Platinum is a metal that is white and pale silver in color. In its pure form, platinum is easy to form into a wide variety of shapes. Therefore it is being used to a great extent in many types of manufacturing industries.Platinum is also very durable and strong. It is also not affected by corrosion, which increases its value even more in the market of metal products. Platinum has been used for many centuries for making a variety of products that include jewelry, dentistry instruments, and lab equipment.
While there are many uses for platinum, perhaps the most common use is in the creation of jewellery. The ancient Egyptians used platinum in their jewellery and many other cultures have followed in their footsteps. It wasn't until the 1800's, however, that the use of platinum for jewelry became popular. It was during this time that the royal families in many countries started to wear platinum jewelry.
Two of the most famous pieces of jewellery are made from platinum : (1) the Hope Diamond, and (2) the Star of Africa. Exotic diamonds are encased in the safety of platinum , which is one of the reasons these pieces of jewellery have lasted so long.
The use of platinum took a bit of a nose dive during World War II. It was at this time that the government of the United States decided that Platinum could only be used for government business. After this declaration, the use of platinum in jewelry stopped for some time.
Today, platinum is once again at the forefront of the jewellery business. It is commonly used as the base setting for diamonds and other precious gems. Platinum is more expensive to purchase that silver or gold and therefore is still not in the budget range of most people. However, for those that can afford platinum, it is an excellent choice since it's definitely a showpiece and will impressive anyone with its beauty.Platinum is great for those people with an allergy to other types of metals. Because platinum is so pure there are rarely any allergic reactions that occur. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone with an allergy who wants to wear that special piece of jewelry.
For the platinum jewellery to keep on looking good you will have to take good care of it. Caring for platinum is not tough but you have to remember and take simple care of it. Do remove the jewellery item when ever you feel that your working condition may harm it, e.g. when you are working with chemicals. For cleaning rings and other pieces of jewellery you will need to soak them in a mild solution of soap and water for an hour or so.
Platinum does not scratch easily, all the same it is good to take care of your platinum jewellery . Store it away from any hard surfaces or metals that may harm it.
With a liberal/ loose budget you can surely consider buying your next jewellery piece made in diamond. It will be good to have a few pieces of jewellery set in platinum because despite its cost it is durable and long lasting.