Platinum Jewelry: A Guide for Jewelry Buyers
Platinum is one of the most requested metals for high-end jewelry, and especially for engagement rings and wedding bands. It has a distinctive silvery color, a high level of durability, and a luxurious feel. But what exactly is platinum, and why is it so popular?
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What is Platinum?
Platinum is a rare and precious metal that belongs to the same family as palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. These metals are collectively known as the platinum group metals (PGMs).
Platinum is the most dense and the most resistant to corrosion among the PGMs. It is also the most "ductile", meaning it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking (allowing for versatile designs). Oftentimes, platinum is mixed with other metals, such as copper, cobalt, or iridium, making it even stronger and more durable.
Why Choose It for Your Custom Design?
- Platinum has a natural silvery color that does not fade or tarnish over time. It enhances the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones, and it doesn't require extra plating (white gold does require rhodium plating).
- Platinum is hypoallergenic. That means it won't cause allergic reactions or irritations to the skin, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
- Platinum is durable and strong. This makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Unlike other metals, it resists bending or breaking, ensuring long-lasting integrity. Platinum's secure hold on gemstones reduces the risk of loss, providing both beauty and peace of mind. When scratched, the metal is merely displaced rather than lost, unlike gold, which diminishes over time. A simple polish redistributes the metal, restoring its radiant shine and brilliance.
- Platinum is rare and valuable. Platinum itself is 30% more rare than gold. It's a symbol of prestige and makes for a good investment, as it retains its value over time.
What to Consider When Purchasing
- The higher the percentage of platinum in the alloy, the more pure and valuable the metal is. However, higher purity also means lower hardness and higher price. The most common purity levels for platinum jewelry are 950, 900, and 850.
- Platinum is versatile and can be molded into various shapes and styles. It can be combined with other metals, such as gold or silver, to create contrasting effects. With platinum, you'll have more flexibility in creating a design that suits your personality, taste, and budget.
- You should be selective in choosing a reputable and experienced jeweler. Platinum is a difficult metal to work with, as it requires high temperatures and special tools to shape and polish. Your jeweler of choice becomes very important when working with platinum.
Interesting Facts
- Platinum was first discovered by the pre-Columbian civilizations in South America, who used it to make ornaments and artifacts. They called it "little silver" or "platina".
- Platinum, along with other heavy elements, is believed to originate from the merger of neutron stars. These violent collisions result in kilonova explosions, releasing heavy elements like platinum into the universe.
- Platinum became popular for jewelry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among the royalty and the wealthy. It was used to create stunning pieces of art deco and Edwardian jewelry, as well as the famous Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond.
Our Recommendation for Platinum in Custom Jewelry Designs
One of the strongest metals
- Platinum is exceptionally durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear. For engagement or wedding bands—pieces that endure constant use—platinum is an ideal choice. It won’t easily bend or break, ensuring your jewelry remains intact for years.
Its strength ensures that diamonds or other precious stones stay firmly in place within the jewelry design. With platinum, you can trust that your cherished gemstones are safe.
Worth the investment
It’s true that platinum is more expensive than gold. However, consider it an investment. Platinum’s durability and timeless appeal make it worthwhile, especially for pieces worn daily.
Platinum is our favorite metal . We highly recommend it for the most precious of custom creations for its durability, timelessness, luxe feel, and appearance. If you're creating an heirloom to last lifetimes, platinum is your answer.
For a white metal look at a lower price point, you can always look to one of the following:
- White Gold: white gold provides a similar white metal look and is a durable option for jewelry. To keep the metal white, it must be occasionally re-plated. It's not as durable as platinum but is still and excellent and more affordable option.
- Sterling Silver: this white metal is an excellent choice for fashion jewelry but is not as durable as platinum or white gold. And it WILL tarnish over time, turning black. Sterling Silver is the least durable and most affordable option, but not something we typically recommend for a high-value custom design.
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