Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is one of the world's rarest and most precious metals. Platinum has had a checkered history. It's been both unrecognized and unwanted, then the hottest commodity in fashion. Right now, platinum is enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity and an estimated one-quarter of today's brides choose platinum for their engagement rings.
Platinum is actually one of a group of six unique precious metals, which includes palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium. The alloy used in jewelry is 90% to 95% pure. Platinum, like gold, is an inert metal and does not oxidize; it is tarnish-resistant and largely hypoallergenic. Look for platinum jewelry that is marked 900 Pt, 950Plat or Plat.
The first historical notations about platinum came from ancient Egypt around 100 B.C. When the Spanish came to America, according to legend, the Conquistadors were highly disappointed that the white metal they found during their explorations in the 1600s wasn't silver and threw it back into the rivers. The named it "platina" which translates "little silver."
Platinum didn't reach Europe until the 18th century, but when it did, Louis XIV declared it the "metal of kings" and restricted its use to royalty. Interestingly, a similar event happened during World War II, when platinum was declared a strategic metal and use for all non-military purposes was forbidden. Up until that time, platinum was the hottest commodity on the planet, used extensively in Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewelry.
Today, platinum is enjoying a popular resurgence, appreciated for its strength, beauty and rarity. Annual worldwide production is just about 160 tons - compared to about 1500 tons of gold, another rare metal. Platinum is found in only a few regions of the world and the mining process is difficult and time-consuming. The ore refining process can take six months!
Because of its superior strength and durability, platinum is the preferred metal for setting diamonds. Its natural icy white color enhances the diamond's brilliance. Platinum is also one of the heaviest precious metals: jewelry containing 90% pure platinum weighs 60% more than a similar piece of 14-karat gold.
Platinum Three Stone Ring, White and yellow diamonds