Platinum Rings

For centuries, platinum was considered some sort of mystery metal. The pre-Columbian Americans were probably the first to recognize this metal, although they did not use pure platinum, but rather mixed it with other metals.

In the 16th century, the Spanish, who brought in gold from their South American conquests, saw platinum as an unwanted metal that caused impurity in gold. That's likely how platinum, which means "little silver" in Spanish, got its name. Platinum was frequently confused with silver.

The confusion disappeared when the unique characteristics of platinum were discovered. Platinum is very resistant to corrosion and does not tarnish. However, while it is a great material to use for rings, its extremely high melting point and the fact that it is less malleable than gold makes it a difficult material to work with.

Platinum's rarity contributes to the fact that platinum rings, especially platinum wedding bands, are among the most precious pieces of jewelry.

Quick Facts

• Platinum is actually consists of a group of metals: osmium, ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, and iridium
• In general, ten tons of ore must be mined to find one ounce of platinum
• Most people own platinum, but more typically in their car as opposed to in a ring. Platinum is used in vehicle emissions control devices