Platinum
There are many reasons to choose platinum at our custom jewelry designer in Seattle and Bellevue. It is hypoallergenic, resists damage by heat and acids, and is the most secure precious metal for holding a diamond in its setting. It is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people make the shift to white metal for their jewelry rather than the yellow gold that once dominated the market. Platinum is extremely rare and much sought after and can be paired with many different types of gemstones. It is an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a wedding band or a special piece to commemorate a milestone anniversary.
The History of Platinum
Platinum has been used for many things throughout history. It has been found in jewelry and even a sarcophagus made by the Ancient Egyptians, usually mixed with gold. The Incas and their predecessors also used platinum-laced gold for all types of ceremonial jewelry, most notably their nose rings.
The modern name "platinum" has its roots in the use of the word platina, or "little silver" by the conquistadores to describe what they thought was an inferior metal akin to silver, when what they were really looking for was gold. Little did they know how rare, valuable and versatile platinum would prove to be.
Starting in the 1700s, platinum started to make its way into Europe, and it was then that alchemists began using this plain metal to help them turn lead into gold. However, it didn’t take long before Theophil Scheffer, a Swedish scientist in the 1750s, realized how rare platinum was and designated it a precious metal. From then on, it was highly sought-after and valued by royalty all over the continent.
Since then, platinum has been used for all sorts of important and rare treasures. Faberge Eggs, for instance, always contain platinum as part of their delicate design. There is even a Platinum Room in the Spanish royal palace, featuring platinum-encrusted decorations all around.
Platinum and the Metric System
Because of its durability and resistance to corrosion, platinum was used to create the original weight to serve as the standard for a kilogram when the metric system was first being devised in France. This original piece can still be found in Paris at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
Platinum Wedding Bands
Platinum is an increasingly popular choice for both engagement rings and wedding bands. It is especially good for engagement rings because of its status as the best metal for setting diamonds, the traditional gemstone to signify engagement. Because wedding and engagement rings are worn every day and not just on special occasions, they must ideally be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing any signs of deterioration, and that is something that the durability of platinum can provide. Choosing platinum for a wedding or engagement ring is also practical because it is a hypoallergenic metal and one that can be worn by people with even the most sensitive skin.
Proper Care for Platinum Jewelry
While platinum is extremely durable and resistant to damage, it’s important that you know how to care for your valued pieces properly. This includes regular cleanings with an approved jewelry cleaner and storing each piece separately to make sure they don’t come into contact with each other, as this contact could result in a scratch or other blemish.
If your platinum jewelry does develop a scratch or is damaged in some way, it’s important to take it to a professional to have the damage addressed and the piece polished. It’s also a good idea to have your platinum pieces professionally cleaned and polished regularly to remove the patina that will develop over time.