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Platinum
is a naturally white metal
that is strong, durable and
rare. It is our most popular
metal for engagement rings
and anniversary bands because
of its white lustrous color,
strength and purity.
At Spencer & Spencer,
we prefer to use platinum
for prongs
and settings to hold your
diamonds and gemstones securely.
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| Why
do we recommend using a platinum
setting for your diamond? |
- White:
The whiteness of platinum
is a perfect complement
to your diamond.
- Lustrous: The
luster of platinum in reflected
light is beautiful and unique.
- Rare:
Platinum is 35 times rarer
than gold.
- Heavy: The
heaviest of all precious
metals, a six-inch cube
weighs 168 pounds. You can
have a thin, delicate style
with platinum yet have exceptional
security.
- Pure: All
of our platinum has a purity
level of 95% and is all
platinum is hypoallergenic.
- Durable:
Platinum is resistant to
tarnishing, corrosion and
is insoluble in virtually
all acids.
- Strong: Platinum
does not chip or splinter
easily.
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| What
is the difference between platinum
and white gold? |
| Platinum
and white gold are both precious
metals but belong in different
metal groups. Platinum is a
naturally white metal where
as yellow gold is alloyed
with other metals to achieve
a white gold. Making white gold
is similar to mixing colors
in paints. By adding white metals
such as nickel or palladium
to yellow gold, the deep yellow
of pure gold begins to whiten.
For example, copper is sometimes
added to yellow gold make the
gold look more pink or red,
so there are many combinations
of gold that can be created.
Overall, platinum and white
gold are both beautiful and
durable metals. One way to distinguish
platinum from white gold is
by comparing their weights:
platinum has 60% more heft than
white gold. |
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| Is
platinum a new metal for jewelry? |
| Platinum
was used for decorative pieces
by both the ancient Egyptian
and Inca civilizations and was
the first material capable of
securely holding diamonds in
a delicate framework. This led
to the creation of the beautiful
Art Deco pieces of the 1920s.
During World War II, platinum
was declared to be a strategic
metal and its use was banned
for all non-military purposes.
In the post war era, platinum’s
popularity was reborn. |
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| Why
is platinum more expensive than
gold? |
| Platinum
jewelry is 95% pure platinum,
compared with 18k gold jewelry
that is 75% pure gold. Pure
gold requires more metal alloys
because it is too soft for every
day wear. Platinum is also one
of the rarest precious metals
and the process of making a
piece of platinum jewelry requires
a different process than making
gold jewelry. |
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| What
is the other 5% in platinum? |
| Some of the
alloys used to give platinum
its strength and durability
are iridium, osmium, palladium,
rhodium, ruthenium and cobalt.
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| Can
I wear platinum if I have sensitive
skin? |
| Because of
its purity, platinum is hypoallergenic
and ideal for sensitive skin.
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| Will
my platinum jewelry scratch?
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| All precious
metals can scratch, including
platinum. However, if platinum
is scratched or polished, there
is no weight loss because the
metal is merely displaced and
none of the volume is lost.
Polished platinum’s luster
can change over time as well,
becoming softer and richer and
achieving an enchanting subtle
glow. This glow is called “patina”
and many people find it as attractive
as the polished finish. |
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| Still
have Questions? You can
chat
live with a gemologist
Monday through Friday,
8am to 5pm PST. You can
also call us toll-free
at 800-406-4494 or e-mail
us at questions@spencer-spencer.com. |
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