HISTORY OF PLATINUM
In the late 1800s platinum-mania swept through Europe and Russia as Kings, Queens and Czars adorned themselves with anything and everything platinum. Early in the 1900s, the popularity of platinum reached U.S. soil and captivated the American public. At the outset of WWII, however, the US government declared platinum a strategic metal, disallowing its use for jewelry. By the end of the war platinum had temporarily become a lost art.
Due to its durability and versatility, however, over the past fifty years platinum has made a steady climb back to the pinnacle. It has regained its popularity and is now one of the most widely used metals.
Platinum Facts
Platinum has numerous qualities that make it an appealing choice when considering a jewelry purchase. It is one of the strongest and most enduring metals in the world. It weighs 60% more than gold, making it also one of the heaviest metals. It's most appealing characteristic when discussing jewelry is its durability. It’s known to be extremely durable, dense and strong. As a strong and durable metal it additionally offers diamonds greater protection. It can scratch, and it will then leave marks, however if it scratches it will not easily chip or splinter. Platinum’s pure white color greatly complements diamonds as it enhances their brilliance. Many view Platinum as the ideal metal for jewelry worn on a daily basis because of its color, strength and durability.
Difference between Platinum and White Gold
Platinum is pure white, while the ‘white’ in white gold is brought upon by the use of alloys. All white gold is originally yellow (pure), and alloys are added which changes the color – it is therefore not a natural white like Platinum. All white gold rings sold at Eternity Wedding Bands, however, are plated with Rhodium, a brilliant and strong white metal that offers the same white color as Platinum.
Platinum is additionally far more durable than gold. It's more resistant to wear and tear than gold or silver, and is an extremely versatile metal. Many people enjoy this quality, in addition to its unique quality of bringing out the brilliance of diamonds better than gold. Platinum is, however, far more expensive than gold because of these unique qualities.
How to Bring Back to Your Ring the Shiny, Smooth Finish of Platinum
Jewelry worn every day will be subject to scratches and dullness brought upon by normal every day use. To bring back the highly polished and smooth look you received when you first purchased your ring, you need only to get the ring professionally polished. You may take your ring to a local jeweler to polish it for you, or you may send it to EWB and for a fee of $35.00 we will professionally polish it for you. Please email customer service at
customerservice@eternityweddingbands.com for more information.
Most platinum jewelry is 95% pure platinum, and 5% alloy.