Platinum!

Precious Platinum

Platinum has long been called the most precious of metals and the reasons it has earned that title is because of its rare and special qualities; characteristics not found in any of the other noble metals (gold and silver).

Platinum was discovered in Ecuador and Columbia before the fifteenth century. The Spaniards found large deposits of platinum in South America in 1750. By the 1920s, two-thirds of all the platinum mined was being used in the United States.

Platinum is one of the heaviest and densest substances known to man. If the identical piece of jewelry were to be made in silver and platinum, the platinum piece would weigh twice as much as the silver piece. Platinum is also the hardest of the three precious metals and is three times as durable as gold.

Platinum jewelry in the United States is either 90 or 95 per cent pure platinum. Iridium or ruthenium is often added to platinum as a strengthening alloy and to maximize platinum’s white beauty. In the United States, the abbreviations PT or plat indicate platinum; in Europe, the mark 950 (indicating 95% purity) is used to denote platinum.

In addition to its popularity for jewelry (it’s beautiful, durable, and completely hypoallergenic), platinum’s resistance to heat, rust, tarnish, and corrosion makes it perfect for use in cardiac pacemakers; as heat- and chemical-resistant lab containers; and in automobile catalytic converters.

Ten tons of ore must be mined for every ounce of platinum. (It takes three tons of ore to obtain one ounce of gold; and an astonishing 250 tons of ore to acquire a single 1-carat diamond.)

Less than 100 tons of platinum are produced each year worldwide, compared to 1,500 tons of gold.

Platinum is mined in Russia, Columbia, Alaska, South Africa, and Canada and is extremely labor intensive: It takes a full five months to process ore to pure platinum (gold takes about a month); and the polishing process for platinum takes far longer and requires more steps than does gold.

Style & Elegance

Platinum has been used for jewelry since the turn of the century, although the advent of World War II completely eliminated the use of platinum for jewelry. Why? Because platinum was declared a strategic metal by the United States government and all of the platinum produced ended up being used for electrical contacts, in heat-resistant gear, in dentistry, and as corrosion-proof wire. During World War II, even actress Mae West sold her diamond and platinum jewelry to help the war cause.

Platinum is the purest of the white metals and today is associated with luxury and elegance; although even jewelry lovers on a modest budget can wear platinum. Platinum has also become an extremely popular choice for diamond engagement rings and wedding bands; and platinum watches have become popular for the consumer (especially men) wanting a unique and special timepiece.

Another very popular fashion style today is to mix platinum with 18K yellow gold, creating a sleek and elegant two-tone look.

The platinum and diamond bow brooch -- originally popularized in the early 20th century -- is now again in fashion as a stunning accessory for both daytime wear on suits and for evening wear on gowns and dresses.

Interestingly, even though platinum is not a commemorative metal for a wedding anniversary, in Italy, platinum has been designated as the gift to give for someone’s 18th birthday. Since the 18th is unquestionably a milestone birthday, the Italian jewelry industry has decided that only platinum would do for such a momentous event!

For the Exceptional Person...

Platinum is for the jewelry lover who wants a sleek, cool, classic look. When highly polished, platinum can be as reflective as mirror; when buffed to a satin finish, the metal has a soft, silky look and feel.

Platinum is the essence of subtle style; and no precious metal brings out the brilliance of diamonds the way platinum does.

Platinum is an exceptional product of nature, and jewelry made from this glorious metal is equally notable.