Metals : Platinum

Silvery-white platinum is the most precious metal commonly found in jewellery. A relative newcomer, platinum has only become popular in the past 200 years or so. It is quite difficult to work, and is seldom found in fine jewellery before 1900. Platinum is rare and heavy like gold, but is more durable, so it’s sold in purer form. For added strength, it’s sometimes mixed with a little iridium and ruthenium, which are similar to platinum but much rarer.
Platinum is not sold according to carats. It used to be stamped ‘PT’ or ‘plat’ in the UK, to indicate that it was platinum. But since January 1 1975, all platinum items in the UK weighing over 0.7g must be hallmarked, just like gold and silver.
Because of its purity, platinum is excellent for people who are allergic to other metals. It’s also popular for its light colour. Like white gold, it doesn’t reflect any yellow colour into white diamonds, so it won’t detract from their brightness.