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A Brief Bio into the Beautiful Metal Called Platinum Platinum is a strong, durable metal. There is proof that it was first used several thousand years ago. Today this versatile metal is commonly used in high quality jewelry around the world.
The history of platinum begins in ancient Egypt. Over 3000 years ago, Egyptian metal smiths perfected the art of working with platinum. In fact, a coffin that was over 2500 years old was recently dug up showing signs of platinum in its construction. The coffin belonged to a high priestess and was decorated with elaborate hieroglyphics. These hieroglyphics were drawn with melted platinum. When the coffin was exhumed the luster and shine of the platinum was still evident.
There are also signs that platinum was used in South
America as early as the fifteenth century. Platinum was a common ingredient in many artifacts that have been discovered from that continent. Though the South Americans could not melt the metal, they sintered it with gold and charcoal to make it easier to work with. Recently there was an ingot found made of 85 percent pure platinum.
When the Spanish conquered South America, they did not understand the value of platinum. They were concerned that it would be sold as a silver imitation. As a result they dumped large quantities of platinum in the ocean to get rid of it.
Platinums value was first noted when it was made into Russian coins in 1828. By 1924, 93 percent of all of the worlds platinum deposits were found in Russia. Today South Africa is responsible for mining 70 percent of the worlds platinum. Russia contributes somewhere between 5 and 20 percent of the worlds platinum supply.
By the end of the eighteenth century, the scientific value of platinum was discovered. Because it had a high melting point, was hardy and extremely ductile it had industrial, medical and scientific uses.
In the mid nineteenth century, platinum was introduced into jewelry. It became used regularly by 1924. Some advances in technology contributed to platinums growing popularity. For example, a large furnace was developed that was capable of melting platinum in significant quantities. In addition, an oxyacetylene torch was invented, making working with platinum much simpler.
Platinum is currently known for its strength and durability. However, before 1975 there were no laws regulating the quality of platinum. Therefore, it was often misrepresented and of a much lesson value overall.
Like most other precious metal, platinum is commonly mixed with other metals to create alloys. These alloys give the metal more strength. The amount of pure platinum in a piece of jewelry is usually expressed in parts per thousand. Jewelry must be made up of at least 950 parts per 1000 pure platinum to be marked and sold as platinum.
Jewelry that contains between 850 and 950 parts per 1000 can be labeled platinum as long as a number is included to advise how much pure platinum is actually in a piece.
In addition, makers can mark a piece as platinum if it contains 950 parts per 1000 of platinum group members as long as at least 500 parts per 1000 are pure platinum.
There are currently six related metals that belong to the Platinum Group of Metals. These are Platinum, Iridium, Palladium, Ruthenium, Rhodium, and Osmium.
Today platinum is considered a rare, precious metal. It is used to create high quality jewelry, which is known for standing the test of time. In addition platinum is a completely hypoallergenic metal, meaning it can be worn by anyone. Platinum is shiny, lustrous, and strong, making it an ideal metal to make fine jewelry out of.
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