Platinum is one of the purest and most popular choices of metal for high-end jewelry. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about platinum and learn a little bit more about this precious metal.
How durable is platinum?
Platinum is not classified as a hard metal– it’s around a 4 on the official Mohs scale of mineral hardness. For comparison, a diamond is a 10 on the Mohs scale and a fingernail is close to a 2.5. Like many other soft metals, platinum can be scratched by any material harder than it is and is prone to showing signs of wear.
However, that does not mean platinum isn’t durable. In fact, when platinum is “scratched”, it doesn’t actually lose metal. It just gives way. This malleability gives platinum a stunning natural satin patina over time that mimics an antique finish. In addition, platinum’s durability allows it to securely hold gemstones in place, making it a great choice of metal for rings and other jewelry that is worn on a daily basis.
Is platinum hypoallergenic?
Since platinum is so pure, it’s completely hypoallergenic and typically won’t cause any kind of irritation or reaction. That makes it a great choice of metal for people with sensitive skin or certain metal allergies to wear.
Are platinum and white gold the same thing?
Even though platinum and white gold look similar, these two metals are extremely different. Platinum is denser than gold due to its molecular structure and actually weighs up to 60% more than gold overall.
White gold is also much harder than platinum because it’s alloyed with stronger metals and rhodium plating. Unlike platinum, white gold tends to develop a yellowish tinge over time as the rhodium plating wears off.
Is platinum easy to clean and maintain?
Platinum is fairly easy to maintain as long as you are careful with it. For example, you should always keep your platinum jewelry away from harsh chemicals like bleach. You should also store it apart from other jewelry to avoid excessive scratching.
When it comes to cleaning your platinum jewelry, you can either purchase a special platinum jewelry cleaning solution or mix up a solution of mild soap and warm water yourself. Dip a toothbrush with soft bristles into your preferred solution and scrub the platinum jewelry gently. Once you’ve scrubbed the jewelry well and removed any surface dirt, rinse it off and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
If you want your platinum jewelry to stay in the best shape possible, try taking it to a professional jeweler every six months or so for deep cleaning and polishing.
Here at Isbell Jewelers, we specialize in custom jewelry design for things like bespoke engagement rings and reimagined antique jewelry. Stop by the showroom with your idea and we can make your dreams a reality– in platinum if you desire, of course!