Historical facts about platinum:
For this reason, it must be assumed that platinum was first used around 3000 BC. Today, metallic platinum is practically no longer mined. Mines exist only in South Africa. In the production of non-ferrous metals such as copper and nickel, the platinum metals occur as a by-product of nickel refining. Five by-product metals are known in the platinum group. Rhodium, osmium, iridium, palladium and ruthenium. These by-metals are so similar to platinum that they initially caused great difficulties in pure extraction. Platinum is a corrosion-resistant, soft and malleable precious metal. For the production of high-quality wedding rings, as well as engagement rings, it is also suitable because of its high tarnish resistance, durability and its rarity. We process platinum in e.g. the Mokume Gane wedding rings Seraya, as well as in our zodiac rings, but also in engagement rings.
General description of platinum:
Platinum is a rare, dense and corrosion-resistant metal used in the jewellery, electrical and automotive industries. It has high electrical and thermal conductivity and is an important catalyst in chemistry. Platinum is a precious metal and is valued as an investment and jewellery metal. The largest deposits are in South Africa, Russia and Canada.
What role does platinum play in the jewellery industry?
In the jewellery industry, platinum is valued for its hardness, density and resistance to impurities and wear. It is a popular material for wedding rings and jewellery because it is durable and less prone to scratching than other precious metals. Platinum gives jewellery an elegant and refined look and is particularly sought after because it is rare and more expensive than gold.
However, the platinum price is lower than the gold price. Why is it still more expensive?
Although the price of platinum is usually lower than the price of gold, it is still more expensive because it is rarer and more difficult to mine than gold. Platinum deposits are less common and more difficult to extract than gold deposits, which increases the cost of extraction. In addition, the demand for platinum as a jewellery and investment metal is high, which also affects the price. All these factors mean that platinum is more expensive than gold, despite a lower price per ounce.
Hm, not quite conclusive. Is platinum jewellery possibly more expensive than gold jewellery because of the difficult processing?
Yes, platinum is actually more difficult to work with than gold because of its hardness and density. This means that more time and special skills are required to make platinum jewellery. This leads to a higher cost for making platinum jewellery, which affects the final price. As platinum is rarer and harder than gold, it is also more durable and stays in good condition for longer, which many customers appreciate and are willing to pay a higher price for.
What about the specific weight of platinum? After all, it weighs significantly more than gold for the same volume!
That is correct. The specific gravity of platinum is higher than that of gold. This means that an equal amount of platinum has a higher weight than an equal amount of gold. The specific gravity of platinum is 21.45 g/cm³, while that of gold is 19.3 g/cm³. Therefore, a piece of jewellery of the same size made of platinum weighs more than a piece of gold of the same size. This is another reason why platinum jewellery can be more expensive than gold jewellery.
Why is platinum jewellery and platinum wedding rings so popular with brides and grooms and jewellery enthusiasts?
Platinum jewellery and platinum wedding rings are popular with bridal couples and jewellery enthusiasts because of their hardness, density, beauty and durability.
- Durability: Platinum is a very strong and durable metal that is less prone to scratches and wear than other metals. This makes it a good choice for wedding rings and jewellery that is meant to last.
- Elegance: Platinum has a shiny, white colour that looks particularly elegant and classy. It gives jewellery a high-class look and goes well with diamonds and other precious stones.
- Rarity: Platinum is a rare and sought-after metal that is more expensive than gold. Many customers appreciate its rarity and are willing to pay a higher price for platinum jewellery.
- Appreciation: Platinum is a precious metal whose value can increase over time. It is a good choice for investors and collectors.
Overall, platinum offers a combination of longevity, elegance, rarity and appreciation that makes it a popular choice for wedding rings and jewellery.
