Platinum Jewelry - A 'Pure' Choice

Platinum, rarer than gold, was discovered in Ancient Egypt. It is one of the most precious metals in the world. This is a dense and very strong metal that can be put to different uses. Besides making jewelry, platinum is used in making catalytic converters and due to its oxidation resistance quality, it is also used in the medical field. It is a very workable and supple material despite its strength. Due to this, it becomes easy to make intricate designs on it, as compared to gold.

Platinum is considered to be a very pure metal. People who cannot wear gold, wear platinum as the best hypoallergenic accessory. When compared to gold, platinum also falls within the 18-24 carat range. The purity of 18 carat platinum is just 75% whereas 24 carat is the purest. In 18 carat platinum jewelry, 25% is an alloy like zinc, copper or silver. This means that in making platinum jewelry, a very small amount of alloy is required.

Jewelry made of this metal is not only resilient, but sturdy as well. You can wear it everyday and the scratches do not affect its quality the way it does in the case of other metals. The brilliance, weight and color of platinum jewelry are maintained even though there are scratches, unlike other precious metals that lose their luster.

Due to the beauty and versatility, jewelry made with platinum make very good gift items. Not many people own platinum jewelry due to its high cost. Consider platinum jewelry if you want to give someone special, something exceptional and unique. The Internet is considered to be the best place for buying platinum jewelry. You will not only get a wide selection of jewelry pieces, but it can also offer you good deals on your purchase because of the increasing competition among jewelers.

Online platinum jewelry shopping:

Before you visit a website for buying jewelry, do some research about platinum so that you will know a good deal when you see it. The information will help you to find what you are looking for. There are several websites on the Internet where you can read a lot about this metal.

Some facts about platinum jewelry:

Besides the price, jewelry made of platinum is well known for other characteristics as well. The most important characteristic is that it is 60% heavier as compared to gold and mostly 90% platinum is used. This metal is said to be more durable than any other type of jewelry and it is very easy to clean. You can adorn platinum with other precious stones and metals like diamonds. Diamonds set in platinum look stunning as the color of the stone blends perfectly with the metal.

Platinum, as the most valuable metal is also becoming the most preferred option for making jewelry. It is strong and tarnish resistant and just like diamonds, it is said to last forever. So if you are planning on making your anniversary or any special occasion even more special, then buy platinum jewelry.

By Victor Epand

Platinum Engagement Rings Are Stylish and Expensive

You've just gotten engaged. Of course, your relationship is unique and you want an engagement as unique and valuable as your love. Why not use platinum?

Platinum has become the new standard of the highest quality. Credit card companies now tout their platinum cards. Where once a performer coveted receiving a gold record, platinum is now the mark to shoot for. Thus platinum engagement and wedding rings mark your relationship as the standard to shoot for too.

Most people think platinum is a newcomer among the precious metals. Actually it was known in ancient Egypt as early as 700 B.C., so it is an old metal. There are records of platinum/gold alloys in South Africa in 100 B.C. Scientifically, platinum was recognized as an element in 1700 A.D. but not really used much in jewelry until the early 20th century.

Platinum is used much more today but it is still rare and expensive, 30 times more rare than gold. In its natural state, it is grayish white. When used in jewelry, it is paired with iridium (in a ratio of 90 percent platinum to 10 percent iridium) to make it shine. Platinum is very malleable and more resistant to wear and oxidation than gold.

If you choose a platinum engagement ring, be careful: Platinum has been known to cause skin rashes. It also can tarnish easily. But keep in mind that more people are known to be allergic to gold than to platinum. As long as you try platinum rings on first to test your sensitivity, you should be safe. For the most part, platinum rings very little maintenance and will keep their brand-new appearance for a long time.

Budget conscious couples may be more attracted to titanium than platinum for their engagement rings. Titanium is certainly less expensive and is similar in color and durability to platinum. However titanium is difficult to cut and work with, so many jewelers don't like working with it. That's something to keep in mind if you want a custom-made ring.

When you go to select your ring, take your time. There are many beautiful styles available. One of them is bound to be just right for you. Or, you may consider having a ring custom made. Jewelers have custom-ring design software packages so they can make your ring exactly how you want it. Look online and in magazines for ideas of what you want and bring those ideas in.

While platinum is still very rare and expensive, it is a wonderfully durable metal, one that will make that all-important engagement ring a piece that is valued in more ways than one. By choosing platinum, you will have an heirloom that will last as long as your love for each other.

By Leroy Calstard