

The other three regions are Russia (11%), Zimbabwe (8%), and North America (6%). South Africa is responsible for 72% of annual global production. Where is Platinum Found?Īccording to the World Platinum Investment Council, 97% of the world’s platinum is found in only four regions. The monarch declared platinum the only metal fit for royalty, and it has been associated with opulence and social status ever since. This perception changed when platinum jewelry was introduced to the court of Louis XVI of France five decades later. At first, Europeans considered platinum a worthless metal. Pre-Columbian platinum artifacts include ornamental items such as jewelry and figurines, as well as practical wares such as tweezers and fish-hooks.įollowing the Spanish conquests in South America, the discovery of platinum is usually credited to the naval officer Antonio de Ulloa, who in 1735 encountered what the Spanish would come to call platino, meaning “little silver”. There is a much richer historical record of platinum metallurgy in the New World. Though the Ancient Egyptians were aware of platinum, few platinum artifacts from Ancient Egypt survive. Platinum History & Uses Polished platinum wedding bands 4. Gold and silver have much lower melting points, so they’re easier to work with. Jewelers need specialized equipment that can heat platinum to its 3,215☏ (1768☌) melting point. Platinum items are also more difficult to produce. By comparison, gold jewelry alloys are usually only 75% (18 karats) or 53.4% (14 karats) pure. In jewelry, platinum purity is typically 95% or higher. Metal purity is another factor that increases cost. Platinum is currently being traded at around $980 USD per ounce. The limited supply and high demand for platinum makes it expensive.

Only about 6 million ounces (170 metric tons) of platinum is produced annually, compared to about 108 million ounces (3,062 metric tons) of gold, and about 860 million ounces (24,381 metric tons) of silver. Platinum is far rarer than gold and silver. Like gold and most other precious metals, platinum is resistant to environmental damage because it does not react with oxygen, water, or most acids. This protects it from shattering when struck or dropped, as can happen to more brittle metals such as tungsten. Being a reasonably malleable metal, platinum can bend without breaking. Platinum has a Mohs hardness rating of 4 to 4.5 (the maximum hardness is 10), which makes it harder than both gold and silver. A jewelry piece made from platinum is about 30% heavier than the same piece done in 18k white gold. As one of the densest substances on Earth, platinum is noticeably heavy. Like many other white metals, platinum has a natural white luster and shine.

What Are the Physical Qualities of Platinum? Platinum Properties & Price Pure platinum poured bars 1. Does Platinum Jewelry Tarnish or Corrode?
JEWELRY PATINA DEFINITION FREE
This dark and brooding quartz keeps the mind free of societal expectations and self-doubt, leaving just you and your authentic self to contemplate your existence within the vast universe. Onyx healing properties sheds light on your inner truth in meditation practice because it's a chance for a one-on-one with you and the universe. The term Onyx is occasionally used to described any engraved stone with a solid color base, or it may describe any banded gemstone with parallel banding. Its most accepted gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony. I polished the edges and if you want to shine them up use a polishing cloth that we have available in Accessories. Taking care of your copper jewelry: This piece of copper jewelry is sealed and will keep its patina that it has. I use multiple coats of lacquer (both shiny and matte) to give depth and keep the patina from changing or touching your skin. I never write any formulas down but have fun experimenting with my metals. To create truly unique jewelry, I use different acids, chemicals and even wine to achieve the many colors and patterns in my patinas. Abstract red wine patina triangles link bracelet measures 7.50".
