During the past years, people preferred investing in gold or diamond when they buy their jewellery pieces. Whether for a ring or a heavy necklace, gold and diamond, sourced from reputable diamond wholesalers, were the most preferred choices. Because of it being an attractive yellow metal, gold is trendy for everybody and is passed down generations after generations.
Today, while diamond and gold’s importance remains intact, people started to go for other precious metal jewellery like platinum. This metal is deemed as one of the toughest and most reliable there is. It is so expensive that only the rich and elites can afford it.
However, in recent times, middle-class patrons started to have access to this precious metal. According to a South African organization of platinum and jewellery refiners called Platinum Guild International (PGI), the demand from people wanting to own pieces of platinum jewellery has increased exponentially.
If you wish to buy platinum online, here are some helpful tips to help you with your buying choices.
Platinum’s Shade Doesn’t Fade Away.
The natural state of this precious metal has a natural white lustre, making it look like it’s white gold. But there’s a robust comparative feature between platinum and white gold. White gold contains a yellow undertone and is usually coated with rhodium. As time passes, the whiteness begins to chip off, which means, white gold needs replating after some years. Platinum doesn’t go through this. Its shine and lustre don’t fade away, and its shine stays a lot longer. Whether you have a new piece of platinum jewellery or an old one, both will remain shiny.
Platinum is the Purest Metal Used in Making Jewelry
Everyone knows the gold’s rawest form is 23-karat. But pure gold is incredibly soft and does not hold its shape for long. Thus, other metals like nickel or copper are mixed to maintain its shape. Platinum, on the other hand, being a tough metal, requires no mixing with other metals. Its purity level is 98%. Some people have allergic reactions when they wear certain metals. Platinum is proven hypoallergenic, making them the best option for people with skin issues.
Platinum has a Surprising Durability.
Certain types of jewellery like bangles and rings are prone to wear and tear as against a pair of earrings. In contrast, platinum can withstand all these elements because of its durability. This thick metal has unmatched strength, so you don’t have to worry about wearing them every day. For instance, a classic platinum ring will still look new years after it was initially crafted. Platinum never wears out with time.
How to Determine Platinum’s Authenticity
Before you buy platinum online or in-store, it’s essential to determine its authenticity. Practice due diligence so you may avoid buying silver or white gold instead of platinum. Here is a guide.
• Hallmark. Platinum’s hallmark is either PLAT or Pt and can be seen on the piece itself. Without it, that piece is not genuine.
• Scratch Test. This test is to help differentiate silver from platinum. Platinum is very hard and tough as compared to silver. Try scratching platinum jewellery with your nails. If it scratches, then it’s a fake piece.
• Magnet Test. Expensive and valuable metals like platinum do not have magnetic capabilities. With that, you can test a platinum’s authenticity via a magnet test. Bring a magnet close to the platinum. If the platinum piece moves with the magnet, then no doubt it is fake.
These are just some helpful but practical tips to help you with our platinum buying. Take your time to narrow down your options and do your research so you won’t end up buying a fake one.
Author – Mike Kenmore