If fine jewellery is about making a statement, then platinum jewellery undoubtedly makes a bold and stunning one. The metal platinum is widely used in jewellery making and is undoubtedly one of the most popular precious metals available.
Let’s deep dive and take a closer look at platinum, its origin, history, and more.
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What is Platinum?
Platinum derives its name from the Spanish word ‘platina’ meaning ‘silver or little silver’ and its silvery-white hue does complete justice to it. It is a naturally occurring metal and is considerably rarer than gold. Also, it is heavier, harder, and highly resistant to corrosion or chemical attacks, unlike other metals.
What’s the Interesting Backstory?
Findings suggest that the initial use of platinum to design decorative items (combined with gold) began between 1200 and 700 BC in Ancient Egypt. It was also used to craft jewellery around the platinum-rich Ecuador and Columbia border. But its hardness and high melting point made platinum a difficult metal to work with and diminished its popularity.
It was much later, in the 19th century when its use began again after modern techniques to soften metals were discovered. Even though platinum had found its way to jewellers in the 1890s, its use declined again due to World War I. Finally, the Japanese are believed to have revived the use of platinum in jewellery and popularized it in the 1990s.
Why Is Platinum So Popular?
Platinum has become the most desired metal choice for jewellery today and that too for all the good reasons.
- Purity – Platinum used in jewellery making is 95% pure and has only 5% of other alloys. As a result of this high metal concentration, platinum retains its strength and also its alluring hue. Hence, it is considered a symbol of purity and is a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
- Durability – Its hardness, higher density, and weight (60% heavier than 14k gold) make platinum more durable than other metals. It offers the highest resistance to scratching, bending, and other damage. Thus, any setting designed with this metal will surely provide the best protection to your gemstone.
- Patina – It is described as the change in a metal’s finish and texture that develops over it due to regular use. And platinum is that one metal that develops the most beautiful patina that adds to its character and uniqueness. Plus, as it is non-plated and fairly low maintenance, you just have to wipe platinum jewellery with a soft cloth to restore its original shine.
- Hypoallergenic – Yes, platinum is hypoallergenic in nature. Owing to its remarkable purity, this metal is least likely to trigger any skin reactions or breakouts. It is considered an ideal metal choice even for people with sensitive skin or any allergies.
- Enhances diamonds – The natural white shine of platinum complements the radiance and colourless sparkle of diamonds. This metal doesn’t cast any colour on the gem making it a great white metal choice for all gemstone jewellery.
Final Note:
All the above reasons make it rather clear that platinum is highly sought-after and commands high value and price in today’s market. Hence, the next time you plan to add a beautiful platinum creation to your collection, go ahead without thinking twice.
Also Read: Which Is Better – Silver, White Gold or Platinum?
