes, keeping styles classic and wearable," it stated.

Speaking to the magazine, Jason Robbins of Robbins Diamonds, Philadelphia also stated that platinum is the optimum choice for bridal jewellery, saying: "The customer who wants platinum sees it as a once-in-a-lifetime purchase."

Other notable trends in bridal jewellery for the upcoming year were cited as "something different" - be it an ultra modern design or a vintage inspired piece.

The publication also noted that couples are likely to opt for square-shaped centre stones and are wiling to pay more for a larger higher-quality diamond.

It was recently reported that increasing sales of platinum bridal baubles were fuelling the jewellery industry.