A Guide to Platinum & Palladium
Platinum and Palladium have the distinction of being rarer than both gold and silver, implying the highest level of exclusivity. Their scarcity makes them the most costly metal-based jewellery, and only a select few will ever have the opportunity to buy such items.
In this tutorial, we will look at the distinguishing features of Platinum and Palladium, their history, and the factors to consider while purchasing and keeping such jewellery.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is a chemical element that is gleaming and silvery white. The term "platina del pinto" is taken from the Spanish expression. The word "platinum" means "copper" in Spanish, and it refers to the silver that has been mined in Colombia. It is very uncommon, with the total quantity mined each year being 15 times that of mined gold.
Platinum is very malleable and ductile, as well as quite durable. Tarnishing and corrosion are not issues for individuals who use it as jewellery.
It is easily alloyed with other metals since it is a transition metal. Its incredible density is six times that of a diamond, which contributes significantly to its high price.
What is Palladium?
Palladium, named after the asteroid Pallas (which was named after the Greek goddess Pallas Athena), shares many similarities with Platinum. It is highly uncommon and has a silver-white lustre. It is also quite malleable and ductile, making it ideal for jewellery creation. In a regular environment, it does not tarnish.
The reason for these commonality is that both Platinum and Palladium are under the broader Platinum group of metals. Palladium, on the other hand, is the least comparable to platinum in this spectrum since it is the most reactive and least dense of the group.
A Brief History of Platinum and Palladium
Platinum was originally recognised to be used in Ancient Egypt. The Nubian Kingdom possessed gold jewellery with traces of platinum around 1200 BC, which was subsequently discovered in their royal burial sites. A gold and platinum alloy was used to create a 700 BC copper alloy box with hieroglyphics.
South American civilisations dating back to roughly 100 BC shown skill in the use of platinum in the creation of masks, nose rings, and earrings.
In 1557, Julius Caesar Scaliger made the first European reference to platinum. Conquistadors in Colombia towards the end of the 16th century dismissed Platinum as "little silver." Only in the 18th century did curiosity in the "unmeltable metal" grow, beginning with Antonio de Ulloa's revelation of the new metal from Colombia in 1748 and continuing with William Brownrigg's introduction of Platinum to the Royal Society in 1750.
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In 1783, Pierre Francois Chabaneau's powder metallurgic process was a breakthrough in the manufacturing of malleable platinum. Because he was working in Spain, King Carlos III gave Chabaneau a laboratory in 1786 to help with platinum processing, and he was sworn to secrecy about the technique. This resulted in Spain's Platinum Age, which lasted from 1786 until 1808.
Buying and Maintaining Platinum and Palladium Jewellery
Genuine Platinum and Palladium jewellery frequently has hallmarks inscribed in a hidden spot. Modern items should include hallmarks indicating the creator, fineness, and the assay agency in charge of testing. Fineness hallmarks show the metal's purity.
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Platinum fineness hallmarks are:
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999 (99.9% Platinum)
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950 (95% Platinum)
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900 (90% Platinum)
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850 (85% Platinum)
Marks saying “Platinum”, “Pt”, or “Plat” must have at least 95% Platinum. No Platinum marks mean there is less than 50% Platinum in the piece.
Meanwhile, Palladium fineness hallmarks are:
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999 (99.9% Palladium)
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950 (95% Palladium)
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500 (50% Palladium)
Platinum jewellery can be alloyed with Palladium, iridium, rhodium, cobalt, and copper. Even with the mixture of metals, most Platinum jewellery outweighs most gold jewellery. At 90% purity, a common Platinum piece is about 60% heavier than a common 14ct gold piece with the same dimensions, which translates to a higher price.
Palladium jewellery often has the same purity standards as platinum jewellery. Palladium is less expensive than platinum because it is less dense and hence lighter. Palladium is only slightly darker than platinum.
In terms of purity and durability, Platinum and Palladium objects outperform other white metals such as "White Gold" and Silver. White gold requires re-plating on a regular basis to keep it from yellowing, and the presence of nickel can cause allergic responses. Silver tarnishes and loses its form as it ages.
The patina that forms on the surface of platinum jewellery is desirable as a symbol of originality, but it may also be removed with expert polishing.
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Platinum and Palladium both go well with diamonds. Their white lustre accentuates the stone's brightness, and their hardness keeps it safe.
Maintenance is simple because both metals are quite robust. To remove small scratches, gently rub non-abrasive jewellery cleaner or warm water and soap with a soft brush or cloth. It is also safe to use an ultrasonic cleaning instrument.