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Precious Metals - Platinum

Austin’s Diamond Specialists

The most precious of all metals

Platinum is the perfect choice for people – it is beautiful, versatile and elegant, yet it has hidden strength and resilience. The metal is pure, it has brilliant white sheen and is kind to the skin. It is also rare, a treasure coveted by influential individuals for centuries. Platinum is eternal, with and everlasting radiance and durability. Choosing this precious metal is the perfect way to express your own individuality, strength and style.

Platinum Basics

Americans love it. Some consider it the most elegant and timeless precious metal. It is the preferred metal of choice for celebrities such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Ashley Judd and numerous others. Celebrities and consumers alike are purchasing platinum jewelry ranging from bridal to fashion. After all, we all want and deserve the very best!

Frequently Asked Questions About Platinum

How do I know that a piece of jewelry is really platinum?

All platinum jewelry is marked Platinum, Pt or Plat. Its pure metal content can also be shown:

850 jewelry is 85% pure

900 jewelry is 90% pure

950 jewelry is 95% pure

999 jewelry is 99.9% pure

Why is this metal more expensive than gold?

The rarity of this precious metal means that its price is invariably higher than that of gold.

 

Jewelry containing this metal is generally 95% pure platinum, compared with 18 karat gold jewelry which is 75% pure gold.

 

It is denser than gold, so a piece of platinum jewelry weighs over a third more than the same piece made of 18 karat gold.

 

The process of making a piece of platinum jewelry requires a higher level of craftsmanship.

Will platinum jewelry scratch?

All precious metals can scratch , and platinum is no exception. However, the scratch on platinum is merely a displacement of the metal, and none of its volume is lost. Over time, the metal develops a natural patina, which many people find just as attractive as a polished finish.

Is platinum a new metal for jewelry?

This precious metal was used for decoration by both the ancient Egyptian and Inca civilizations and, in modern times, was the first material cable of securely holding diamonds in a delicate framework. This led to the creation of the beautiful Art Deco pieces of the 1920’s. Today, the understated elegance of platinum continues to enchant new generations of consumers.

How do I care for my platinum jewelry?

Store pieces separately in a jewelry box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items of jewelry.
Remove your jewelry when doing manual work.

 

Don’t handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing platinum jewelry. Although they won’t hurt the metal, chemicals may discolor gemstones.

 

Clean platinum periodically in the same way you clean other fine jewelry – using a pre-packaged jewelry cleaner or by soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water, and then gently rubbing it with a soft cloth.

 

Have your platinum jewelry professionally cleaned once in a while. For your pieces set with gemstones, be sure to do this every six month.

 

If looked after properly, your jewelry should not need to be repaired. For adjustments, re-sizing, polishing and cleaning, look for a qualified jeweler with a platinum trained bench worker.

Can I wear it if I have sensitive skin?
Because of its purity, the metal is hypoallergenic, therefore ideal for sensitive skin.

The Appeal of Platinum

  • Purity

    Most platinum is 90% or 95% pure platinum, whereas 18 karat gold is 75% pure and 14 karat gold is 58.5% pure gold.

  • Rare

    Ten tons of ore must be mined before producing a single ounce of platinum.

  • Strong

    One gram of metal can produce fine wire more than a mile long.

  • Durable

    Some of the worlds greatest treasures, like the Hope Diamond, are set in platinum because it will last for generations.

  • Heavy

    A six-inch cube weighs 165 pounds.

  • Fashionable

    Most platinum is 90% or 95% pure platinum, whereas 18 karat gold is 75% pure and 14 karat gold is 58.5% pure gold.

  • Natural White Metal

    Compared to white gold, which has alloys added to it to make it appear white, platinum is naturally that way.

  • Dense

    It will not wear away like other metals. When it is scratched, the metal is merely displaced, never lost.

  • Distinctive

    Has a rich tone that is all its own, and it’s more rare and valuable than white gold or silver.

  • Hypoallergenic

    Does not cause an allergic reaction and does not tarnish.

The Difference Between Platinum and White Gold

It is naturally white, whereas yellow gold is alloyed with other metals to achieve a white look. The color of white gold is often further enhanced by plating the piece with rhodium. This plating can wear away, however, revealing the yellow-gray color of the white gold. A more immediate means of distinguishing the two metals is their comparative weight. Even a simple wedding band made of platinum is noticeably heavier than the same ring made of white gold, giving reassurance of its value.
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