Diamond Jewelry

Platinum jewelry was first used in ancient Egypt and it has been popular eversince. However, it was not until the late 1800's that the popularity of platinum reached the current heights when royalty started to wear them. The world's most famous diamonds, Star of Africa and Hope Diamond, are both in platinum. In the beginning of World War II, the US government declared it a strategic metal and could only be used for official business and platinum jewelry ceased. Now, platinum has reached its heights once again and is one of the most popular precious metals in personal accessories, especially popular as settings for the highest quality gemstones. Most people who enjoys white gold or silver jewelry would go for platinum if they have the money to spare. If you really want to be impressive, you know what to give her. World supply of platinum is around 7 million troy ounces (199,000 kg) per year. Platinum's cost fluctuates around USD $1200 per ounce ($35/g).

Platinum Markings

Platinum is counted in 1000 parts. Most pieces are 95% pure, or 950 parts per thousand. For guaranteed quality, look for the marks 950 Plat, 950Pt, Pt950, Plat, 900Pt, Pt900, or 900Plat. When shopping for platinum jewelry, it's important to know the meaning of different platinum markings found etched either on the inside or backside of the piece.

100 - 99% = Platinum, Plat, Pt999= 999 parts per thousand, 1 part other metal
95% = Platinum, Pt, 950Pt, Pt950, 950Plat= 950 parts per thousand and 50 parts other metal
90% = Platinum, Pt900, 900Pt, 900Plat= 900 parts per thousand and 100 parts other metal

Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic which makes it safe for even the most sensitive skin. The metal resists tarnish and, because of its purity, is one of the strongest, most durable metals in the world. Platinum is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. A heavy, malleable, ductile, precious, grey-white transition metal, platinum is resistant to corrosion and occurs in some nickel and copper ores along with some native deposits. Platinum is used in jewelry, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry, and automobile emissions control devices.

Platinum Engagement Rings

When buying a platinum engagement ring, it is extremely important to keep in mind the lifestyle of the bride-to-be; the metals of the engagement ring are very important to the lifespan of the ring. For many women, a platinum engagement ring is the perfect choice. Platinum is a white metal that is very dense (heavy) and very strong. Generally, it is used in an almost pure form. It will not tarnish or lose its color due to its purity. It can not be stated enough, platinum is ideal for someone with skin allergies as it is hypoallergenic and will not cause skin irritations. Other metals are not used in their pure form and cannot make these types of promises because of that fact.

Diamonds are the popular choice for an engagement ring prized for their elegance, beauty, color, brilliance, and enduring nature. Platinum is a diamond's best friend complimenting beautifully these qualities.

Platinum's natural white-silver-gray luster is unaffected by time and forever enhances a diamond's sparkle, which means your engagement ring will explode with brilliance.
Platinum contains no yellow color hue or alloys to tinge a diamond's brilliance.
Platinum's unequaled durability, density and resistance to wear makes it the most secure, protective metal for settings, which means your diamond will be protected for a lifetime of wear.

When pure, the metal appears grayish-white and firm. The metal is corrosion-resistant. The catalytic properties of the six platinum family metals are outstanding. For this catalytic property, platinum is used in catalytic converters, incorporated in automobile exhaust systems, as well as tips of spark plugs. Platinum's wear- and tarnish-resistance characteristics are well suited for making fine jewelry. Platinum is more precious than gold. The price of platinum changes along with its availability, but it normally costs slightly less than twice the price of gold. In the 18th century, platinum's rarity made King Louis XV of France declare it the only metal fit for a king.