The history of platinum

The History of Platinum

Platinum is a rare metal and is one of the most valuable metals on earth, being about 30 times rarer than gold. It is silvery white and has a brilliant white luster, making it ideal for reflecting the brilliance and radiance of diamonds.

Platinum is ancient
The history of platinum begins about three thousand years ago in ancient Egypt. Approximately 800 years later, the Incas also processed platinum into precious jewelry. Around 1580, Spanish conquistadors gave this rare metal the name we all have today: “platinum” or “little silver”.

Platinum is young
The first platinum jewelry first appeared in Europe around 1870 at the court of King Louis XVI. The heyday of platinum came at the turn of the century, the era of Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

Platinum is pure
No other precious metal is processed to such consistently high levels of purity: 950/1000, and only platinum will never darken, nor lose its deep color, nor find complete compatibility with all skin types.

Platinum is durable
The exceptional strength of platinum challenges the skill and creativity of the craftsman. Platinum holds precious stones immovably secure. Even after many years, it does not wear out.

Platinum is heavy
Platinum’s specific gravity of 21.45 g/ccm makes it one of the heaviest precious metals. Twice as heavy as silver and – surprisingly – than lead.

Platinum is very rare
Platinum is found in only a few places in the world – mainly in South Africa. And the annual global production amounts to just 85 tons, compared to 1,500 tons of gold.

Platinum is difficult to mine
10 tons of ore yield just one ounce of platinum (31.1 g). It takes “only” 3 tons of ore to provide the same amount of gold. It takes a full 5 months to turn ore into pure platinum. Comparatively, gold takes “only” 4-5 weeks.

Platinum is supreme
Its refined beauty allows gemstones to shine and sparkle while maintaining their essential individuality. Platinum will reflect and emphasize your personality every day, on every occasion.

Platinum is precious
Its rarity, painstaking manufacturing process, unusual weight, durability, strength and masterful craftsmanship; all of this makes your platinum jewelry a precious object with eternally fresh beauty and unique appeal.

At DITANI, we work only with platinum in its purest form of purity, namely 950/1000 fineness.