Platinum jewelry
For many years, the most common precious metal used to make jewelry has been gold. Both the white and yellow versions have their admirers, so the material was considered a one hundred percent favorite. Over time, the properties of the metals of the platinum group became known, which are not inferior to gold in quality, and in some cases even better. So what is platinum and what benefits have made it popular?
History of Platinum.
Platina (Pt) is the 78th chemical element in the Mendeleev table, whose mass production began in the sixteenth century. The first platinum jewelry was found during the excavations of the Egyptian pyramids, so the deposit of the material is considered to be Egypt. After the ancient Egyptians, it was "forgotten" for a time. It was in the sixteenth century that platinum mining was resumed, and it was in South America. But since the eighteenth century the metal became known throughout Europe. Platinum is similar to silver in color, which is why it was given its name (literally, "little silver").
The famous French jeweler Louis Cartier was the one who brought this forgotten metal back to life, reminding the world of its beauty. In 1895 an entire collection of platinum jewelry was introduced. It included women's and men's rings, earrings and other accessories. Seeing the huge demand, Tiffani offered its platinum ring with a diamond, other brands also began to actively develop their collections.
Today platinum jewelry is considered a sign of excellent taste and exquisite style. The useful properties of the metal only increase its relevance, but it also has certain disadvantages.
Properties of the metal.
Platinum is called a perpetual metal because of its density, durability and excellent resistance to oxidation. Its natural white color never fades. To make platinum look white, it does not need to be plated with rhodium, like white gold, which was invented as an imitation of platinum. Its hardness makes it ideal for diamond engagement rings and as a hypoallergenic metal for earrings. This does not mean that platinum is scratch-resistant, but it is highly scratch-resistant.
If you have to ask, what's the difference between different platinum alloys? It's simple. First of all, pay attention to the first digit on the Pt900 stamp. If the first number is "900," that means the alloy contains 90% platinum and 10% other metals. Pt950 - If the first number is "950", it means that the alloy contains 95% platinum and 5% other metals.
Platinum has properties similar to gold: it is soft, melts quickly when exposed to high temperatures, and lends itself well to forging and other processing. It is found in the nature in the form of nuggets, and is a part of platinum ores. Its density is quite high - 21.45 g/cm3 , which exceeds the indicator of gold.
Due to its strength, it has other valuable properties:
- Resistance to mechanical stress;
- Durability;
- Anticorrosive property;
- Neutrality to the influence of chemical reagents.
Platinum engagement rings are becoming very popular. Given the fact that they are made for permanent use, durable material comes in handy as never before. In addition to wedding rings, platinum is also used to make earrings, bracelets, cufflinks, pendants, pendants and brooches.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages compared to other precious metals, are considered:
natural beautiful hue - white gold has to be radiated, while platinum is naturally white;
Products retain their shape and look for decades without tarnishing;
Absolute hypoallergenicity, due to which the items may be worn without taking them off;
Jewelry looks noble and refined.
Such material belongs to the premium class, and usually products have a grade of 950 (5% is accounted for by the platinum group metals). For some people, buying platinum bullion is a way of investing. Answering the question of what is more expensive platinum or gold, it is possible to answer unequivocally that platinum is more expensive.
The high cost is the only disadvantage of this metal. The price for platinum jewelry is higher than that for similar gold jewelry.
However, this disadvantage is relative, because it is the price that makes it so unattainable and noble. How much is the finished product, and depends on the complexity of the model, the presence of inserts, their number, cutting and other factors.
Not every jeweler has the right to work with platinum. To work with a solid melting metal requires special equipment, knowledge and experience.
Platinum jewelry, called the "queen of metals," is one of a kind. Those who come into contact with them remain enchanted for life.
.
.
