Platinum Rings
Collections of leading jewelry houses like Tiffany&Co are increasingly featuring original platinum rings. These pieces are widely sought after worldwide, their popularity explained by the fact that:
– platinum is a much rarer and more valuable metal than gold;
– the material is much stronger than gold, allowing jewelers to create delicate, elegant pieces from it;
– the color and soft luster of the metal becomes the perfect backdrop for precious stones.
It has become classic to adorn such rings with diamonds, as the play of light on the stone’s facets is beautifully complemented by the metal’s color. The popularity of wedding rings made from this material is extremely high.
The considerable price of these pieces is justified. After all, platinum is virtually impossible to scratch or break, it doesn’t tarnish over time and suits any skin type and color. Moreover, the metal, even with additions, is hypoallergenic and safe.
Components of Platinum Ring Alloys
When visiting a custom jewelry workshop, besides checking your finger size several times throughout the day, don’t expect the platinum in the ring to be pure. The main components of jewelry alloys used to make platinum rings can vary and depend on the craftsman. Jewelry is always made from an alloy, with the percentage of platinum varying according to the hallmark.
The additions are called ligatures and are present in the alloy to give the jewelry certain properties. Some materials, when added to platinum, increase its wear resistance, toughness, lower the metal’s high melting point, and improve its plasticity and malleability.
Most commonly, jewelers use:
- iridium – increases the hardness of the piece;
- copper – gives the alloy hardness;
- palladium – present in rings with stones;
- cobalt – enhances platinum’s casting properties, opening the door to the craftsman’s imagination.
What the Hallmark Tells You
Pay close attention to the hallmark:
- 950 – 5% additives with 95% pure platinum;
- 900 – 10% additives with 90% platinum;
- 850 – 15% additives with 85% pure metal.
In bank bars, you’ll find 999 grade, with negligible additive content. Such metal is used in high-tech products of increased strength and special equipment.
Interestingly, by adding certain metals to platinum, jewelers have learned to set precious stones in rings without using solder. The stone is held securely by the spring properties of the alloy.
Scammers may pass off fake platinum rings to unsuspecting buyers as so-called “white gold” (an alloy of gold with nickel or silver). It looks similar to platinum externally but costs much less.
