Platinum
Rarity, purity and strength are the qualities that make platinum the most precious metal. It has extraordinary chemical and physical properties requiring specific and rigorous manufacturing techniques. It is extremely resistant to corrosion and will never show signs of colour change. Platinum is significantly heavier than gold.
The name ‘Platinum’ is derived from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which is literally translated into “little silver of the Pinto River”. It is a dense, malleable, ductile, precious, gray-white transition metal.
Platinum is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust. It occurs in some nickel and copper ores along with some native deposits, mostly in South Africa, which accounts for 80% of the world production.
Because only a few hundred tonnes are produced annually, it is a scarce material, and is highly valuable and is a major precious metal commodity.
Platinum’s resistance to wear and tarnish is well suited for making fine jewelry.
Platinum is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to gold for jewellery, especially in wedding bands and engagement rings.