What samples and brands of platinum are there?

Recently, the demand for jewelry made from high-grade platinum has only increased. This metal with unique chemical and physical parameters has excellent aesthetic qualities. In jewelry production use samples from 850 to 950. Unfortunately, not knowing the differences in precious metals, you can fall into the hands of scammers. To prevent this, let's look at what samples are and how platinum is distinguished from other precious metals and alloys.

The sample on jewelry looks like a brand, but a certain number is indicated. This number is determined by the ratio of the precious metal itself to the additional components, it is entered in a special standard. And the higher this number, the purer the metal. Names are embossed on the decorations, where, in addition to the stigma, the manufacturer's mark is put. The sample number is applied to the inside of the product.

Some sources indicate that platinum fineness starts at 750, but this is not entirely true. The noble metal does not have such a composition - it is either white gold or silver. Platinum products come in only 950 samples.

As you know, platinum is used not only in the manufacture of jewelry, but also in the radio industry, dental prosthetics, in the manufacture of commemorative coins from precious metals, in the chemical industry.

All precious metals in the world are measured by several systems of measures. In the Russian Federation, the CIS countries and the European Union, the metric system is adopted, in the USA and Canada - the carat system. The marking for all alloys is the same and equivalent to the sample, it is considered the ratio of the main precious metal to the admixture of additional metals and minerals per 1 kilogram of the alloy. Let's take a closer look at the marking of this precious metal.

• 850. In terms of carats - 20 carats. In such an alloy, 85% is platinum and 15% is impurities from copper, cobalt, iridium and tungsten. Dull silver metal. Unknowingly, it can be mistaken for silver.

• 900. In the carat system - 22 carats. It contains 90% platinum and 10% ligature. This alloy is rarely used in jewelry. Silver-colored metal, dull glossy in appearance.

• 950. in the carat system - 23 carats. An alloy in which 95% platinum and 5% impurities. Possesses bright gloss and high durability. PT950 is stamped on this sample. The main raw material for the jewelry industry, dentures, minted souvenir coins.

• 999... Almost pure platinum, impurities less than 1%. It is used in the manufacture of measured and bank ingots, as well as in industry for special-purpose equipment.

Of course, there are many fraudsters in the precious metals market, but you can also determine the authenticity of platinum at home.

Here are some effective ways. Platinum, like any metal, has a specific density, for example, the density of 950 samples is 21.05 g / cm3. And if in doubt whether your jewelry is fake or not, then you can check it yourself. Density is determined using a pharmaceutical or special electronic scales and a measuring container with water. We weigh the product, and then lower it into a measuring cup. We collect the volume of liquid that appeared above the mark with a syringe, so it is easier to find out the cubic volume. We divide the volume of water by weight in grams and look at the resulting figure.

The next definition is very simple. Necessary drip an iodine-alcohol solution onto the decoration. On real platinum, iodine will not brighten and will be wiped off without any streaks. Method for determining the authenticity of platinum with aqua regia also exists. Let's remember chemistry lessons from school days - aqua regia dissolves both silver and gold, but not platinum. The solution is made in a ratio of 1: 3 from nitric and hydrochloric acids. There is also a way using liquid ammonia. When a metal comes into contact with this liquid, dark traces remain on the metal surface, the only exception is platinum.

Platinum and silver are very often confused, so you need to be able to distinguish one from the other.

1. With all the similarity of color, silver is duller, it becomes covered with a bloom over time. Platinum does not tarnish and remains the same light.
2. Silver is almost 2 times lighter than platinum. Weigh roughly the same jewelry made of similar metals - silver will be lighter.
3. Due to its high density, platinum is very resistant to deformation and mechanical damage. It is almost impossible to leave scratches or dents on it, with a silver decoration it will be the opposite.
4. Refractory platinum will not darken if heated with an open fire, almost will not heat up. To melt it, you need special melting equipment. Silver is easy enough to melt.

There are also significant differences between white gold and platinum.

1. White gold weighs less than platinum, as gold items are marked with 750 fineness and the weight of the metal is lighter.
2. Gold, being an alloy of gold and silver, nickel or palladium when worn, may cause an allergic reaction. Platinum does not have such a phenomenon.
3. Gold, like silver, is subject to deformation, although to a lesser extent. Platinum is much more stable.
4. Platinum is slightly duller in color than gold.

The decision to purchase a piece of platinum is up to you, but this metal and jewelry made from it will still be a good investment. A pleasant bonus will be the durability, external beauty of the jewelry and the absence of plaque from time to time.

Why platinum is more expensive than gold can be found in the next video.