Fashion & Style Information

The Truth About Platinum


Is platinum a new metal?
After all, in the past, one would associate diamonds with gold. Nowadays, the most expensive fine jewelry designs set diamonds in platinum.

The truth is, platinum has been on this earth for billions of years. This brilliant metal really came from the skies. Meteorites contain platinum and meteorites have been landing on earth for billions of years already.

Kind of romantic if you think about it.

That pure white platinum jewelry could once have been part of a star. Part of a meteorite that travelled through space before it landed in our world.

Ironically, there was a time when platinum was thought to be an inferior metal by people searching for gold. Platinum looks like silver, so in 1590, when the Spanish discovered platinum, they named it platina, which means little silver. The newly rediscovered platinum was thrown back into the river, its value totally misunderstood at that time.

2 centuries later, King Louis XVI of France declared platinum to be the only metal fit for kings. Thus began the love of platinum by the royals. In fact, the late Queen Mother, Queen Elisabeth's crown was made of platinum. Owning a piece of platinum jewelry today gives you something in common with the royals. Both you and the royals wear platinum.

Even Hollywood Royalty appreciates the value of platinum. The King, Elvis Presley exchanged platinum wedding rings with his wife Priscilla. Joe Dimaggio gave Marilyn Monroe 3 carat solitaire diamond platinum engagement ring. Movie legends would set their diamonds in platinum. In fact, diamond platinum engagement rings are the preferred engagement rings of the well heeled.

Platinum is a special metal. It does not fade or tarnish. It does not corrode. In fact, it is so lasting, platinum was used to make the standard kilogram weight. Platinum is eternal. Diamonds are eternal. That is one of the reasons why diamonds and platinum are the perfect match.

Another reason why diamonds an platinum go together is the color of platinum. Platinum is a brilliant white. Diamonds are graded on their color among other factors. The whiter the diamond, the higher its value. When a diamond is set in platinum, the whiteness of the platinum makes the diamond look whiter, brighter, more precious.

Platinum is extremely pliable. It can be drawn into a very fine wire very easily. Yet it is so strong. That means jewellers can create very intricate jewelry pieces with platinum. Jewellers can create fine prongs with platinum with which to hold the diamond, yet these thin prongs are so strong they hold the diamond securely.

Diamonds aside, platinum is the metal of choice for anyone who has sensitive skin. Jewelry rash can occur even with gold jewelry. The impurities in most other metals, including gold, can cause a rash. The rash could even happen years later, after wearing the jewelry daily for long periods of time.

Platinum wearers don't have to worry about jewelry rash. Platinum is 95% pure. Platinum is hypoallergenic, so the best way to deal with a jewelry rash is to switch to platinum.

The problem with platinum is that it is so rare. It is 35 times rarer than gold. There is so little platinum on earth, yet its uses are so wide. Because platinum is compatible with the human body, platinum is used in medicine, to make pace makers, for example. Platinum is also a catalyst and is essential in many chemical processes. Platinum is such a precious metal that during World War II, U.S. banned platinum from being used for any non-military purpose. That is why, for so many years, platinum was not used in jewelry making.

Due to its rarity, platinum is an excellent precious metal to invest in. Anything that is so rare and has so many uses would appreciate in price, with time, which makes platinum jewelry a wise investment.

The writer is the webmaster of Platinum Jewelry , where you can buy truly exquisite platinum jewelry online.


MORE RESOURCES:

OCCUPATION: Wife, mother, grandmother
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 5 hours ago
It defined my new fashion style.” FAVORITE STORES: Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Bella Boutique in Peachtree City, French Connection and vintage shops. ...


PR Web (press release)

New Fashion Style Debut: Premier Coin Edge Tungsten Wedding Band ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 12, 2008
This is the first time the coin edge motif has been offered crafted from tungsten carbide and it's the perfect choice for a wedding ring to suit the man ...


China Daily

In Spotlight: Michelle Obamas' fashion style
China Daily, China - Nov 5, 2008
As the eulogies wash over Barack Obama, he can at least rely on his wife Michelle Obama - America's next First Lady - to bring him down to earth. ...


Whole star anise, for garnish (optional)
New York Times, United States - Nov 28, 2008
Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir for at least 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and, for garnish, ...


Identically distinctive
International Herald Tribune, France - 6 hours ago
My fashion style, bred from many years living in the United States, is casual practical. I'ma single parent of a mixed-race child in a nearly completely ...


Miley's got style
Toronto Sun,  Canada - Nov 30, 2008
By SUN WIRE SERVICES Miley Cyrus, who has her own Hannah Montana fashion line, recently discussed what style means to her. "I'm not always just perfect but ...


Sales of high-end mobiles decline
Hindu Business Line, India - 3 hours ago
... Nokia-N96 and Motorola-Q9h. Existing phone owners go for mobiles costing upwards of Rs 15000 for fashion, style, utilities and new features. ...


PinkMemo.com Welcomes Krista Tankersley as President and Cofounder ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 19, 2008
PinkMemo.com a fashion, style and luxury lifestyle online media company announced today the arrival of Krista Tankersley as President and Cofounder. ...


New Fashion Magazine Arrives in Metro Detroit
MarketWatch - 6 hours ago
DETROIT, Dec 01, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Introducing StyleLine -- the all-local magazine featuring stylish living, beautiful fashion photography and ...


Self-Expression and Instant Recognition Are Major Themes at ...
CNNMoney.com - Nov 26, 2008
Hosted by celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch, the evening began with a panel discussion that focused on the relationship between fashion, style, ...

Fashion-Style - Google News

home | site map
© 2006