Platinum jewelry tips

Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic which makes it safe for even the most sensitive skin, even people allergic to nickel can wear platinum jewelry.

During World War II platinum was declared a strategic metal to be used for military purposes only. As a result, white gold gained popularity to fill the gap left by Platinum's absence. These restrictions are no longer in force and platinum is regaining its popularity.

Platinum jewelry and white gold jewelry are similar in appearance, but there are differences:

	When platinum jewelry is scratched, it virtually loses no metal, instead it is displaced on the surface.
	Platinum is naturaly white and has more luminescence than white gold which has to be alloyed to get its white tint.
	Platinum is more rare than gold and therefore more valuable.
	Platinum jewelry is tarnish-resistant.
	Platinum's luster brings out the brilliance of diamonds far better than gold.

It is because of its rarity and lustre that platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings and as a result they are more readily available than other forms of jewelry.

When purchasing platinum jewelry, there are two topics that you must have some knowledge of:

	Platinum jewelry alloys
	Platinum jewelry marks

Platinum jewelry alloys

Platinum is commonly alloyed with palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium, all platinum group metals.

Platinum is also often alloyed with copper and titanium and is the only precious metal used in fine jewelry that is 90% to 95% pure.

Platinum jewlery will always have a platinum marking etched either on the inside or backside of the piece.

Platinum jewelry marks

Platinum Jewlery Purity	Platinum Jewelry Markings	Alloy Ratio
100 - 99%	Plat, Pt999	999 parts per thousand, 1 part other metal
95%	Pt, 950Pt, Pt950, 950Plat	950 parts per thousand, 50 part other metal
90%	Pt900, 900Pt, 900Plat	900 parts per thousand, 100 part other metal