PLATINUM:
The Most Precious of Metals
Platinum has come back into favor with jewelry designers. In fact, it enjoys
a resurgence, as collections of platinum, in a variety of styles and price ranges come into the best
jewelry shops. Platinum can, because of its color, be easily confused with white gold. The two however,
are very different metals. White gold is, in effect, yellow gold which has been turned white through
the process of adding other metals. White gold is often coated with a plating of rhodium so it will
maintain a platinum-like glow. Over time, the plating may wear away and expose the original yellow metal
beneath it.
The quality which platinum enjoys that gives it such a wonderful
reputation amongst jewelry designers, jewelers, and jewelry buyers, is its strength. Platinum is by far
the strongest of all the precious metals, and, therefore, also the most durable. Because it is also
extremely dense, it wears better over time and needs less maintenance than softer metals may require.
This is of particular importance in the prongs of any ring which has been designed to hold a gemstone.
Platinum prongs will hold a stone more securely than gold prongs.
In the United States, platinum is usually 95% or 90% pure platinum.
As a basis for comparison, 18k gold, for example, is 75% pure gold, and 14k gold is 58.5% pure gold.
An extra bonus, if you will, of platinum is that its high degree of purity also makes it hypoallergenic.
Platinum is a perfect choice to enhance the natural color and brilliance
of gemstones or diamonds. Its natural color tends to enhance and blend rather than distract
from the color and shine of the stone it surrounds.
Platinum jewelry should be marked as such. Look for "Platinum," "Plat," Pt950," or
"Pt900" stamped inside the jewelry. This will help to ensure that what you are buying really is platinum.
Of course, your best "insurance" is to make your purchase of platinum and any other jewelry
from a reputable jewelry shop such as Kingston Fine Jewelry.