Platinum
Platinum is the elite metal of the jewellery world. It has the highest resistance to corrosion and tarnish, and will never chip or splinter. Even when platinum scratches, the metal doesn’t wear away, but is simply displaced. Most of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Hope, are set in platinum. From a presentation point of view, the pure, white sheen of platinum accentuates the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds. From a practical point of view, platinum’s density and weight make it more durable than other metals, so it holds precious gems firmly and securely.

Platinum is also remarkably pliable. Just one gram can be drawn to produce a fine wire of over one mile long. This makes it possible to create extremely intricate, yet durable designs, such as mesh pieces.Platinum is precious not only because of its beauty, durability, pliability and density, but because it of its rarity. Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold. There is very little platinum on this earth and it is found in very few places around the world.

Platinum, in jewellery, is usually 90%-95% pure, with 10%-5% usually consisting of one of the other platinum group metals – iridium, palladium or ruthenium. It is marked 900 Plat, 950 Plat, Plat or Pt.