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Platinum Information |
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 | | Platinum... Platinum is one of the rarest and purest precious metals in the world. The perfect jewelry material for these fortuitous times, Platinum is regarded by many as a "new" metal. Platinum is found in only a few locations around the world. In actuality, Platinum was discovered long before the concept of "modern" came into vogue. Dating back to 700 BC, when the ancient Egyptians mastered the techniques of processing Platinum, and to 100 BC when South American Indians combined Platinum with Gold, Platinum has been held in high regard as a symbol of wealth and nobility. Though widely utilized since then, the true worth of Platinum was underappreciated until the eighteenth century, when the Europeans began to recognize Platinum's beauty. The "Art Nouveau" jewelry that emerged from that era's pairing of Platinum and Diamonds has transcended the years. Aesthetically, Platinum is incomparable. Platinum the most precious of all metals. Is Pure, Rare and Eternal. The ability of Platinum to hold gemstones immovably secure, while enhancing their brilliance and depth with its subtle, deep white luster, makes it a setting without equal. Platinum will never tarnish, and, despite its inordinate flexibility, Platinum does not expand or distort even when exposed to heat. Platinum is hypoallergenic, and Platinum lasts. Platinum is in demand. From 1970 to 1999 Platinum sales have increased more than 700 percent. New automated casting and manufacturing equipment has improved the quality and increased the amount of Platinum jewelry available to the public. Platinum, elegant and subtle, never competes with the color of a gem. Platinum's deep luster enhances the brilliance of diamonds. Platinum. . . pure, precious and incomparable.
|     | | 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. . 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. 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. Platinum jewelry can be worn over a lifetime and passed on to future generations, so where you buy it is important. 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. We will not only help you with your purchases, but with custom design, repairs or simply answer all you questions about jewelry. |   | | Common Questions about Platinum Jewelry Why is platinum's purity important to me? Platinum, one of the world's strongest metals, is hypoallergenic, tarnish resistant, and extremely durable. Is platinum the same as white gold? No, it is quite different. During World War II, the U.S. government prohibited platinum use in non-military applications, including jewelry. Because of strong consumer preference for platinum's pure white luster, white gold was substituted in platinum's absence. To create white gold, yellow gold is alloyed with other metals to achieve a white look. However, platinum is white to begin with and maintains its white luster permanently. Its purity, strength, rarity, durability and naturally rich, white color make it the best choice. How should I care and clean my platinum jewelry? Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. Use a good prepackaged jewelry cleaner available or have it professionally cleaned at your jewelry store. As with all precious jewelry, handle with care, not allowing pieces to touch or scratch each other. Will platinum scratch? Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even in platinum. However, due to platinum's durability and strength there is usually little metal loss when the piece is scratched. If your platinum jewelry does develop visible scratches, you should have the piece repolished by a professional jeweler. Is platinum fashionable? Will it coordinate with my gold jewelry? Platinum's white color beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your existing wardrobe. |
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