Metals in Jewelry: The Attractions and Characteristics of Platinum

The historical origins of platinum

Platinum has been on the human scene and played an important role since as early as 700 BC. According to historical records, the Ancient Egyptians mastered the art of working platinum into artifacts as early as 700 BC. Platinum jewelry was also popular among the Indians. But people in other regions knew little about platinum. It wasn’t until the Spanish Empire was built that things took a turn for the worse. After King Louis XVI and the Queen of France wore platinum jewelry, platinum was able to flourish among the masses, and people gave it an alias – the only precious metal that matched the title of king. It also rose in value one after another, even surpassing the value of gold, and became the new favorite of royalty. For more than 2,000 years, platinum has been recognized as a noble metal.

Because platinum has a delicate and exquisite texture, it can set off the luster of diamonds very well, and can also play a protective role for diamonds, so European royalty often match platinum and diamonds together, set in the crown jewelry. Since then, “platinum is the best choice for jewelry” this statement is deeply engraved in people’s hearts.

In the jewelry industry, platinum is referred to as “white gold” to distinguish it from the white gold known as “karat white gold”. Platinum is favored by people in economically advanced countries such as Japan, Europe, and the United States. In the precious metals market, the only metal that can compete with gold is platinum. So, what are the specific advantages and disadvantages of platinum jewelry?

Advantages

Platinum has a long history of use as a naturally occurring white precious metal. Its stock on earth is very small, only 0.005 parts per million, and it has a very high density and boiling point, even in very harsh environments can maintain good stability, not easy to fade, tough and wear-resistant is its qualities. It can also be firmly set in the diamond around, and diamond perfect fit, to a large extent to protect the diamond. Many young people are also beginning to popular with a variety of engraving tool do-it-yourself carving jewellery, and platinum is very suitable for engraving a variety of beautiful patterns, so it has a very wide range of applications in the field of pneumatic engraving.

1. Global rarity

So far, platinum is the world’s rarest precious metal, its degree of rarity even more than gold. According to statistics, the average annual production of platinum can only one hundred and forty tons, while the production of gold can reach three thousand three hundred tons. As the old saying goes, the rarity of things is precious. Therefore, the value of platinum is correspondingly higher than gold.

2. High purity

Platinum in the proportion of platinum are basically in more than 90%, so in many precious metals, platinum purity can be said to be among the best. Coupled with the scarcity of platinum on earth, it is highly sought after, it is exceptionally precious. The color of platinum is very pure white, in the sunlight will emit eye-catching luster.

3. Good stability

Platinum has good stability. Even if it exists for a long time in acidic, alkaline and other corrosive substances or high-temperature environment, its nature is very difficult to be changed. Platinum jewelry can be worn for a long time, in the frequent friction, it will not be oxidized, still can maintain the due luster. If the platinum has been processed, polished and other professional processes, its gloss will be even higher.

Disadvantages

In nature, platinum is scarce, and the stability is so high that it is often paired with diamonds. These are the advantages of platinum. However, these characteristics also lead to a more complex processing of platinum, which generates a much higher energy loss than gold. This is one of the reasons for the high price of platinum. If you are buying platinum jewelry for decorative purposes only, it will fully meet your expectations. However, if you are buying platinum for investment purposes, you should still consider it carefully. The purchase price of platinum is relatively high, but the ability to recycle it for cash is low.

Jewelry and gold stores that are willing to recycle platinum are rare. The main use of platinum is for decoration, and it has a high hardness and melting point. Many jewelry stores do not have the technology to test molten platinum, so they are usually reluctant to recycle platinum. This is very different from gold. Gold is recognized as a safe-haven and value-preserving tool, and since ancient times it has been regarded as a symbol of wealth, while in modern times it has been given the attributes of an international currency. Whenever there is inflation, people buy gold in large quantities to protect themselves against the risk. Platinum is merely a precious metal and possesses no other properties. The international community also does not recognize platinum’s ability to retain its value.