Diamond and Platinum Rings
There’s really no mystery to platinum. It is, however, a truly overlooked “gem” in the world of precious metals. Equally as beautiful as gold and silver, platinum has mystified jewelers and jewelry buyers alike for centuries.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is a dense and lustrous silvery-white metal found in various places on the planet including South Africa and Russia. Platinum is a strong but durable metal – in fact much more durable than gold or silver.
Platinum is most often alloyed with other metals such as palladium, iridium and ruthenium, but nearly all fine jewelry is created using the purest platinum alloy: 95% platinum mixed with 5% iridium or palladium to strengthen the metal.
Technically Speaking
Perhaps all the mystery surrounds platinum’s rarity – it is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust, even more rare than gold and silver. Platinum occurs naturally in the sands (also called alluvial sands) in various rivers on the planet. The earliest references to platinum were made in 1557 and research and experiments on and using platinum started in the late 1700’s.
Of course platinum has become a very popular choice in engagement ring settings, wedding bands for women, and other jewelry, but there are other, more technical uses for this precious metal. Platinum is often used to make electrodes and other supports in laboratories and it is also used to make items such as dental prostheses, magnets, medical tools and other items.
Precious Commodity
The price of platinum, like gold or other precious metals, has continued to rise in recent years but its price is considered to be more volatile than gold and twice as much making it a bit harder to predict. However, platinum is considered a good investment when purchased in jewelry such as diamond rings or other pieces.
Perfect Jewelry
Because platinum is so durable it is considered to be a very practical purchase in terms of fine jewelry like diamond engagement rings. Gold and silver are very soft metals and can scratch and chip easily, but platinum, while it may look scratched or aged, will never chip or scratch. Additionally platinum does not tarnish and it is considered one of the only hypo-allergenic metals known to man.
Unlike other metals, platinum will not corrode nor does the color fade or wear off which means rings or jewelry created from platinum do not need to be coated with rhodium to protect it. It is incredibly versatile and nearly any piece of jewelry can be crafted from or with platinum. All platinum jewelry should be marked with the “950 Plat” or “Plat” stamp to indicate their authenticity.
While platinum maybe rare, it is equally as beautiful and can be found in a variety of fine jewelry pieces. While it may be expensive it is clearly worth the investment.
