· What is Platinum?
· Does Platinum tarnish like silver?
· Are there different cleaning needs for jewelry made from platinum?
· What is the difference between 14k White Gold and Platinum?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What is Platinum? Back to Questions

A: Platinum is a white metal that is found in nature in usually alluvial (water-washed and -transported sediment) deposits.  Its name is a derivative of the Spanish word "plantina," which means "silver."  It was first found in 1741 in New Granada, now known as Colombia, South America.  It is heavier than gold and is usually much stronger,  and is best used to hold important gems.  In jewelry, platinum is usually used at 90% to 95% purity, and thus it is a purer metal than the 14kt (58.5%), or 18kt (75.0%) alloys of gold and therefore it is much more expensive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Does platinum tarnish like silver? Back to Questions

A: No, platinum does not tarnish, and because it does not, it is in high demand for use in the art, industrial and medical fields. It is one of the very few metals that does not cause allergies to the human body and is used in surgical situations for bone supports, pins and plates. Although platinum that does come in contact with certain chemicals can develop a darker patina, it can be easily removed by simple buffing by a reputable jeweler.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Are there different cleaning needs for jewelry made from platinum? Back to Questions

A: No, a standard recommended jewelry cleaner available at any jewelry store is fine for this purpose, as well as a mild liquid soap mixture that you can mix at home while using a discarded toothbrush to clean crevices, undercarriages and behind the gemstones. Wipe the item with a soft cloth to clean off fingerprints and smudges. Please note that it will not remove the scratches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What is the difference between 14kt white gold and platinum? Back to Questions

A: A platinum item of the exact same proportions will weigh 60% more than the same item in 14kt white gold. White gold is an alloy of pure yellow gold that has had other metals added to the mixture to bleach out the yellow color (nickel was one of the alloys used in many older pieces of white gold jewelry along with silver, platinum and palladium, etc.). 14kt white gold is usually electroplated with rhodium (another member of the platinum group), to increase its brilliance and enhance a whiter look. On the other hand, platinum is a naturally white metal. Platinum's hardness and density make it the best metal choice to secure expensive stones.