Articles by Stan Paul

What you should know about PLATINUM, The World’s Rarest Precious Metal

The perception of “luxury” today has become identified with platinum in the promotion of goods and services in any number of categories.  Consider these examples:  The American Express Platinum Card, as well as dozens of other status credit cards; leading luxury vehicles are now touting platinum models; platinum records of the hottest music; furniture; fine china and stemware; as well as fabrics are being designed with the color of platinum.  Platinum is the symbol of quality and understated elegance used as the ultimate expression in engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and special gift opportunities.  Fine Platinum Jewelry is no exception.  For its beauty and value – more precious, more lasting, more lustrous, more understated and more elegant, platinum is undeniably the ultimate and RARE white metal.  Mother Nature makes platinum pure white.  Platinum never bleaches, tarnishes, dyes or becomes discolored – compared to white gold which is really yellow gold with other added white ingredients such as Nickel, Zinc or Palladium.  White gold will not be white forever; it must occasionally be “Rhodium” plated to keep it white.

The majority of platinum is mined in the Russian Federations, South Africa and to the north, Canada.  Platinum has a rich and noble history, first used by the ancient Egyptians over three thousand years ago.  The Spanish encountered the South American Incas working with platinum nearly 800 years ago, although not for jewelry.  The first platinum jewelry in Europe for Louis XVI of France appeared around the year 1780.  Platinum has been around for thousands of years but only used to fashion jewelry for less than 300 years.

As jewelry manufacturers, we feel that Platinum is best suited for both diamond and color stone jewelry because of its strength and durability.  Platinum prongs show little wear, and thus offer precious stones greater protection.  Platinum is also one of the most enduring jewelry metals.  Classic designs outlive the whims of fashion and retain their character forever.  Bridal couples worldwide are rediscovering platinum, for its pure white luster, as the metal of choice for bridal jewelry.  You can actually feel and see the difference. 

PLATINUM FACTS

Platinum is strong.  Platinum is one of the strongest and heaviest metals.  It weights 60% more than karat gold and is ideal for jewelry worn every day because it shows little material loss, even after prolonged wear.

Platinum is pure.  In the United States, platinum jewelry generally contains 90% or 95% pure platinum.  By comparison, 18kt gold is 75% pure gold and 14kt gold is 58% pure gold.  Platinum is hypoallergenic and resists tarnish.

Platinum is rare.  To produce a single ounce of platinum, a total of ten tons of ore must be mined.  In comparison, only three tons of ore are required to produce one ounce of gold.  It takes eight weeks to refine pure platinum from the ore extracted from the earth.  All the platinum ever mined from the beginning of time would fit into a typical living room.  Around two tons of ore have to be mined to obtain enough platinum to make a ring.

Platinum is lustrous.  Platinum’s rich, white luster perfectly complements diamonds and other precious gems.  Its neutral color enhances any stone’s brilliance and depth.  Platinum’s melting point is almost double that of gold.  Platinum is resistant to attack from most chemicals.

Platinum is fashionable.  Platinum jewelry appeals to many people today because of its beauty and elegance.  Accented with 18kt gold, it can create a sophisticated, versatile and fashionable look.   Half of the platinum mined in the world in 2001 was made into jewelry.

Platinum cleaning tips.  Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry.  Use a good pre-packaged jewelry cleaner available from us or have us professionally clean it.  Do not allow pieces to touch or scratch each other.

Platinum interests.  Platinum is used in the hard discs of most PC’s to improve capacity and durability.  The only material suitable for the electrode in heart pacemakers is platinum.  Platinum is used to make nitrogen fertilizers.  There is NO platinum in a platinum records; it’s only plastic dipped in silver.

Platinum is among the finest, purest and most rare precious metals on earth and has an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women. Worn over a lifetime and passed on to future generations, platinum is the jewelry metal of choice.  Now is the best time to see and feel platinum at our office.  We can assist you in selecting platinum jewelry that will bring pleasure to you and the recipient for years to come.  Give that SPECIAL person a gift for the Holidays that will last forever! 

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This article was published in the North Shore Women's Journal