Platinum Jewellery Facts – The Goldmarket

With the Queen about to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, we thought it timely to write a piece about this precious metal, where it comes from, why it is so much more valuable than gold and why platinum jewellery is such a popular choice for many.

A Brief Overview of Platinum

Only really used in the production of jewellery since the 19thcentury (unlike gold which has been used for centuries), platinum was actually first discovered in 1557. In the late 16thcentury, it was discovered by Spanish Conquistadors in the rivers in Ecuador. Of course, they had no understanding of its value and simply named it platina, throwing it back into the rivers for it to “ripen” into silver. Fast forward to today and we are much more aware of its benefits and value.

A Rare Precious Metal When Compared to Others

A far cry from the 16thcentury, now we know platinum to be one of the rarest and most durable of the precious metals. In fact, if you took all of the platinum ever mined and put it in one room, it would actually fit into the average living room. That is not a lot – especially when you consider how many platinum wedding rings must exist.

Why Choose Platinum?

Platinum is an extremely durable and hard wearing metal weighing 60% more than gold. It maintains its luminosity unlike other metals which may tarnish. It is resistant to tarnishing and discolouration and it’s strong white lustre makes it an extremely popular choice

Aside from how shiny and hardwearing it is, many choose it as it is a hypoallergenic metal – great for those with sensitive skin that cannot wear other metals.

Some Interesting Platinum Facts

Here are a few snippets about this rare but favoured precious metal that you may not know already:

  • The Hope Diamond is set in platinum
  • It is great for every day wear due to its strength and durability
  • Platinum doesn’t wear away and if you scratch it, you don’t lose any of the metal, it just displaces.
  • It doesn’t fade, discolour or tarnish
  • It’s hallmark is PT or PLAT. In Europe, platinum is identified by the following marks: 950 or PT950.

The Queen’s Platinum Jewellery Collection

Now, we can’t let the occasion pass without discussing some of the Queen’s platinum collection:

Nizam of Hyderabad Brooch


CREDIT: GETTY

The Queen often wears this brooch, which is actually the centerpiece of the Nizam of Hyderabad tiara.

Fern Brooch

A platinum fern brooch featuring diamonds was given to Her Majesty by the Women of Auckland on Christmas in 1953, when she toured New Zealand. It has also been worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara


CREDIT: GETTY

This particular tiara was worn by Princess Eugenie on her wedding day. It is made of brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side.

Queen Mary’s Floret Earrings

queen Elizabeth platinum jewellery
CREDIT: GETTY

The main diamonds from these earrings were a gift to Queen Mary in honour of her July 1893 wedding. They have gone through a number of settings before becoming the centre piece of their current iteration. Set in platinum, the diamonds are surrounded by seven smaller diamonds for a floret effect.

King Faisal Necklace


CREDIT: GETTY

In May 1967, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia headed to the U.K. for a state visit — and brought this dazzling gift for the Queen in the form of a diamond necklace made by Harry Winston in the 1950s.

These are just a few of Queen Elizabeth’s famous platinum collection but let’s face it, it is a metal that is fit for a queen!

Caring for Platinum Jewellery

However durable and resilient this precious metal is, it is still highly important to look after your platinum jewellery. Avoid wearing it for manual labour or while at the gym/during exercise. Don’t allow your pieces to touch each other. In fact, it’s best if you can store your pieces separately in a fabric lined box. You should also be careful not to handle abrasives or acids while wearing platinum rings.

If your platinum jewellery does become scratched, fear not. At The Goldmarket, we have the tools to polish out those scratches and re-rhodium it to bring it up like new. You could even check out our collection of platinum jewellery while you are here!