Metals I: Platinum

Making informed decisions regarding jewelry purchases can help you understand what you get for your money.  What you can expect in terms of performance and longevity are directly influenced by the metals and their attributes. With this in mind, we will present information regarding the nature, benefits, and drawbacks of each of the top sellers.  Platinum ranks the highest in value and purity of all metals to be considered, making it a good starting point.  Defined as a metallic gray element with a very slight bluish tinge as compared to silver, it has been regarded as a symbol of status from antiquity.  Rarer than gold, it takes ten tons of ore to produce one ounce of pure platinum, ensuring its reputation as one of the earth's most precious metals .  Its earliest recorded references date back to 700 BC.  In the New World, the Incas donned the whitish gray metal for ceremonial purposes.  Oddly enough, invading Spaniard gold-seekers considered the rare metal of little value, giving it the name "platina" or little silver.  Several noteworthy traits that make it so desirable include its rarity, purity, strength, and weight.  Though very strong, it displays great malleability, has a melting point of just over 3200 degrees Fahrenheit, and is nearly twice as heavy as gold.  Since platinum is considerably more expensive than other metals, including gold, one may wonder why choose it over the alternatives.  The benefits of platinum jewelry speak for themselves, not the least of which is its resistance to abrasion.  Rings and prongs made of this white metal remain virtually free of wear many years beyond that of their gold counterparts.  This is an amazing asset considering that platinum is relatively soft and bends more easily than gold.  Platinum is particularly beneficial for setting stones; once properly set, it is unlikely that the stones will ever be lost.  If that were not enough, platinum has one more favorable characteristic that makes it preferred for use in jewelry.  It will not corrode, rust, or tarnish due to the fact that it does not interact with air, water, or other outside elements.  The bonus is that, due to its 95% pure nature; it is also hypoallergenic.  Though platinum is technically a superior option, it does have its shortcomings.  Admittedly, platinum is expensive; and though its polished finish is striking, the shine will not last.  It will actually dull and develop a patina over time that some people even prefer.  The original high polish can be replaced, but the process is more time consuming and costly than any other metal. Reservations aside, the amazing list of qualities ascribed to what has been dubbed the "metal of kings" will surely meet the standards for your most treasured jewelry possessions.

 Will be stamped PT950, PLAT, or Platinum

Sapphire: Stone of Many Colors

Many legends and traditions from antiquity surround the alluring blue gemstone called sapphire. The name sapphire comes from the words "sappheiros" in the Greek and "saphirus" in the Latin, both meaning blue.  Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection caused the sky to be blue.  Jewish tradition holds that Moses received the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it one of the most sacred of gemstones.  Doubtless, this and the notion that sapphires represented divine favor caused them to be the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests.  Subsequently, sapphires have become a universal symbol for purity and wisdom.  It is, therefore, no surprise that the British Crown Jewels exhibit a substantial portion of the blue gems.  Along with purity and wisdom, sapphires have signified faithfulness and romantic love.  Britain's Prince Charles helped revive the popularity of the blue sapphire as an engagement ring when he proposed to Princess Diana.

Since 1912 the sapphire has been the official birthstone for the month of September as designated by the American National Association of Jewelers.  Its mineralogical name corundum, along with the chemical and physical properties, are virtually the same as the ruby.  The ruby, however, is the only red corundum; all other corundums are sapphires.  Sapphires offer a vast array of colors beyond the notable signature blue.  Included on the list are green, pink, white, violet, grey, yellow, and orange.  By far the most preferred remains the exquisite blue color known as "Ceylon" blue.  Few people are aware of the numerous color options, thus the lesser demand for them.  Two especially interesting colors of sapphire include the violet, which is rare, and the padparadscha , which is even rarer.  A natural padparadscha will always display a hint of pink along with the orange.  Pinks have become popular due to the fashion industry trends and Hollywood celebrities. 
Beyond the fashion trends lies another rare variety of natural sapphire.  It is capable of changing color depending on available light, similar to alexandrites and tanzanites.

If one cannot resist the temptation to view the epitome of "big and blue", the 423 carat Logan Sapphire is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in the nation's capital.  It is likely the most grandiose example of a faceted sapphire ever available for public viewing.

From mysterious indigo hues to the sublime padparadscha, you too can enjoy owning treasures of sapphire that will endure the test of time.

Factoids

*   The finest blue sapphires originate in Kashmir and Myanmar.
*   U.S. sourced sapphires are found in Montana.
*   Sapphire is rated 9 on the Mohs Scale and is the second hardest natural mineral, exceeding all stones but diamonds.
*   Care includes cleaning in soapy water or commercial jewelry cleaner with no fear of damage.