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Platinum is an extremely "hard" metal, and is quickly becoming more popular than gold with jewelry-makers.

Platinum History

Platinum is found in nature alloyed with the other metals of the so-called platinum group. The group metals are iridium, osmium, palladium, rhodium and ruthenium. These metals are found in deposits in Russia, South Africa, Colombia and Alaska. Platinum and the related metals are recovered commercially as a byproduct of the refining of nickel ores mined near Sudbury, Ont., Canada; from gold mines in South Africa;and from alluvial deposits in Russia. Platinum has many uses. Its wear and tarnish resistance characteristics are well-suited for making fine jewelry. Platinum and its alloys are used in surgical tools, laboratory utensils, electrical resistance wires, and electrical contact points.

The most important of the alloys are those with iridium. Because its thermal coefficient of expansion is nearly equal to that of glass, platinum is used to make electrodes sealed in glass. It is used extensively in dentistry and a platinum-osmium alloy is used in implants such as pacemakers and replacement valves. Although platinum was used as a adulterant for gold over a century ago, it is now considered the more valuable of the two. Platinum has a beautiful finish and makes a perfect background for the fire of a diamond.

If you are in any way allergic to metals, platinum is the clear choice since it is hypoallergenic and will not irritate the skin. Search for platinum wedding rings and bands marked 900Pt, 950 Plat, or Plat. This will ensure you are getting good quality platinum. Like gold, platinum is durable, sturdy and dependable, making it an ideal setting for your precious diamond jewelry. Do not wear platinum jewelry when it could get scratched or when handling harsh chemicals.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Platinum Ring

1. If you like white gold or silver, Platinum is for you.
2. Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic.
3. Platinum resists tarnish.
4. Because of its purity, it is one of the strongest, most durable metals in the world.
5. Platinum jewelry is commonly alloyed with copper, titanium, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium.
6. Platinum is more pure than white gold. It weighs 60% more than 14k gold. Because platinum is 1000 parts, you get more of this precious metal compared to the same amount of gold.
7. If it is scratched, it loses no metal. Because of its great density there is a strong barrier against scratches.
8. The rarity of platinum makes it an elite piece of jewelry. To get a single ounce it takes ten tons of ore and five months.
9. Platinum has more luminescence than white gold. White gold sometimes has a white tint to it, but platinum always has a complete shine and mirror sheen.
10. Because of its strength and durability, Platinum is great for everyday pieces.


Check Out This Great Collection of Platinum Jewelry

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