A US-based firm has unveiled plans to exploit platinum's popular appeal in one of the more unusual Valentine's Day jewellery gifts on offer.

Platinum's place in the jewellery industry has found a number of unusual applications in recent years, including both eye and teeth jewellery, but the latest innovation is targeting lovers through the combination of flowers and precious metal.

Entrepreneurs at loveisarose.com have designed a new gift, which entails the preservation of real long-stem roses and orchids in a coating of platinum.

Also available in gold and silver, the roses are proving popular as a combined solution to the traditional options of either jewellery or flowers.

"They are real flowers," explained owner Sid Fey. "They are preserved in gold, silver, platinum, and enamel. Because the material used to preserve them is delicately applied, it becomes long lasting. They will look exactly like the flower they were in full bloom for a very long time."

Mr Fey says the roses were designed for Valentine's Day, but will also now be offered long-term for other special occasions such as anniversaries, engagements, weddings and birthdays.