Getting Lost in the Luster of Platinum
One of the finest metals that mankind uses for jewelry is platinum. This is used to make engagement rings and all varieties of men’s and women’s jewelry. Platinum is considered a precious metal, and it is also rarer than other metals, so it is a bit more exclusive than gold, silver and other similar materials. Platinum is also heavier and more durable than other precious metals, which is one reason why it is so popular for engagement rings and other jewelry. Platinum jewelry is meant to last for generations.
People often use platinum as a backdrop for ring diamonds, because it has an almost white color in its luster that is a natural compliment for diamonds. Platinum is also often combined with 14k yellow gold jewelry, because it creates an elegant contrast. There are technically six groups of metals in the platinum family, which are platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium. Palladium jewelry is also very popular for engagement rings and wedding jewelry.
There are different percentages of platinum that can be found in jewelry, which will determine its value. There are guidelines for acceptable marking standards on platinum and palladium jewelry that is sold in the United States. The guidelines on platinum and palladium jewelry are determined and enforced by the United States Federal Trade Commission.
The amount of pure platinum that the jewelry contains is what determines the platinum content, and it is usually represented in parts per thousand. Platinum jewelry that contains any more than 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum may be marked or described as platinum. Jewelry that contains 850, 900 or 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum may be marked “plat or “pt.” Any number that is used in front of these term is meant to disclose the amount of pure platinum in the jewelry. People shopping for platinum rings may see terms like “850 plat,” “850 pt,” “950 plat” or “950 pt.”
Platinum jewelry that contains no less than 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, with at least 500 parts per thousand of the total pure platinum, may be marked as platinum. Palladium rings, for example, may be marked as platinum if the numbers are disclosed. The markings may look like “600 pt. 350 pl” or “600 plat 350 pl” for 600 parts pure platinum and 350 parts palladium.
The Federal Trade Commission is currently considering allowing platinum and palladium jewelry manufacturers to mark jewelry as platinum even if it contains metals that are not part of the platinum group. In any case, the jeweler should be able to explain the content and markings on any piece of jewelry. When in the market for engagement rings, 14k gold jewelry or ring diamonds, consider platinum as part of the choice. That piece of jewelry will likely be in the family for generations.
For more resoureces about .925 silver or even about 14 karat gold and especially about 14k cross gold pendant please review one of these links.
For more resoureces about .925 silver or even about 14 karat gold and especially about 14k cross gold pendant please review one of these links.
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