PLATINUM EDUCATION
PLATINUM JEWELLERY
Platinum is a pure white metal found in nature. It is one of the rarest elements found in the earth's crust. Platinum is used in catalytic converters, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts and electrodes, dentistry equipment, and jewellery. Because only a few hundred tonnes are produced annually, it is a scarce material, is highly valuable and is a precious metal commodity. South Africa produces 80% of world’s platinum.
PLATINUM VS GOLD
Platinum is naturally white and will never lose its brilliant luster. Gold is naturally yellow. White gold is yellow gold that has been mixed with other metals to whiten it and is often plated with rhodium, which in time wears off and so regular re-plating is often required to maintain its whiteness. Platinum is also denser than gold so platinum rings weigh 40% more than the same design in 18Karat gold. Platinum’s tactile feel and reassuring weight cannot be matched by any other precious metal.
IS PLATINUM RESISTANT TO SCRATCHES
All precious metals scratch and platinum is no exception. However, unlike other precious metals, when platinum scratches, there is no measurable metal loss and the piece maintains its integrity and mass. No other metal survives generations of wear so beautifully.
WHY IS PLATINUM MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GOLD
Platinum is very rare metal found in only a few places globally, but it is in high demand. It's unique properties mean that apart from jewellery, many other industries rely on it. It has found many applications like catalytic convertors to reduce exhaust emission, computer hard disk drives, and its plays a vital role in heart pacemakers and anti–cancer treatment.
Platinum jewellery is also expensive because of the purity of the metal used. Platinum jewellery is generally made with 95% pure platinum compared with 18K Gold which is 75% pure gold.