Gem
World Jewellers
Facts and figures about Platinum.
Qualities of Platinum:
Unlike the other metals used in
jewellery, this metal is very hard in its natural state. When
manufactured into jewellery it is also the most pure of the
metals, normally 950 parts in 1000 are platinum, although
other standards are now legal. Until the 1975 platinum was not
hallmarked, therefore the exact purity of the metal used
cannot be known for certain. Do note that since January 1999
lower standards for platinum now exist in the UK. These along
with the established standard can legally be sold as platinum
(as far as I can tell). The buyer should establish by checking
the hallmark the quality of any new platinum purchased, and if
unsure, should only buy from reputable shops. For full details
of the new standards, read the page on hallmarking.
Like gold it will not tarnish in normal use. When new its
colour is similar to silver, but it slowly wears to a dull
grey. You can't polish it at home, so eventually the best
thing is to take it to a jeweller, who can restore its
appearance. It's difficult to work, and very difficult to
solder, melting at a much higher temperature than the other
metals described here, and the solder melts at a temperature
too close for comfort to the rest of the item.
So you won't see many items made from platinum, and if you do,
they're sure to be expensive. It's main use in jewellery, is
as a secure mount for precious stones, especially diamonds.
Being harder than gold, it will hold valuable stones more
safely than gold, while its colour enhances their appearance,
finally it will retain its patterning longer.
Other uses for platinum:
It's used a lot in laboratories,
because it doesn't react with most other chemicals. And you'll
find it in the catalytic converters under new cars.
16 Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, BH4 9AR.
Tel: 01202 761764 Fax: 01202 751481