Buying platinum jewelry is less common than buying jewelry made of other precious metals, perhaps because it is the most expensive, the most prestigious and the most exclusive of all the metals used in jewelry. However, despite its high price and the fact that there are many white metals on the market that closely resemble platinum, it has become the main choice especially when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands.
But what else is there about platinum jewelry that makes it worth buying? If you have asked yourself this question, it is time to clear your doubts. Well, here we will give you 8 compelling reasons why you will want to buy platinum jewelry.
1. Patino is purer
The higher the percentage of pure platinum, the more expensive the jewelry, so you will rarely find 100% platinum jewelry, so it will almost always be mixed with other metals. Among them copper, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, palladium and cobalt are the most used base metals in platinum alloys.
So to find out how much platinum your jewelry contains, you should look for the stamped seal, which tells you the level of purity of the metal. Some common platinum hallmarks are:
- 950 Silver either 950pt – The metal is at least 95% pure platinum and 5% alloy metals.
- 900 – 90% pure platinum and 10% alloy metals
- 850 Silver either 850pt – The purity of platinum is 85% and the other 15% are other metals.
- 800 Pt. 200 Pd. – The purity of platinum is 80%, while the other 20% is palladium (another platinum-based metal)
However, most platinum jewelry contains high levels of purity, which is generally between 85% to 95% platinum. To put this into perspective, 18K gold jewelry is only 75% gold, while 14K gold is only 58% gold. But in comparison, platinum jewelry that is below 80% pure is not considered platinum.
2. Low maintenance
You may have faded gold and tarnished silver jewelry in your collection that needs regular professional cleaning and polishing. But when shopping for platinum jewelry, all you’ll need is a simple steam cleaning or warm soapy water bath to keep it looking its best.
3. Platinum jewelry will always remain the same color
Especially when it comes to rings, when buying platinum jewelry you don’t have to wonder what they will look like in 30 years?
Since platinum is a naturally white metal and will not need any future maintenance to maintain the same color, unlike white gold which is its closest competitor. White gold is actually yellow gold that has been mixed with other metals and then plated with rhodium to make it appear white. But even though it can mimic the look of platinum, it is a white mascara that will reveal a yellow tint over time.
Because of this, your white gold jewelry will require plating with rhodium from time to time to maintain the same color. However, this is something you will never have to worry about in your platinum jewelry. They will never change color over time.
4. Platinum is rare
While gold is a popular choice due to its rarity, platinum is actually thirty times rarer than gold. In fact, each year, more than 2,700 tons of gold is turned into jewelry, while only approximately 88 tons of platinum are used to make jewelry each year.
So due to its rarity, platinum will be more valuable and will hold its value over the years. Making buying platinum jewelry a great option if you want to pass it down from generation to generation as part of your family heirlooms.
5. Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic
Since many people have sensitive skin and may experience allergic reactions when wearing metal jewelry. Especially when it comes to using precious alloys such as white gold, which contain different metals such as nickel, which is the main cause of allergies in jewelry.
But one of the advantages of buying platinum jewelry is that it is a hypoallergenic metal. By purchasing platinum jewelry the wearer does not have to worry about being sensitive to the metal. Well, the natural properties of platinum and the high purity of the jewelry make it the perfect hypoallergenic option.
6. Platinum jewelry will last a lifetime
All precious metals eventually show wear, including platinum. However, platinum is one of the most durable precious metals you can choose for a ring due to its durable nature, and will tarnish like gold compared to any precious metal.
When platinum is scratched, the metal is simply displaced and very little metal is lost. However, when gold is scratched, slivers of metal are lost, resulting in faster metal loss. Platinum will hold its volume over time and develop a warm patina finish that gives the ring character. The displacement of the metal actually works to stiffen the ring.
7. Platinum creates the most secure setting for diamonds
Due to the strength and durability of platinum, choosing platinum will ensure that the diamonds in the ring are safe. The prongs, which hold the diamonds in place, on a platinum ring are much stronger than a white or yellow gold ring. As we already know, platinum moves with force instead of breaking. Gold is much more brittle than platinum, so the chances of gold tips breaking after repeated force are greater.
8. Platinum will keep your diamond from looking yellow.
We now know that platinum is a naturally white metal. Due to its pure white color that will not change over time, you never have to worry about any unwanted colors reflecting off the diamond. White gold that yellows over time and yellow gold in general will reflect some yellowish tones in a diamond. In contrast, the natural white color of platinum enhances the brilliance of the diamond.
This is what makes platinum the ideal metal for setting diamonds in engagement rings, diamond bands, and other fine jewelry.