Platinum
The Basics
Platinum is the rarest of the precious metals. This exquisite metal is 30 times rarer than gold. In contrast with gold and silver, there are no large above-ground platinum stockpiles to fill the gap against significant supply disruptions. There is very little platinum on this earth and it is found in very few places around the world. Roughly 75% of all platinum supplies come from South Africa and another 15% from Russia. Although evidence shows that platinum has been used in jewellery since ancient times, the first large deposits were only discovered in Russia's Ural mountain in 1820. In South Africa the deposits are located north of Pretoria, in an area known as the Bushveld Complex. Deep within the earth, these vast deposits, which are over 100km in length, have platinum reserves that will last into the next century.
When the ore containing platinum is extracted from the earth, it must be separated out into its constituent parts to extract the platinum, a process that takes up to 20 weeks. Approximately 10 tons of raw ore must be mined to produce just one pure ounce of platinum.
Platinum has unique chemical and physical properties that make it essential in a wide range of industrial and environmental applications. And yet, it is also considered one of the finest of all jewellery metals. Over 20% of all consumer goods either contain platinum or are produced using platinum. As a consequence, the continued expansion of advanced and developing economies has caused demand for the metal to grow at a faster pace than it is being mined.
Platinum is prized the world over for its understated elegance and its tensile strength, making it the most secure precious metal for setting precious stones. Platinum has become the precious metal of choice of the world's glitterati, loved by stars such as Sir Elton John.
In addition to its strength and density, platinum has another remarkable quality - pliability. Platinum is so pliable, that just one gram of the metal can be drawn to produce a fine wire over one mile (almost 2 km) long. This quality has enabled jewellers to create some amazing versatile platinum mesh accessories, which could not be fashioned from other precious metals.
Platinum in Jewellery
In jewellery, like other precious metals it is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Typically platinum is alloyed with copper, iridium, palladium, rhodium, osmium or titanium.
Platinum has been required to be hallmarked in Britain since January 1st 1975. Before 1975 there was no recognised standard and because of this, most early pieces marked "plat" or platinum, may be of very variable, and quite low fineness, and most would fail modern assay standards.
From 1975 until January 1st 1999, the only officially recognised standard of purity or "fineness" in Britain was 950 parts per 1000, but now there are four standards, which are 850, 900, 950 and 999 parts per thousand. The purer the platinum used in jewellery, the more durable it is.
Durability
Platinum jewellery is the perfect choice for a lifetime of everyday wear. Its density and weight make it more durable than other jewellery metals. Platinum does not wear away and holds precious stones firmly and securely. Like all precious metals, platinum scratches. However, the scratch on a platinum piece is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost. So, even though wearing it each and every day may leave an impression on the surface, it remains what it was - a symbol for all things eternal.
History of Platinum
Meteorites contain platinum and the earliest recorded meteorite impact on Earth happened 2 billion years ago. Since then, this rare and beguiling treasure has made sporadic appearances throughout history, mysteriously disappearing for centuries at a time, both baffling and enchanting those who have come across it. The Ancient Egyptians, pre-Incan civilisations and the Spanish conquistadors all encountered platinum. It then re-emerged in the 1700s to fascinate kings and alchemists alike.
In the 19th century several major discoveries see platinum grow in both science and fashion. In 1803 British scientist WH Wallaston discovers a process for making platinum malleable, facilitating its commercial use. In 1819 platinum deposits are discovered in the Urals in Russia and in 1866 diamonds are discovered in Kimberley South Africa, thus boosting the popularity of platinum as the best setting for these precious stones.
In the late Late 1800s, platinum mania spreads across Europe and Russia. Kings, queens, tsars and maharajas bedeck themselves in platinum and even use platinum thread in royal gowns. Carlos IV of Spain commissions the creation of a 'Platinum Room' at the royal palace in Aranjuez. Reflecting the grandeur and splendor of the era, the room features hard wood decoration encrusted with platinum.
Platinum started to be used in jewellery in Europe about the mid nineteenth century, but it was not until the 1924 find that it started to become commonly used. It became very fashionable during the art deco movement.
In 1967 Elvis Presley marries Priscilla in a private ceremony at the Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas, USA. Their wedding rings are in platinum. The next few decades see platinum jewellery's popularity grow, especially for wedding bands and engagement rings.
Caring for Platinum
- Store pieces separately, in a jewellery box or chamois bag so they don't get scratched by other items of jewellery.
- Keep your precious pieces in a safe place and remember to have them sufficiently insured. If you are unsure about the value of your piece take it to your local jeweller for valuation.
- Clean your platinum jewellery periodically. This will help ensure its fine appearance and will help it last.
- Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewellery - using a pre-packaged jewellery cleaner or by soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water then gently rubbing it with a soft cloth.
- Have your platinum jewellery professionally cleaned once in a while. For platinum jewellery set with gemstones, be sure to do this every six months.
- Find a qualified jeweller for adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
- Ensure your jeweller has a platinum trained bench worker.
- Take your platinum piece to a qualified jeweller for polishing if visible scratches appear. All precious metals can scratch and platinum is no exception. However, the scratch on platinum is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost.
- Be aware that, over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" appearance. When this happens, you can take your piece to a qualified jeweller to have it re-polished to a high gloss look.
- Don't leave your platinum jewellery on when doing home cleaning, gardening and other types of heavy work or manual labour.
- Don't handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing platinum jewellery.
- Although they won't hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolour diamonds or gemstones.