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All About Platinum

The Other White Metal

The Platinum Industry

Platinum's dexterity and density has made it one of the most applicable precious metals in the world. While primarily used in autocatalysts, platinum has experienced a 23% increase in jewelry use since 2007 (according to data compiled by Johnson Mathey). With an increase in use and popularity, investing in platinum has also seen significant growth and we at AuRACLE hope to make sure the platinum you are buying or selling is 100% authentic.

  • Platinum and
    Purity

    Platinum in jewelry is normally a 90-95% alloy. The most commonly used in the United States are:

    Pt900/Ir: 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium
    Pt950/Ir: 95% Platinum, 5% Iridium
    Pt950/Co: 95% Platinum, 5% Cobalt
    Pt950/Ru: 95% Platinum, 5% Ruthenium

  • Platinum And Durability

    Out of the three precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum), platinum is the densest and lasts the longest. When platinum jewelry is scratched, it does not lose volume like gold and silver. The wear and tear on platinum jewelry is called Patina and is highly regarded in Japan to honor the history of the item. Patina can be easily buffed out if needed to restore its original luster.

  • Platinum And
    Jewelry

    Although originally used more than 2,000 years ago for decorative purposes, only recently has platinum returned in popularity within the jewelry industry, and more specifically, for engagement and bridal rings. As of 2013, it is estimated that China is responsible for more than half of the world's demand for platinum jewerly.

  • Platinum And
    Investing

    Platinum's market price is highly volatile due to its rare nature (only about 200 tonnes produced each year) and geographic concentration of production (South Africa controls 70% of the world's production). Investing in platinum has a high risk and is increasingly affected by the overall investment industry through speculators and new investment vehicles (exchange traded funds).

  • Platinum and Production

    Platinum is produced by mining ore and separating it from the other minerals through various refining processes. In some mines, it takes up to 40 tonnes of ore to produce 1 ounce of platinum, accounting for the majority of the price of platinum.

  • PLatinum and
    the news

    Recently, platinum has been in the news because of labor issues within South Africa's mining companies. Since South Africa controls 70% of the world's supplies, these issues are closely watched in order to determine what affects they will have on the market price of platinum.

Industry Leading platinum testers
  • The AuRACLE has allowed me to detect fake jewelry without having to do any damage... Jane Chaikowsky
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  • This product has performed flawlessly for me for over 10 years and my assay results are some of the highest in the industry. If you buy gold you need this tester! Andrew Muller
  • It is the most accurate gold testing equipment I have ever had the pleasure of using. Actually it is the only time testing gold has been a pleasure... Gary R. Smith, Senior Appraiser/Lead Auctioneer at Carolina Auction and Appraisal