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Platinum: Everything You Need to Know and More

Platinum: Everything You Need to Know and More

Today, we will review all the essential information relating to our topic: Platinum – Everything You Need to Know and More.

The purpose of this article is to begin by discussing what Platinum is as a substance, how to clean and maintain platinum jewelry, its history, and much more.

The most commonly asked issue about Platinum is what it is and how it looks; thus, our mission is to present you with the most basic and accurate definition:

Platinum is a precious metal that is both valuable and long-lasting. Platinum’s rich, white luster enhances its brightness and will never fade, unlike other white metals, which can yellow or tarnish with time. 

Let’s go further into Platinum and its qualities to supply you with all the knowledge you need to know about this precious metal!

The Basics About Platinum

Platinum is one of the most valuable and long-lasting precious metals. 

Platinum’s deep, white shine increases the brilliance and will never fade, unlike other white metals, which might become yellow or tarnish with time.

Platinum is a member of the noble and precious metals family. As we already mentioned, it withstands tarnishing and discoloration caused by chlorine and other chemicals.

Platinum has been an increasingly popular choice for jewelry, either on its own or as a setting for diamonds and other costly gemstones. Due to its characteristics, as well as its strength and white brightness.

Platinum jewelry will not fade and will retain its luster for a lifetime. Because of its purity, Platinum is hypoallergenic and perfect for persons with sensitive skin (allergies, irritations, skin diseases).

Platinum is a rare metal and a prized possession of the wealthy. It is one of the most durable and long-lasting metals.

It is sometimes more valuable than gold – look at all those platinum records and credit cards. It is utilized for electrical contacts and sparking points because it can withstand high temperatures and chemical assault from electric arcs. Also, most Zippo lighters are made entirely of Platinum.

The vast majority of its uses are in jewelry and dental alloys. Platinum has a moderately high electrical resistance that varies with temperature.

It can absorb vast amounts of hydrogen and, along with palladium, is one of the most reactive platinum metals. On heating, it also combines with various nonmetallic elements, including phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, silicon, sulfur, and selenium.

Platinum is more plentiful than gold in parts per billion of the Earth’s crust, but since it is more distributed and more challenging to process, it fetches a higher price.

It is one of the heaviest materials on the planet. Aqua regia, a combination of hydrochloric and nitric acid used to refine Platinum from mineral ores, is the only substance known to dissolve Platinum. 

Few Facts About Platinum:

  • Platinum is DURABLE
  • Platinum is MALLEABLE
  • Platinum is one of THE HEAVIEST materials.

Now that we have briefly explained what Platinum is and its features, it’s time to delve into its history!

The History of Platinum

Platinum was discovered by archaeologists as early as the ancient Egyptians. The famed Casket of Thebes, in particular, was studded with platinum, gold, and silver.

Furthermore, indigenous South American peoples used platinum in ceremonial jewelry such as nose rings and necklaces.

These ancient applications of platinum were most likely not manufactured from the pure metal itself but rather from widely encountered platinum combinations (“alloys”) that contained palladium or iridium.

Each metal has a unique hardness, density, bending and shaping ease (malleability), drawing into wire ease (flexibility), and resistance to breaking under stress (tensile strength).

They are a ‘dead’ metal with minimal memory spring. The mosaic of metals resulted in an inconsistent, patchwork solid when forged or rolled as a unit, hence the breaking.

Using various acid solutions and temperatures, scientific groups in the 1800s discovered and separated each metal. Immersion in hot aqua regia – a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids – actually dissolved the platinum component.

Antonio de Ulloa, a Spanish chemist, found platinum in the mid-eighteenth century. It quickly piqued the imagination of European alchemists interested in changing base metals into gold.

Englishmen William Hyde Wollaston and Smithson Tennant found how to make platinum malleable in the early 1800s, thereby launching platinum’s broad economic usage.

Platinum cufflinks and shirt studs were available by the 1850s, but the technology to draw the metal into tiny wires or construct complicated forms did not yet exist. It has many contemporary applications. 

If you are wondering if platinum is still popular and what its use is nowadays, here are your answers!

To begin with, platinum jewelry is still popular due to its corrosion resistance, as opposed to silver.

Platinum is primarily employed in industry as a material for catalytic converters in automobile engines. It is good at converting toxic engine emissions into less harmful waste.

The catalytic properties of platinum are also employed in the oil sector to extract gasoline from crude oil. Platinum is also widely employed in the electrical sector, where it is used to make hard drives for computer storage.

Platinum improves the magnetic characteristics of the disk and increases storage capacity.

Finally, platinum is used in the medical field. The metal is employed in many applications, including dental fillings, pacemakers, and cancer chemotherapy treatments.

The Primary Differences Between White Gold and Platinum

Platinum is far more costly than gold due to its scarcity and low mining output. One thousand five hundred tonnes of gold are extracted yearly, compared to 160 tonnes of platinum.

Furthermore, platinum is 11% denser than gold, and because precious metals are valued by weight, a platinum piece of jewelry weighing the same amount as gold will be more costly.

Platinum is a silver-white noble metal that does not oxidize and is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. Although it looks very similar to white gold because of this, be sure that these are only physical predispositions.

Platinum’s atomic structure makes it readily malleable and capable of bonding with other elements, which is why platinum-finished jewelry is so ordinary.

Platinum, which weighs 12.4 ounces per cubic inch and is six times denser than diamond, is one of the densest elements.

Platinum has a similar look to white gold but is far more costly. Apart from its appearance, white gold varies from platinum in various ways. 

While platinum is a natural metal, white gold is an alloy made of yellow gold and other metals such as copper or nickel. White gold is only 58% pure.

Because the white gold alloy is rhodium plated (which gives it its white shine), the rhodium plating wears off over time, and the yellow tint begins to flow through, reverting the white gold to its natural yellow gold hue.

This is why you must replace white gold at least once yearly. Platinum, on the other hand, does not affect the hue of the fading. It is also four times more potent than gold.

Another significant distinction is that platinum is hypoallergenic, whereas white gold can trigger metal allergies due to its nickel concentration.

Platinum Vs. Silver

Although Silver and Platinum have a similar tone, silver is considerably softer and less durable than Platinum.

Every piece of silver jewelry tarnishes with age, necessitating regular care to keep it gleaming.

Silver, on the other hand, readily loses its form over time and is nowhere as expensive as platinum.

Silver’s most appealing characteristic is its low cost. As a result, silver is usually an excellent choice for costume jewelry or low-cost products.

Platinum lasts longer than silver; it’s more expensive, but it doesn’t fade, it doesn’t change color, and it’s a much redder material – you can use it longer.

Palladium Vs. Platinum

Palladium is the most recently found metal on the market, with which few are familiar.

It is the most recent valuable metal and is related to Platinum. Both metals appear almost identical, with Platinum being a bit whiter than palladium.

Platinum and palladium have numerous similarities, including that they are both hypoallergenic and rust and tarnish-free. 

In addition, Palladium jewelry offers purity levels comparable to Platinum. Palladium is less dense than Platinum and less expensive. Therefore, its price and scarcity are comparable to Gold.

Palladium is frequently favored over Platinum in jewelry manufacture due to its flexibility and ease of fabrication.

Why is Platinum So Expensive?

As previously said, Platinum is the most costly and exquisite precious metal. So even in credit card jargon, Platinum is a high ranking. 

Here are some of the reasons why platinum jewelry is so expensive:

1. Platinum Has a Substantially Higher Density Than Silver or Gold

It weighs around 60% more than 14K gold and 40% more than 18K gold.

As a result, a platinum item with the same specs as gold or silver will be heavier and hence more costly.

2. Platinum Is Significantly Rarer Than Other Valuable Metals, With Manufacturing Occurring in Only a Few Areas Worldwide

When we use Platinum in jewelry, it is purer than gold or silver. 

As previously stated, platinum jewelry has at least 80% pure platinum, whereas pure gold in jewelry is nearly always less than 75%.

3. Platinum Jewelry Demands Specialized Equipment, Higher Temperatures, and More Significant Experience

All of this adds to the price of the jewelry. Platinum is more valuable than gold in most cases. 

This is because Platinum is more uncommon than gold, has a higher density, and is purer. Therefore, platinum rings require more than gold rings, which raises costs.

Platinum mines are uncommon compared to gold mines.

While over 1,782 tons of gold are extracted yearly, only around 133 tons of Platinum are mined. According to estimates, more than 5 billion ounces of gold are above ground. Platinum is thought to be limited to 200 million ounces.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worthwhile to buy Platinum, here’s your answer.

If you buy platinum, unfortunately, you will return only 85% of Platinum’s value.

If you still want to spoil your loved one or yourself with a platinum band or formal jewelry, you can do so. But remember that this is only a buy that may get some investment worth in the future.

How to Clean Your Platinum Jewelry

Taking care of your platinum jewelry will guarantee that it retains its gleaming radiance and beauty.

When cleaning platinum jewelry, use a non-abrasive jewelry cleanser or a solution of warm soapy water, and gently wipe the item with a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth.

This will polish away the little scratches on the metal’s surface. You may also clean platinum jewelry safely with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. 

Also, when necessary, have platinum jewelry cleaned by a jeweler to remove the patina and restore the item’s luster.

What about storing, you may wonder?

When storing platinum jewelry, please keep it in a cloth bag or lined box, away from other jewelry. This protects it from scratches. Platinum may also damage softer materials, so keep it separate.

However, if your jewelry contains gemstones like topaz, opal, emerald, or tanzanite, do not immerse it in water. Instead, use a toothbrush with delicate bristles to clean the nooks and complicated jewelry elements.

After that, rinse your jewelry with clean water and dry it with a lint-free towel.

Your platinum jewelry will gleam again in less than 10 minutes. People can also purchase a jewelry cleaning solution from their local jeweler. 

Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, or other similar items to clean your jewelry.

Age not only impacts your appearance but may also influence the appearance of your platinum jewelry. This valuable metal, however, matures differently than many others.

With time, this precious metal develops the appearance of a gentle old patina, making your jewelry appear darker than before.

Many consider this a distinct metal quality, like the deep patina finish. Others, on the other hand, may choose to keep their platinum gleaming like new forever.

If you are in the second category, you have two choices: polish your jewelry or plate it with a new rhodium coat.

By buffing your platinum jewelry, you may restore its luster by eliminating the coating of patina and scratches. This luster will last.

By polishing your platinum jewelry, you may restore its brightness by removing tarnishes and scratches. This luster might last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Rhodium plating covers your platinum jewelry with a thin layer of rhodium.

Rhodium has a gleaming luster and shares the brightness and gloss of platinum. This, too, will last six months to a year.

The Best Way To Preserve Platinum Jewelry

Here are the best ways to preserve your platinum jewelry and maintain its stunning appearance!

1. Take Precautions During Storage

Platinum, although a very robust metal, is not impervious to harm or scratch.

To avoid this and the tangling of other accessories, we recommend keeping your platinum piece separate from your other jewelry in a velvet-lined container.

2. Stay Away From Chemicals

Chemicals included in daily goods, such as cleaning supplies, perfumes, hairsprays, and so forth, can be harsh.

They have the potential to degrade the structure of your precious metal over time.

In addition, the chlorine in swimming pools can dull the platinum’s luster and create discoloration. Keep your platinum jewelry away from such substances to avoid this.

3. Set It Aside

We can all agree that platinum is stunning to look at. However, it is pretty easy to become soiled. This is owed mainly to its dazzling white color. 

As a result, remember to take off your jewelry before doing any hands-on labor, such as gardening, jogging, cleaning, or cooking.

4. Thoroughly Clean It

To avoid build-up and maintain the brilliance of this metal, we recommend that you deep-clean your platinum jewelry if it becomes dull. You may easily accomplish this at home if you follow the procedures outlined below:

  1. Soak your attachment for one to two minutes in an ultra-mild soap-water solution. This will help to release the dirt’s grip on it.
  2. Scrub the surface of the metal carefully with a soft-bristled brush to remove any accumulated filth. Pay careful attention to the jewelry’s edges and corners since most of the dirt accumulates here. If your platinum jewelry is set with jewels, avoid using a toothbrush. Instead, you might use a soft towel for mild washing in such circumstances.
  3. Rinse your platinum accessory under running water to remove any soap residue.
  4. Use a soft, lint-free towel to dry your jewelry piece.

The Pros Of Platinum Jewelry

Platinum has become the most popular metal option for jewelry today, and for a good reason.

It is used in jewelry and is 95% pure and contains just 5% other alloys. Platinum preserves its power as well as its appealing tint as a result of its high metal content.

As a result, it is seen as a symbol of purity and a popular option for engagement and wedding rings.

Platinum is more durable than other metals due to its hardness, increased density, and weight (60% heavier than 14k gold).

It is the most resistant to scratching, bending, and other forms of damage. As a result, any set made of this metal will undoubtedly give the most satisfactory protection for your gemstone.

Patina is the change in a metal’s polish and texture from repeated use. Platinum, on the other hand, acquires a gorgeous patina, which adds to its character and originality.

Furthermore, because platinum jewelry is non-plated and low maintenance, you only need to wipe it with a soft cloth to restore its natural luster.

Hypoallergenic – Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic. Because of its exceptional purity, this metal is unlikely to cause skin reactions or outbreaks.

It is regarded as an excellent metal choice, even for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Enhances diamonds – Platinum’s inherent white luster complements diamonds’ luminosity and colorless glitter. In addition, this metal has no color cast on the gem, making it an excellent white metal choice for any gemstone jewelry.

So, let’s unite the pros of Platinum!

The Advantages of Platinum Jewelry:

  • It’s a very pure alloy
  • It is highly long-lasting
  • A hypoallergenic metal
  • Color-enhanced gemstones
  • It is the most valuable precious metal

The Cons Of Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is denser than gold and silver. The fact that platinum is so heavy is beneficial since it makes it so durable, but you’ll have to carry the extra weight on your finger, neck, or another part of your body.

Platinum is quite costly. Platinum rings are more costly than gold ones because the metal is:

  1. Heavier
  2. Rarer 
  3. Purer

Because they only mine 190 tons of platinum each year compared to 2,000-3,000 tons of gold, it is more expensive per ounce. When you consider it’s 95% pure, it’s simple to see why it’s so costly. 

When something scratches easily, it is a drawback, yet platinum has advantages. When platinum is struck, the metal is shifted rather than lost.

Surprisingly, it results in a matte look known as a patina finish. It makes the jewelry appear old rather than dazzling and fresh. 

It might be problematic to realize your ring is too tiny for your finger. Resizing a platinum ring is more complex than resizing a gold ring.

Because of the characteristics of the metal, resizing platinum rings is more challenging.

So, let’s unite the Cons of Platinum!

Disadvantages Of Platinum Rings And Jewelry:

  • It’s heavier than gold and silver
  • It’s costly
  • Develops a matte appearance
  • It’s harder to resize

FAQ

What Is The Lifespan Of Platinum Rings?

Platinum plating has a three-year lifespan, which is why it is so inexpensive. On the other hand, platinum 950 Pl is costly because it will endure forever.

Because it’s so robust, you’ll be able to pass it down to your children or grandchildren if you don’t get your rings resized too frequently.

Is Platinum Superior To Gold?

It is a matter of personal choice regarding platinum versus gold. Platinum is sturdy and will endure longer than gold.

However, gold is less expensive, which is crucial when trying to conserve money, and it also weighs less and might feel more comfortable on your finger.

The most delicate platinum wedding rings are better than the best gold wedding bands, but a few believe the reverse.

Is It Worthwhile To Purchase Platinum?

Yes, purchasing platinum for investment purposes is worthwhile if you want to hedge against inflation.

It may also be worthwhile to purchase platinum if the precious metal rises in the coming years.

Is Platinum More Valuable Than Gold?

No, not just now. Several reasons include gold’s considerably greater demand and many people’s apparent longtime preference for gold over platinum.

Can Platinum Rings Be Worn Daily?

Can I wear platinum rings every single day? Platinum does not corrode and firmly keeps valuable stones. It has a high melting point and will not distort like gold.

So you may wear your ring daily, but you must use caution. Depending on your occupation, it may be worthwhile to remove it.

Why Is Platinum Superior To White Gold?

Platinum is a pure, clean, natural metal, whereas white gold is colored artificially with silver or palladium. Furthermore, as previously stated, platinum will not change color under standard settings and use.

Is Platinum More Durable Than White Gold?

In a nutshell, sure. However, platinum is denser and purer than white gold, and in some applications, such as jewelry, it will withstand wear and tear better over time.

While white gold may tarnish and lose its plating (which contributes to its white appearance), platinum is pure and will never need to be re-plated.

Is Platinum A Suitable Long-Term Investment?

It certainly is. Some investors who purchased platinum realized a profit, but time is crucial.

Those who bought platinum at its peak may need to hang on to their investment for longer to realize large rewards. Some investors who bought before a significant price increase have done exceptionally well turning around and selling on the crest.

Others have had fantastic success retaining their metals for several years and selling during a period of the relative bullion price increase.

Final Thoughts

Today’s discussion focused on a specific category of material known as Platinum and its importance in the jewelry industry.

If you’ve read this whole article, you can reasonably say you know everything there is to know about Platinum, including what it is, its properties, how and where it was discovered, and much more.

We believe that when we talk about Platinum, we need to provide you with as much information as possible so you can independently conclude how exactly it differs from gold, silver, and other materials available on the market.

We tried to highlight the pros and cons and the methods of preserving and cleaning platinum jewelry.

We hope that our platinum jewelry article provided you with all of the required information and that you liked reading it as much as we loved creating it for you!