Dating back to 700 BC, when the ancient Egyptians mastered the techniques of processing platinum, to 100 BC, when the Indians in Pre-Columbian South America combined it with gold, platinum has played an important role in the culture of human existence. Though widely utilized since then, the true worth of platinum was relatively under-appreciated until the mid-eighteenth century, when Europeans began to hold it in high esteem. Premier jewelers like Cartier and Tiffany owe much of their fame and importance to this period.
The "Art Nouveau" jewelry that emerged from the fortuitous pairing of platinum and diamonds has indeed transcended the years. Elegant and subtle, platinum never competes with the color of a gem. Its deep white luster complements the stone's brilliance. The Duchess of Windsor, an expert and collector of jewelry, declared that platinum was the one and only jewelry choice for evening wear.
Properties of Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest metals on earth — approximately 30 times rarer than gold. It is naturally white and does not fade or tarnish, making it an ideal choice for fine jewelry that will be worn every day and for generations.
Platinum is hypoallergenic. Unlike white gold, which requires nickel or palladium alloying that can irritate sensitive skin, platinum is used in jewelry at 95% purity (950 platinum) and is naturally non-reactive — an excellent choice for customers with metal sensitivities.
Platinum is extremely durable. When platinum is scratched, the metal is simply displaced rather than lost (as happens with gold). This means a platinum ring retains its mass even after years of wear. The surface develops a natural patina over time — a soft matte luster that many platinum lovers actually prefer, and which can be polished back to a high shine whenever desired.
Platinum holds stones more securely. Because of its density and malleability, platinum prongs grip diamonds and gemstones exceptionally well, making it a preferred metal for important stone settings.
Platinum vs. White Gold
While white gold is rhodium-plated to appear bright white, the plating wears away over time and requires re-plating. Platinum maintains its natural white color forever without any additional treatment. Platinum is heavier and denser than gold — you will notice the weight when you hold a platinum ring. Platinum is also more expensive per gram than gold, reflecting both its rarity and the additional labor involved in working with the metal.
Platinum at Grissom's
Grissom's added in-house platinum casting in 1998 — a rare capability for a fine jewelry store. Most jewelers either purchase pre-made catalog platinum mountings or send their platinum work to outside casting services. At Grissom's, our expert casters work with platinum on-site, allowing us to create fully custom platinum pieces and provide superior quality control on every piece we make. If you're interested in a custom platinum design, we'd love to work with you.