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Platinum Ring History
Platinum, characterized by a high level of durability and an impressive, almost overpowering appeal, has captivated millions through the centuries. Being one of the strongest metals in the world, platinum is a favorite among couples, for it symbolizes eternity and eternal love in the context of wedding vows.
Platinum, referred to as the “new metal” due to a renewed interest in its worth, has a history that dates back to 2 billion years ago, when a meteorite impact carrying the metal deposited it on earth. Since then, it has made periodic appearances, gaining popularity during certain epochs and disappearing, almost as if it never existed, during others. The pre-Incan civilizations, the Egyptians and the Spanish conquistadors all encountered this beguiling treasure, which then re-emerged in the 18th century to fascinate alchemists and emperors alike. It enjoyed a renewed popularity in the early twentieth century, and today it is extremely popular among pop divas, movie stars and millions of others.
The history of the application of platinum is an interesting one. It was used as early as 1200 BC by the Egyptians to make jewelry. In addition, gold jewelry made in the kingdom of Nubia contained traces of platinum, suggesting its presence in the ancient kingdom. In 700 BC, Shepenupet, great high princess of the ancient Egyptians, was buried in a glorious sarcophagus that was decorated with platinum and gold hieroglyphics. In addition, a document casket was placed in her burial chamber, one made of platinum. Around a 100 BC, the ancient South American civilizations popularly used platinum and gold to make ceremonial jewelry. The Incas regularly employed the metal to manufacture ornaments. After this period, the metal was mysteriously lost to mankind for more than two millennia.
In 1590, Spanish conquistadors came upon platinum and dismissed it as being inferior, naming it “platina” or little silver. The metal found its way to alchemists laboratories in the 1700s, popularly used to attempt to transform lead into gold. Frances’ King Louis XVI, in the 1780s, declared platinum to be the only metal perfect for kings. His collection of platinum jewelry was impressive, and Marc Etienne Janety, his personal jeweler produced several pieces including a lavish sugar bowl and other flamboyant pieces rightly fit for a king. In 1788, Francisco Alonso was commissioned by King Carlos III of Spain to create an elaborate chalice made of platinum, 30 cm high, that was then presented to Pope Pius VI. Used in 1795 to make the metric system of weights in France, the scientist WH Wallaston, in 1803, discovering a process to make the metal more malleable, thereby increasing its commercial applications, more platinum deposits being unearthed in the Urals in Russia in 1819, and with the discovery of diamonds in 1866 in Kimberley, South Africa, the application of platinum shifted once again to jewelry, where precious stones were cast in the metal to produce exquisite pieces of ornament.
Creating Platinum Jewelry
In the early 1900s, the first jeweler to popularize the concept of creating platinum jewelry, Louis Cartier, employed it to enhance the magnificence of diamonds. He recognized the worth of the metal and its outstanding attributed, and created pieces of perfection that had maharajas and royalty clamor for his creations. The contemporary platinum industry saw a rejuvenation in 1924, with the discovery of the worlds largest platinum deposit in South Africa, near Johannesburg.
Leading Hollywood starlets in the 1930s adorned in platinum jewelry got the title of “platinum blondes,” after a character played by Jean Harlow in a movie produced by Frank Capras. The metal served as an escape during the great depression, with the rich and famous carrying platinum embellishments. The widespread popularity of platinum-diamond wedding rings began in the same era, when the diamond giant De Beers promoted the product. Due to a reduction in the price of diamonds, the public caught attention to the product and masses flocked to purchase platinum-diamond wedding rings and bands for their beloved.
The first widespread use to platinum rings began when Elvis Presley and Priscilla Ann Beaulieu married in 1967, exchanging platinum wedding rings at their ceremony. The following decades saw a surge in the popularity of platinum wedding bands and rings in the North American continent. Historically used to create filigree engagement and wedding rings, with minute details and elaborate patterns; art deco engagement and wedding rings, with fancy, geometric patterns and vividly colored gems; Edwardian engagement and wedding rings, that combined the spirituality and romance of the stunning Edwardian era; and the Victorian engagement and wedding rings, including intricate scroll-work and gorgeous floral patterns, making the pieces exquisite and highly sought after in the contemporary times.
Due to the density and durability of platinum, its appeal is unmatchable as a wedding ring. It is a white metal, and considerably more durable and expensive than gold. It is popularly used in solitaire pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, men’s wedding rings, and even stud earrings. Being more resistant to wear and tear than either silver or gold, it is a popular choice as an investment option for wedding rings and bands purchased of the metal can be passed on from generation to generation, thereby increasing its appeal manifold.
In the current bleak economic situation, many have realized that platinum rings as an investment are paying off, and selling platinum rings and other pieces of jewelry has become both easy and lucrative in terms of the instant cash they generate. One can sell platinum rings almost instantly, and receive their worth in cash, determined by the current selling rate of platinum in the market. Cash4Gold’s relentless commitment to customer service, its availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and its steadfastness commitment to educating its clients is unmatchable. Make an appointment today!
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