Platinum jewelry
Platinum is used to make jewelry because of its durability. Unlike other metals where a bit of the metal is lost when it is scratched or polished, platinum does not wear down.
It’s a metal that’s designers like to combines with diamonds because its white shine accentuates the brilliance of diamonds inlaid in the design. The strength of the metal helps to hold diamonds firmly in place. So if you are planning to get a diamond engagement ring for your fiancé, setting it using a platinum head will defiantly enhance the ring’s beauty.
You will find platinum is used to make a variety of jewelry such as rings, ear-ring, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and much more. When buying platinum jewelry you will come across marks such as Pt 999, 950 Plat, 900 Plat. Each of these marks indicates the percentage of platinum used in making the jewelry and the presence of other metals. Pt 999 stands for 999 parts per thousand of platinum and 1 part of some other metal, Pt 950 indicates 950 parts per thousand of platinum and 50 parts other metal and Pt 900 shows 900 parts per thousand of platinum and 100 parts some other metal.
Maintaining your platinum jewelry is very important, as otherwise, it can lose its luster. You can maintain your platinum jewelry by soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water for some time. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled brush to maintain its beautiful white luster.
Platinum jewelry displayed in jewelry shops attracts buyer’s attention with its cool white sheen, which is a quality very unique to this metal. Next to gold, it the most preferred metal for making jewelry.
The history of using platinum in jewelry goes back to ancient times. It was first used in ancient Egypt but became very popular only in the 18th century when members of royal families started to wear them. The world-famous “Star of Africa” and ”Hope Diamond” are both set in quality platinum.
During WWII, the U.S. government declared platinum as a strategic metal and after this declaration, it ceased to be used in jewelry and was confined to official purposes. Now, it’s made a comeback and is popular as it is considered one of the most precious metals to possess as part of one’s jewelry collections.