Platinum (Pt or Plat.) is the heaviest of the precious metals, and is considerably rarer than silver or gold. Its rich white lustre never tarnishes, making it perfect for jewellery and everyday wear.

The Ancient Egyptians and Incas prized platinum, and its durability reflects that of its reputation as a valuable metal. King Louis XV of France declared it the only metal fit for royalty, and it has been used as a setting for great jewels such as the Hope Diamond. Platinum was disovered in Russia in the 1700s and its popularity in modern times peaked in America in the early 1900s, but the onset of war caused all non-military use to be stopped, and white gold became fashionable as a substitute.

Ten tonnes of ore need to be mined in order to create one ounce of pure platinum, causing it to be considerably more expensive than silver or gold. Rare and timeless, platinum can be skilfully created into beautiful jewellery that reflects its purity, lustre, value and prestige.

Platinum is a very strong, dense precious metal with a white color. Platinum used in jewellery is usually 90%-95% pure, is very strong, and holds stones well; Its purity also makes it hypo-allergenic. To increase its workability, it is usually alloyed with 5 to 10% of another platinum group metal (like ruthenium, palladium, or iridium) and/or cobalt. Platinum is 60% heavier than gold.

Platinum Group Metals
The Platinum Group Metals are the precious metals platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and osmium. They are all rare (platinum and palladium are the most common) and expensive; they are also often found together in nature.
Leaf necklace: Hand braided platinum and diamonds edged in fine gold by Catherine Martin