Platinum does not fade, tarnish, or turn color. However, with age, it does take on a patina and show slight scratches.
One of platinum's amazing properties is its resistance to corrosion; like gold, it does not oxidize in air or water. If your 'platinum' is turning black, there's a good chance it's silver or some other metal. Silver looks similar but it well known for tarnishing.
does platinum tarnish? No. Platinum will not change color or fade over time, unlike some other metals. It's naturally white and remains that way.
The downside of Platinum is that it tends to lose its high polish and sharp edges fairly quickly. This is not because they are being worn away but, more accurately, they are being moulded like clay around the surface of the ring.
It is the most durable metal used to make jewellery. Platinum should last a lifetime and you should not have to reset your platinum engagement ring. Platinum is a naturally white metal that is highly resistant to tarnish.
Can you wear platinum in the shower? A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.
Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat and extreme cold, which means platinum jewellery will retain its good looks better than any other metal.
More Durable Than Other Metals: Platinum is an incredibly durable metal, ranking 20% denser than white gold and 60% denser than yellow gold. While not immune to the damages of everyday wear and tear, platinum's durability is a big appeal for engagement ring shoppers with active lifestyles.
As a form of currency, these coins proved to be impractical: platinum resembles many less expensive metals, and, unlike the more malleable and ductile silver and gold, it is very difficult to work.
HARDER, BETTER, RARER, STRONGER
For starters, gold is far more abundant in the earth's crust, making platinum rarer. Whilst 1,500 tons of gold are mined annually, only 160 tons of platinum are extracted.
Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit). Some people actually prefer this look because it will accentuate the brilliance of a diamond and make it appear more sparkly.
The cheapest and easiest way to clean platinum rings is by soaking them in a sudsy solution of warm water and a mild washing up liquid for around 30 minutes. This will lift any built-up grime and debris from your rings, effortlessly restoring their lustre.
You should clean any regularly-worn platinum jewelry every month. Platinum jewelry pieces you only wear occasionally can be cleaned less often. However, platinum can be expensive, and regularly cleaning all your pieces can protect the longevity of your prized pieces.
Aside from our sweat, our bodies also secrete hormones. As our hormones fluctuate throughout the weeks, months, or years, they could be causing reactions with the metal alloys in the ring, forming dark chemical compounds that you see as black smudges on your finger.
This is due to other environmental, chemical and biological factors. On the Coast, we have a lot of salt, and therefore chlorine, in the atmosphere. Elements such as sulphur and chlorine react with the other metals in the gold jewelry, causing it to corrode and turn black, thus blackening the skin underneath.
The difference in durability is really no contest between platinum and silver. Silver is a soft metal that wears down quickly and tarnishes easily. One of the biggest advantages of platinum is its high melting point, making it hard enough to not require any alloys.
Some investors may want to prioritize stability and long-term investing. In that case, gold is likely the better option. The precious metal has a longstanding history of reliable demand which often spikes during economic downturns. On the other hand, platinum usually performs better during times of economic growth.
The simplest tests are heating and discoloration. If the item is heated, for example, in a Bunsen flame, platinum will be more difficult or impossible to melt and the platinum will not discolour. The effect of acid is another basic test. None of the common acids will attack Pt.
Diamonds are expensive. Diamonds cost more than gold or platinum.
Platinum holds diamonds and other gemstones more securely than other precious metals. Over time, platinum takes on a satiny sheen known as patina. It's platinum's natural mark of authenticity and enduring value. Platinum's durability allows jewelry to stand the test of time.
If you look at the material value of precious metals, platinum sits at the top. The shiny white metal is considered a strong symbol of value and quality. The supply of platinum is much lower vs that of gold. It's also far more difficult to extract than the yellow metal.
Platinum Tends to Have a Poor Resale Value
The main reason is because a relatively small number of people are willing to buy it. This doesn't mean you can't find a reputable buyer, but you'll need to do some searching as you explore your options.
When washing your hands with gentle soap and warm water your engagement ring is totally fine; no need to stress about taking it on and off. You should definitely be taking your engagement ring off to apply hand sanitizer, however.
But platinum can bend, too. It's not indestructible. Another reason you should avoid wearing your engagement ring to bed is that blankets, sheets, and hair can snag on your ring, which can pull and loosen prongs. Of course, wearing your ring to bed a few times likely won't cause a ton of damage.
Approximately 88 tons of platinum are used to make jewelry every year compared to 2,700 tons of gold. Because of its rarity, platinum is valuable and will hold its value as the years pass.