Our Guide to Platinum

Platinum is an element with the chemical symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. It's name is derived from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which is translated into "little silver of the Pinto River." It is a dense, malleable, ductile, precious, gray-white transition metal.

Why is platinum more expensive than gold?

When comparing platinum and gold, platinum is much purer. In general, platinum is usually 95% pure whereas 18 ct gold is 75% pure. Being 35 times more rare than gold and with fewer mines, the price of platinum is invariably higher. Platinum jewellery weighs over a third more than the same piece of 18ct gold jewellery.

It looks the same as white gold, so why choose Platinum?

Platinum is a naturally white metal whereas gold is naturally yellow. For white gold to retain it's bright white finish it needs to be plated with rhodium. Platinum's higher tensile strength makes it an ideal setting for diamonds because it is not so easily misshapen and the settings remain far more secure.

I suffer from very sensitive skin, so can I wear platinum?

Because of Platinum's purity, it is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Allergic reactions when wearing a precious metal are usually caused by the alloys that are used. As platinum is extremely pure it is actually hypoallergenic.

I've been told that platinum is extremely hard... so does that mean it won't scratch?

All precious metals, including platinum will scratch and show signs of wear. However, when platinum is scratched none of it's volume is lost, the surface actually separates to make room for the scratch.

I've been told that platinum is a difficult metal to work with. Can platinum jewellery be altered or sized?

Platinum isn't difficult to work with, it's just different. When taken to a qualified jeweller, it can be adjusted and sized the same as other precious metals can.

interesting facts A 15cm cube of platinum weighs 75kg, the same as an average man. Fine wire over a mile long can produced from just one gram of platinum. An average sized living room would hold all of the platinum that's ever been mined. It takes eight weeks and ten tonnes of mined ore to produce a single ounce of platinum.