Platinum

BRIEF

The platinum in your unique Prins & Prins jewellery comes from The Merensky Reef, a platinum rich layer in the Bushveld Igneous Complex which was formed approximately 2000 million years ago in the North West Province of South Africa. These deposits account for more than 80% of the world’s platinum reserves and have been mined for more than 80 years. The bulk of these riches occurs on land of the BaFokeng people near Rustenburg and has played a significant role in their economic development.

WHY IS PLATINUM JEWELLERY MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN
GOLD JEWELLERY ?
Because:
1. Its base price, i.e., $/ounce, is normally double the price of 24kt gold.
2. A platinum item contains 95% pure platinum compared to 75% pure gold in an 18k item.
3. A platinum item weighs 30% more than a similar item in 18k gold.
4. Labour and refining costs are much more for platinum than for gold. Platinum melts at 1769 and gold at 1063 degrees Celsius.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PLATINUM JEWELLERY

* Store platinum items separately in a jewellery box or chamois bag so that other items cannot scratch them. Platinum is an extremely durable metal but can be scratched by harder metals and gemstones.
* Remove all jewellery when doing manual work, sport or a gym workout.
* Clean platinum periodically with a commercial jewellery cleaner or soak it in a mild solution of soap and warm water, then wash it clean under a running tap and gently rub it with a soft cloth.
* Stay away from bleach or corrosive chemicals when wearing platinum jewellery. Such chemicals will have no effect on platinum but may damage or discolour gemstones.
* Let Prins & Prins clean your jewellery professionally and have us check the settings regularly.
* Not all goldsmiths can work in platinum. If your jewellery requires adjustments, resizing, polishing or cleaning make sure that the workshop employs a qualified platinum worker.