1. Unless its 100% pure platinum, it can’t be considered Platinum.

Jewelry can contain different percentages of pure platinum. Jewelry that contains at least 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum may be marked or described as "Platinum." Jewelry that is 85%, 90% or 95% pure platinum may be marked "Plat" or "Pt" if a number is used in front of the term to disclose the amount of pure platinum in the mix, such as "850 Plat" or "850 Pt", or"950 Plat" or "950 Pt." Jewelry that is at least 95% platinum group metals, with at least 50% pure platinum, may be marked as platinum as long as the numbers of each metal are disclosed. For example, "600 Pt. 350 Ir." or 600 Plat. 350 Irid." for 60% pure platinum and 35% iridium, and "550Pt. 350Pd. 50Ir." or "550Plat. 350Pall. 50Irid." for 55% pure platinum, 35% palladium and 5% iridium.

2. The purer the platinum, the more durable it is.

Most metals used for jewelry making are mixed with other alloys. This is done in order to strengthen soft metals, lower the metal’s melting point, change the color of the metal, and make metals more affordable. In the past, most platinum jewelry had to be about 85% pure platinum in order to be called platinum by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, we all know how popular platinum has become. It’s a favorite now for wedding bands and engagement rings and a status symbol for music industry celebrities. But it is also usually very expensive. Lots of jewelry lovers want it but few can afford it. That’s where ePlatinumRings.com comes in. We are on the forefront of the current movement that is trying to change the current FTC platinum standards to include platinum jewelry made from 14 karat, or .585 platinum. We have patented a process in which our manufacturers alone are able to create a platinum alloy that looks and feels just like 950 platinum. In fact, it’s even more durable and long lasting than 950 platinum. Now we are able to provide you with the luxury of platinum for the price of gold. So why settle for anything less than the best metal out there? You can finally afford platinum.

3. Platinum is much more expensive than gold.

In the past, the popular understanding was that pure platinum was much more expensive than gold. However, pure platinum is trading at less than $300 an ounce more than gold right now. Bearing in mind that the platinum being used for jewelry today is not 100% platinum, rather between 50-90%, and its evident that platinum jewelry is really not that much more expensive than gold jewelry when all is said and done. And, thanks to our patented process, we are able to provide our platinum jewelry for less than the price of gold!

4. Platinum tarnishes and scratches over time.

Platinum is not susceptible to problems like stress corrosion or stress cracking as can be the case with white gold. Durability and sturdiness make platinum a metal that is desirable for constant use. Platinum is stronger, wears better and durable and requires less service than gold. It also has long lasting qualities and keeps up its luster longer making it a good option for jewelry.

5. Platinum has to be plated with Rhodium in order for it to maintain its rich, white luster.

White gold is usually coated with Rhodium to enhance and protect its appearance. There is a common misconception that platinum jewelry must also be plated with rhodium. While white gold tends to lose its bright white color over time, platinum by itself is white enough so rhodium plating is not necessary. Platinum is more durable than gold. Over time, platinum simply doesn't wear away anywhere near as fast as white gold or other gold alloys, despite the fact that the actual surface hardness and stiffness of the white gold may seem much higher.

6. Platinum is difficult to work with.

Although platinum does require special skills and tools to work with, anyone with a little experience can learn to work with it. It is true that working in platinum require extra time in the finishing process.

7. Platinum is rough on sensitive skin.

Platinum is wonderful for people with sensitive skin as its hypoallergenic properties make it available to wear to anyone. Platinum is usually 50 to 95 percent pure and will not irritate the skin. Its purity makes it the perfect jewelry option for people with sensitive skin. People who suffer from allergic reactions with gold jewelry can wear platinum with ease. The main whitening agent in most white gold alloys is nickel, which is a metal that many people are sensitive to. Platinum jewelry, however, seldom causes skin reactions.

8. Gold is a more precious metal than Platinum.

Platinum is more precious, and more enduring than gold. Platinum is a completely different metal than gold. It is found naturally in the earth, is extremely rare, and is far less abundant than gold. It is found only in a few mineable places on the earth. It is about 35 times more rare than gold. The rarity of platinum makes it the perfect choice for fine jewelry. Its heavy weight and durability make it a metal that will not wear away with constant use. Platinum settings hold fine gemstones firmly in place for the life of the jewelry.

9. Platinum and white gold are basically the same.

White gold and platinum each have their own unique properties. Platinum is a white metal, but unlike gold it is often used in jewelry in almost its pure form (approximately 95% pure). Platinum is extremely long wearing and is very white, so it does not need to be Rhodium plated like white gold. Platinum is very dense and heavy, so a platinum ring will feel heavier than an 18kt gold ring. Platinum is more durable than white gold. It can be fabricated better when making complex items and is easier to hand-engrave. When not rhodium plated, white gold is a bit yellowish and platinum is whiter in color. Over time, platinum simply doesn't wear away anywhere near as fast as white gold or other gold alloys. Platinum is not susceptible to problems like stress corrosion or stress cracking as can be the case with white gold. Platinum will not oxidize or change color over time like gold tends to do, especially in jewelry that gets a lot of wear, like rings. Platinum is more resistant to abrasion. Some people can also have a skin reaction to white gold. The nickel mixed with the white gold to give it its white color causes skin irritation issues. However platinum doesn't pose a problem for people with sensitive skin.

10. Platinum does not mount gemstones well.

Platinum is denser and stronger than white gold. This means that settings can be made of what looks like thin, fragile constructions, and still have the needed strength and integrity to securely hold stones or jewelry together. Its density and strength combine as well to make it very wear-resistant. Platinum settings hold fine gemstones firmly in place for the life of the jewelry, and will not loosen.