History of Platinum
|
|
Platinum, like gold, has a long and distinguished history. Its use began in antiquity
and it has undergone resurgence in popularity over the last 200 years. Platinum
was held in high esteem during early Egyptian times. Native people in South and
Central America worked it as early as 100 B.C.
|
Characteristics
|
|
Platinum is a white metal, but unlike gold it is used in jewelry in almost its pure
form (approximately 95% pure). Platinum is very dense and heavy metal, so a platinum
ring
will feel heavier than an 18Kt gold ring.
|
Platinum Vs Gold
|
|
Platinum is naturally white and will never lose its brilliant luster. Gold is naturally
yellow. White gold contains Yellow Gold that has been mixed with other metals to
whiten it and is often plated with rhodium, which in time wears off so regular re-plating
is often required to maintain its whiteness. Platinum is also more dense than gold
so platinum ring weighs 40% more than same design on 18 Carat gold. Platinum’s tactile
feel and reassuring weight cannot be matched by any other precious metal.
|
Does Platinum Scratch?
|
|
All precious metal scratch and platinum is no exception. However unlike other precious
metal, when platinum scratch there is no measurable metal loss and piece maintain
its integrity and mass. No other metal survives generations of wear so beautifully.
|
Can I wear platinum if I have sensitive skin?
|
|
Because of its purity platinum diamond jewelry
is hypoallergenic, therefore ideal for sensitive
skin.
|
Why is Platinum so much expensive than gold?
|
|
Platinum is very rare metal found in few places globally, but it is in high demand.
Its unique properties mean that aside from jewelry, industry relies on platinum.
Its found in applications like catalytic convertors to reduce exhaust emission,
computer hard disk drives, and its plays a vital role in heat pacemakers and anti–cancer
treatment. Another reason for jewelry is the purity of platinum used. A platinum
is generally 95% pure platinum compared with 18K Gold which is 75% pure gold.
|