The Truth About Platinum
Is platinum a new metal?
After all, in the past, one would associate diamonds with gold. Nowadays, the most expensive fine jewelry designs set diamonds in platinum.
The truth is, platinum has been on this earth for billions of years. This brilliant metal really came from the skies. Meteorites contain platinum and meteorites have been landing on earth for billions of years already.
Kind of romantic if you think about it.
That pure white platinum jewelry could once have been part of a star. Part of a meteorite that travelled through space before it landed in our world.
Ironically, there was a time when platinum was thought to be an inferior metal by people searching for gold. Platinum looks like silver, so in 1590, when the Spanish discovered platinum, they named it platina, which means little silver. The newly rediscovered platinum was thrown back into the river, its value totally misunderstood at that time.
2 centuries later, King Louis XVI of France declared platinum to be the only metal fit for kings. Thus began the love of platinum by the royals. In fact, the late Queen Mother, Queen Elisabeth's crown was made of platinum. Owning a piece of platinum jewelry today gives you something in common with the royals. Both you and the royals wear platinum.
Even Hollywood Royalty appreciates the value of platinum. The King, Elvis Presley exchanged platinum wedding rings with his wife Priscilla. Joe Dimaggio gave Marilyn Monroe 3 carat solitaire diamond platinum engagement ring. Movie legends would set their diamonds in platinum. In fact, diamond platinum engagement rings are the preferred engagement rings of the well heeled.
Platinum is a special metal. It does not fade or tarnish. It does not corrode. In fact, it is so lasting, platinum was used to make the standard kilogram weight. Platinum is eternal. Diamonds are eternal. That is one of the reasons why diamonds and platinum are the perfect match.
Another reason why diamonds an platinum go together is the color of platinum. Platinum is a brilliant white. Diamonds are graded on their color among other factors. The whiter the diamond, the higher its value. When a diamond is set in platinum, the whiteness of the platinum makes the diamond look whiter, brighter, more precious.
Platinum is extremely pliable. It can be drawn into a very fine wire very easily. Yet it is so strong. That means jewellers can create very intricate jewelry pieces with platinum. Jewellers can create fine prongs with platinum with which to hold the diamond, yet these thin prongs are so strong they hold the diamond securely.
Diamonds aside, platinum is the metal of choice for anyone who has sensitive skin. Jewelry rash can occur even with gold jewelry. The impurities in most other metals, including gold, can cause a rash. The rash could even happen years later, after wearing the jewelry daily for long periods of time.
Platinum wearers don't have to worry about jewelry rash. Platinum is 95% pure. Platinum is hypoallergenic, so the best way to deal with a jewelry rash is to switch to platinum.
The problem with platinum is that it is so rare. It is 35 times rarer than gold. There is so little platinum on earth, yet its uses are so wide. Because platinum is compatible with the human body, platinum is used in medicine, to make pace makers, for example. Platinum is also a catalyst and is essential in many chemical processes. Platinum is such a precious metal that during World War II, U.S. banned platinum from being used for any non-military purpose. That is why, for so many years, platinum was not used in jewelry making.
Due to its rarity, platinum is an excellent precious metal to invest in. Anything that is so rare and has so many uses would appreciate in price, with time, which makes platinum jewelry a wise investment.
The writer is the webmaster of Platinum Jewelry , where you can buy truly exquisite platinum jewelry online.
Latest News
 Shiny Style | Target does spring on the cheap Los Angeles Times, CA - Melissa Magsaysay is the Fashion Market editor and assistant style editor for Image. She covers trends in fashion and accessories and produces and styles ... Lots of Target news - a new collection and new designer collabo |
 Seattle Post Intelligencer | Red Carpet Wrap: Hathaway, Hudson Fashion Battle At ‘Bride Wars ... MTV.com - Hudson — on the other hand — always keeps us guessing when it comes to fashion. In February at the Elle Style Awards, she wore a tux-inspired jacket over a ... The Fashion War Begins! Bride Wars Fashion 'Kate darling, you didn't tell me you were dressing up?!' Miss ... |
Rihanna and Fashion Designer JGerard Rock the "B96 Jingle Bash ... MSNBC - JULIA "LADY J" GERARD: a true fashion maven, rock 'n' roller, and rebel with a cause. "LADY J" is an original in every sense of the word. Creating style ... |
Fashion Flash: Dan Kilbane has an easygoing, theatrical style The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com, OH - Well, there can be that element, but most are very hard-working and realistic about everything they have to do to get a show going. ... |
Working Toward Veronica Lake New York Times, United States - More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on January 8, 2009, on page E3 of the New York edition. |
 SOHH | Biggie's Iconic Fashion Sense Lives On W/ Brooklyn Mint SOHH, Jersey City - Often remembered for his frequent references to "Coogi sweaters" and "Jesus pieces," the Brooklyn, New York-bred emcee upped his style in the 90s when he ... |
myShape(R) Reveals Its Fashion Preview for 2009 and New Style ... MSNBC - Before making any fashion decisions, Patty Fox suggests that you ask yourself "Who are you today?" to discover outfits that fit your style personality. ... |
 Malaysia Star | Stepping out in style Malaysia Star, Malaysia - Over the years I visited Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice, and fell in love with their natural flair for style and fashion. I also want a more universal ... |
ASUS Launches Eee PC S101 for the Fashion Conscious in India IT News Online, India - ASUS has launched the Eee PC S101, an exquisitely designed netbook for fashion conscious individuals who view style as much of a factor of success as ... |
56th PGA Merchandise Show announces its new Fashion Gallery WorldGolf.com, AZ - "Fresh Faces in Fashion" reception featuring hot new designers of golf fashion. - Daily Presentations of "Elements of Style" by Annmarie Dodd and Argy ... |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time