The heavens above us provide us with the precious metal platinum, as it is a by-product of supernovas. The some of the meteorites that are released upon explosion eventually fall to the earth. This is what we call platinum.
- The History of Platinum
Various cultures on many continents have discovered and made use of platinum. The gold imported to ancient Egypt was blended into an alloy of platinum from the Nubian kingdom. They included platinum into an assortment of jewelry types and other such decorative ornaments. Some of the ceremonial jewelry of the ancient Incas was fashioned of platinum. However, the Spanish conquistadors mistook platinum as being a second rate metal and then simply threw it into the rivers to ripen. During the 18th century after being introduced to Europe, platinum was commonly included as an ingredient of potions and elixirs. Two kings share a common history as holding platinum in high esteem as a precious metal worthy of royal standing, these were King Carlos III of Spain and King Louis XVI of France. Platinum was the first precious metal to be fashioned into a classically traditional Easter Fabergé egg. The late 1800’s saw the introduction of royal clothing constructed with platinum threads. Platinum became a very fashionable precious metal when included in the mourning jewelry the colors of black and white of those left behind after the Titanic sank into the watery depths of the sea.
- Platinum Jewelry Banned & Reinstated
Although platinum commonly used for jewelry until 1939 to 1945, at which time the military forces began, using platinum for defense purposes, it banned the use of platinum in jewelry and white gold came into use as a substitute. Of course, after the war, platinum quickly regained it popularity as a precious metal used for jewelry making. As a matter of fact, Elvis the king of rock and roll asked for the hand of Priscilla Beaulieu while offering her platinum wedding rings. Many modern jewelry lovers enjoy the precious metal platinum jewelry pieces. Platinum is extremely durable and strong and will not wear down very quickly as it is the heaviest of all the various precious metals. Compared to gold, platinum is nearly twice as heavy in weight. However, platinum can be scratched although, only the particles become displaced rather than an actual loss of precious metal, the remedy is found by polishing your jewelry pieces to regain its original beauty.
- How is Platinum Made?
In order to produce one ounce of platinum, 10 tons of ore must be mined, the overall process of turning this raw ore into pure platinum as a precious metal takes up to 5 months. This explains why platinum is so very rare. Platinum is only useful for fashioning jewelry after being processed. According to United States regulations, platinum jewelry must be 90 to 95% pure platinum, therefore when you are jewelry shopping you should look for hallmarks on platinum that state 900 or 950 as well as an identification serial number. Various popular jewelry designers include gold and platinum into numerous pieces of fashionable jewelry, since the yellows of gold and the whites of platinum compliment each other very well and make for some stunning jewelry pieces worthy of any jewelry collection.
- Platinum Care & Storage
Remember that platinum is extremely durable and strong, therefore while storing your fine jewelry you should store your platinum jewelry pieces separately in a chamois bag or in your favorite jewelry box. This will avoid the probability of your other precious metals and gemstones becoming damaged by dents and scratched. You can properly care for your platinum jewelry by cleaning it in the same manner as you do any other type of fine jewelry. When you need your platinum jewelry inspected or adjusted for any reason you should visit your favorite jeweler, this is recommended as being every 6 months in addition to your professional jewelry cleaning.
© 2009 Sara Valor
