Platinum. When you mention the name of this precious metal, it is automatically associated with the word “costly.” But why is this? We would like to tell you more about platinum, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to recognize a piece of platinum jewelry.
What is platinum?
Platinum is a naturally gray lustrous precious metal and is also known as a very strong metal. Platinum jewelry is less likely to be damaged and can therefore last a lifetime. For this reason, platinum is very durable. Because the metal is hypoallergenic, thus virtually ruling out possible allergic reactions from wearing platinum, it is sometimes called the metal without weaknesses.
How do I recognize platinum jewelry?
To make platinum suitable for processing, another metal is added to it to make an alloy. The purest form of the precious metal is too hard to process. At DiamondsByMe, we add cobalt to the alloy to make it softer. This makes the platinum somewhat more pliable, but it is still more difficult to work with. Therefore, platinum has a longer delivery time than gold or silver. Considering that a metal contains a thousand particles, a platinum alloy consists of 950 particles of pure platinum and 50 particles of added metal. That’s why platinum jewelry has a content stamp of 950. When you see this grade stamped in a piece of jewelry, you know it is made of platinum.
What color is platinum?
When you see platinum jewelry, you may recognize the metal as white gold at first glance. Yet there is a difference in color between these two metals. White gold can be recognized by its silvery brilliance. Platinum, on the other hand, has a beautiful luster which can best be described as having gray tones. A beautiful hue that radiates pure luxury and is also considered to perhaps be the most beautiful color of precious metal. In addition, platinum always retains its color. This is in contrast to white gold, which, over time, will return to its original yellowish color as a result of wear. For this reason, we would recommend you choose one type of metal if you wish to wear multiple rings in proximity to each other. So, either platinum rings or white gold rings.
For example, if you wear a platinum engagement ring, choose a platinum stacking ring when you get married. Platinum versus white gold. In the previous section, we have already mentioned some differences between platinum and white gold. The differences are the following:
● White gold has a silvery-white luster, while platinum has a grayish luster.
● With platinum, an allergic reaction is virtually impossible. With white gold, the chance of an allergic reaction, although still small, is slightly higher because the amount of nickel that may be used in the alloy has been regulated for a number of years.
● When processed, platinum is soft but more yielding (we call this more viscous) than gold, so the metal will not break as easily when damaged but will rather bend.
● Platinum always retains its color. In its natural form, white gold is slightly yellowish. To obtain the beautiful white gold color, a layer of rhodium is added. Through wear and tear, this layer will eventually wear off, and the jewelry will have to be rhodium-plated again. Thus, platinum is more maintenance-friendly than white gold.
● Because platinum is a difficult metal to process, it takes longer for the goldsmith to produce platinum jewelry than a piece of white gold jewelry. This also applies to adjustments on a piece of jewelry, such as adjusting the ring size.
● Due to the higher density of platinum, a platinum ring will weigh more than the same ring made of gold. Why choose platinum over gold?
The above-mentioned differences between the precious metals will probably help you when choosing between gold or platinum. A side from a personal preference for a certain metal, it could, however, be that you prefer platinum because of your cultural background. For example, men who follow Islamic customs are not permitted to wear gold. In this case, platinum is a very suitable alternative. Women following Islamic customs, on the other hand, are permitted to wear gold. The great thing at DiamondsByMe is that you always have the choice of combining different models and precious metals in a set of wedding rings. So, for example, a woman can choose a gold wedding ring, and a man can choose a platinum men’s ring.
Why is platinum so expensive?
This is not insignificant when considering gold or platinum: platinum is more expensive to process than gold. The factors that are considered when pricing the metal are that platinum is rarer than gold. However, it also has a higher density than gold, and a platinum alloy with 950 particles is purer than, for example, 18-carat gold, which contains 750 particles of pure gold. This means, for example, that, to make a set of platinum earrings, 95% of the 1000 particles will consist of pure platinum. For the same set of earrings in gold, “merely” 75% of 1000 particles of pure gold is processed in 18-karat gold. And, of course, the processing of the of metal must be considered. Because platinum is a more difficult precious metal to work with, a goldsmith typically requires more time making platinum jewelry, which means higher labor costs.
How do I take care of my platinum jewelry?
A handmade piece of jewelry is meant to shine. At DiamondsByMe, we believe that a piece of jewelry should last at least a lifetime. Therefore, from time to time, platinum jewelry will need proper maintenance. You can simply clean platinum jewelry with lukewarm water. For platinum jewelry with gemstones, be aware that detergent and soap residue can potentially get under the stone, which can have a detrimental effect on the stones’ luster. For more tips on how to clean your own jewelry, read this. In addition, we recommend that you send the jewelry back to us for maintenance every few years. The ring will then be cleaned. If the jewelry contains gemstones, the settings are checked, and, if necessary, the setting mounts are strengthened or straightened. You can read more about this on our Lifetime Warranty page.
Platinum jewelry made by the goldsmiths at DiamondsByMe
Now that you know a little more about platinum and the differences between platinum and white gold, you may find it a little easier to choose what best suits you. Whether you choose platinum necklaces, platinum bracelets or a beautiful engagement ring, each piece of jewelry is crafted with care and love by one of our talented and highly skilled goldsmiths. And it will be a beautiful treasure for life.
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