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Why Platinum?
Platinum is among the finest, purest and rarest precious
metals. It has an understated elegance that appeals to both
men and women.
One of the strongest and most enduring of metals, it is also
one of the heaviest. A piece of jewelry containing 90 percent
pure platinum weighs 60 percent more than a 14-karat gold
piece of similar size. Platinum is ideal for jewelry that's
worn everyday because it shows little wear. It's also hypoallergenic
and resists tarnish.
Platinum jewelry is pure. In the United States platinum jewelry
generally contains anywhere from 85 to 95 percent pure platinum.
By comparison, 18-karat gold is 75 percent pure gold and 14-karat
gold is only 58 percent pure gold.
If a piece of platinum jewelry is marked "Platinum" then
it contains at least 95 percent pure platinum. Jewelry with
85 to 95 percent pure platinum is marked "950 Plat." or "950
Pt.," "850 Plat." or "850 Pt.," etc. Both the two- and four-letter
abbreviation for platinum is used.
Jewelry containing at least 50 percent pure platinum and
at least 95 percent platinum group metals (platinum, palladium,
iridium, osmium, rhodium and ruthenium) is marked with the
platinum content followed by the content of the other metal.
For example: "600 Plat. 350 Irid." or "600 Pt. 350 Ir."
Jewelry containing less than 50 percent pure platinum content
cannot be marked with the word "platinum" or any abbreviation
thereof.
Platinum is rare. To produce a single ounce of finished
platinum, a total of 10 tons of ore must be mined. In comparison,
only three tons of ore are required to produce one ounce of
gold. This rarity gives platinum its cachet.
Platinum is lustrous. Platinum's rich, white luster complements
diamonds and other precious gems while its neutral color enhances
a stone's brilliance and depth.
Platinum is fashionable. Platinum jewelry appeals to many
people today because of its subtle beauty and understated
elegance. Many platinum jewelry designs are accented with
18-karat gold, creating a sophisticated, versatile and fashionable
look.
Whether you choose a ring, pin, bracelet, earrings, necklace
or bridal jewelry, you can find new and sophisticated platinum
designs. Some are all platinum for a sophisticated look, but
many feature 18-karat gold accents.
As platinum's pure white luster, strength and durability
are recognized and admired, bridal couples worldwide are rediscovering
platinum as the metal of choice for engagement, wedding and
anniversary jewelry.
A diamond and its setting should last forever. Because platinum
is superior to other metals in strength and durability, it
offers a diamond the greatest protection. The breathtaking
radiance of a diamond fused with the timeless elegance of
platinum creates a rare and enduring symbol of love.
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