Metal Matters
Why Platinum is Better Than Gold for Your Jewelry Purchase
Choosing platinum is a celebration of beauty, authenticity and longevity. Not only do these elements factor into the construction of every piece of platinum jewelry, they also reflect a relationship built upon the same traits. If you’re considering platinum to symbolize the start of your life’s next chapter, read on to discover the qualities that set it apart from all other precious metals.
Platinum is one tough metal.
In fact, it’s denser and much more durable than gold. With a high concentration of platinum in its alloys—the term used to indicate mixtures of precious metals used in manufacturing—platinum is known for its ability to withstand daily wear without metal loss. That’s why it’s the industry standard for a diamond’s setting. A Platinum crown ensures that a diamond will be held securely.
Platinum’s unmatched durability make it possible for jewelry to be passed down from generation to generation. Platinum is a popular choice for resetting heirloom jewelry in order to extend the life of a gemstone or turn an antique piece into something new entirely.
Platinum is known for its natural white color— a truly white metal, unlike “white gold.”
White gold is actually yellow gold that was mixed with other metals and then plated with rhodium to appear more white—a white mask that will unveil a yellow tinge over time. Platinum, on the other hand, will maintain its naturally white color.
When diamonds are set in platinum, their fire and brilliance are much more evident against platinum’s “true white.” This is what
makes platinum the ideal metal for setting diamonds in engagement rings, diamond bands, and other fine jewelry.
Platinum’s true white enhances the appearance of gemstones, too. From rubies to emeralds to sapphires, colored gemstones appear more vibrant when they are secured in platinum.
If you look closely at a piece of well-loved platinum jewelry, you will notice a satiny finish on the surface that developed over time.
This change in texture is known as “patina.”
Platinum’s patina is celebrated by jewelry lovers and designers because it underscores the metal’s authenticity.
All metals scratch, but when platinum is scratched metal moves aside. When gold is scratched tiny bits flake away.
Understanding Platinum’s Purity.
Not only will platinum jewelry be durable and ensure the security of diamonds and gemstones, but it is also a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies to other metals, like nickel (often found in white gold) as platinum is hypoallergenic.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) establishes standards for the purity levels for jewelry. For platinum, the current standard is 850ppt (parts per thousand) and above, which means at least 85% of the piece of jewelry must contain platinum.
To determine the purity level of your jewelry, look for the stamp indicating the composition of the platinum. Stamps will include:
- 95% Platinum- PLATINUM, PLAT, PT950, 950PT
- 90% Platinum- PT 900, 900PT, 90/10 Pt/Ir
- 85% Platinum- PT850, 850PT
In the US, the most common purity level for platinum is 95% Platinum and is the only purity level that can use the stamp ‘Platinum’ on a jewelry piece. PT850 is commonly used in the manufacture of platinum chains.
Compare platinum to 14 karat gold which only has 58.5% gold in the jewelry’s composition and 18 karat gold has 75%.
With so many advantages over other metals, it’s no surprise that platinum enjoys a rich heritage. It was the precious metal of choice during the 19th and 20th centuries, and today it remains the superior choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and any piece of jewelry in your collection that has a special meaning to you.
Choosing platinum is a celebration of beauty, authenticity and longevity. Not only do these elements factor into the construction of every piece of platinum jewelry, they also reflect a relationship built upon the same traits. If you’re considering platinum to symbolize the start of your life’s next chapter, read on to discover the qualities that set it apart from all other precious metals.
Platinum is one tough metal.
In fact, it’s denser and much more durable than gold. With a high concentration of platinum in its alloys—the term used to indicate mixtures of precious metals used in manufacturing—platinum is known for its ability to withstand daily wear without metal loss. That’s why it’s the industry standard for a diamond’s setting. A Platinum crown ensures that a diamond will be held securely.
Platinum’s unmatched durability make it possible for jewelry to be passed down from generation to generation. Platinum is a popular choice for resetting heirloom jewelry in order to extend the life of a gemstone or turn an antique piece into something new entirely.
Platinum is known for its natural white color— a truly white metal, unlike “white gold.”
White gold is actually yellow gold that was mixed with other metals and then plated with rhodium to appear more white—a white mask that will unveil a yellow tinge over time. Platinum, on the other hand, will maintain its naturally white color.
When diamonds are set in platinum, their fire and brilliance are much more evident against platinum’s “true white.” This is what
makes platinum the ideal metal for setting diamonds in engagement rings, diamond bands, and other fine jewelry.
Platinum’s true white enhances the appearance of gemstones, too. From rubies to emeralds to sapphires, colored gemstones appear more vibrant when they are secured in platinum.
If you look closely at a piece of well-loved platinum jewelry, you will notice a satiny finish on the surface that developed over time.
This change in texture is known as “patina.”
Platinum’s patina is celebrated by jewelry lovers and designers because it underscores the metal’s authenticity.
All metals scratch, but when platinum is scratched metal moves aside. When gold is scratched tiny bits flake away.
Understanding Platinum’s Purity.
Not only will platinum jewelry be durable and ensure the security of diamonds and gemstones, but it is also a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies to other metals, like nickel (often found in white gold) as platinum is hypoallergenic.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) establishes standards for the purity levels for jewelry. For platinum, the current standard is 850ppt (parts per thousand) and above, which means at least 85% of the piece of jewelry must contain platinum.
To determine the purity level of your jewelry, look for the stamp indicating the composition of the platinum. Stamps will include:
- 95% Platinum- PLATINUM, PLAT, PT950, 950PT
- 90% Platinum- PT 900, 900PT, 90/10 Pt/Ir
- 85% Platinum- PT850, 850PT
In the US, the most common purity level for platinum is 95% Platinum and is the only purity level that can use the stamp ‘Platinum’ on a jewelry piece. PT850 is commonly used in the manufacture of platinum chains.
Compare platinum to 14 karat gold which only has 58.5% gold in the jewelry’s composition and 18 karat gold has 75%.
With so many advantages over other metals, it’s no surprise that platinum enjoys a rich heritage. It was the precious metal of choice during the 19th and 20th centuries, and today it remains the superior choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and any piece of jewelry in your collection that has a special meaning to you.
