Platinum
Platinum is a noble metal that is not widespread in nature; it is grayish-white and shiny in color. Of the main precious metals, platinum is the most expensive, more expensive than gold and silver. The reason is that this metal is heavier – jewellery of the same volume in the platinum version will have more weight than in gold or silver. In addition, the price increases due to its rarity and complexity in processing (cleaning the rock).
The history of platinum jewellery
The history of platinum is the most unusual of all precious metals. Unlike gold and silver, which have been valued since time immemorial, platinum began to be highly valued only “recently”, about 250-300 years ago. This is most clearly demonstrated by the origin of the name platinum. Plata means silver in Spanish, and platina means silver, little silver. This contemptuous name was given by the Spanish colonists to an unknown metal, which they encountered when mining gold in South America. Platinum grains obtained by washing gold-bearing rock were sometimes combined with gold. They had to be separated manually, which greatly complicated the whole process, and sometimes made development impractical. And due to its high melting point of 1768.3 ° C (the melting point of silver is 962 ° C, gold is 1064.18 ° C), platinum was not available for isolation in its pure form and processing by methods known at that time.
People have repeatedly encountered platinum since time immemorial, but did not attach any importance to it. Usually it was mistaken for the wrong silver or unripe gold in the ground, and was simply thrown away. A famous example is the finding of a strip of platinum on a box studded with gold and silver, found in the area of ancient Fif in Egypt. Scientists have established that the ancient master in about the 7th century BC. did not attach any importance to platinum, simply mistaking it for silver.
The exceptions are the Indians of South America, who lived in the territory of modern Ecuador and Colombia. They possessed a unique technique for processing platinum and making jewellery out of it.
In all known works on chemistry and mineralogy (and in any other literature) until the middle of the 16th century, there is not a single description of platinum as a separate element. For the first time platinum is mentioned in the work of Julius Caesar Scaliger “Exotericarum Exercitationum”, published in Paris in 1557.
We can say that platinum was only discovered in 1748, when Antonio de Uloa, a naval officer and mathematician, presented his report on a trip to South America to the scientific community.
From that moment, an active study of platinum began, and its first samples began to arrive in Europe.
The properties of platinum
What you need to know about platinum – it does not have any impurities of base metals in its composition, which means it does not darken, does not turn yellow over time, unlike white gold, it always retains its natural white color. Since platinum contains no nickel, it is hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Durability
Platinum’s unmatched durability and wear resistance make it the most reliable and strongest metal. The density of platinum makes it more durable than other precious metals. The platinum ring does not change shape and does not wear out, it is impossible to lose a stone from such a ring, the metal reliably holds the crystal, even after a long time. This is why we recommend platinum diamond rings.
Rarity
Platinum is a rare metal found in very few places around the world. For comparison: 30 times less than gold. Rings with diamonds and wedding rings made in platinum are exclusive, speak of the individuality and status of its owner.
Versatility
Platinum is versatile and has remarkable qualities that have led to its high popularity. In the early 1900s, Louis Cartier was the first jeweler to successfully create platinum jewellery by uncovering the superior properties of metal and using it to enhance the brilliance of diamonds.
Why are platinum rings better to order?
platinum wedding rings Platinum is a fairly expensive metal, relative to white gold, on average, its price is 3-4 times higher. In addition to the fact that there are different samples of this alloy, even a metal with the same fineness can differ in characteristics and properties, and, accordingly, in price. Sellers in jewellery departments are often not competent enough to reveal to you all the nuances (believe me, there are many of them!) Of this noble metal. Their task is to sell what is in the window, and this does not always coincide with your need to buy a quality platinum ring.
We strongly recommend our clients to make custom platinum rings. So, you work directly with a master who will professionally advise you, explain the features of a particular alloy, and give recommendations for care. The task of our jewelers is to make jewellery delight you for decades.
Platinum is perfect for wedding rings and is so durable that your jewellery could become an heirloom for future generations. This metal fixes precious stones firmly and securely. We recommend platinum for diamonds. Next time you’re in a jewellery store, try holding two identical platinum and white gold wedding bands. You will be able to feel the difference in weight. This weight, due to the density of platinum, makes it extremely strong and ideal for a long service life. This is what you are looking for for your rings, isn’t it?
