PLATINUM
Platinum
What is platinum?
Platinum is a hard and brittle precious metal. Because of this, it is often combined with softer metals like gold and silver, as the resulting alloy is stronger and creates desirable color variants. For example, platinum mixed with pure gold creates white gold. Often times, old Art Deco-style rings, bracelets, and earrings are made of platinum. It is also a popular choice for luxury watches, as it does not tarnish. Platinum does, however, take on certain patina that can increase its value – so please do not polish any platinum items before bringing them in!
How do you determine the value of platinum items?
All of our Precious Metals Refinery locations have a state-of-the-art X-Ray gun that tells us the precise elemental analysis of alloy materials in an object. Thermo Fisher Scientific, a reputable company and leader in lab equipment, makes the machine; PMR uses their Niton XRF Analyzer model. The XRF Analyzer is easy to use, tests your platinum or platinum jewelry within seconds without damaging it, and allows us to have accurate results on the precise elemental makeup of your item. With the help of this tool, we know the exact amount of platinum in an object. So we can guarantee our customers the highest payout possible.
Unsure how much platinum is in something you own? If you have an item you think contains platinum, we offer an X-Ray service. Please call our store for the latest information and prices.
Platinum in history
Like other precious metals, humans have used platinum throughout history – although it has only identified as a separate metal for a considerably shorter amount of time. Pre-Columbian cultures often mined for and used platinum to create white gold. It was not until the 18th century, however, that Europeans scientists realized that platinum was its own separate element, and not, as previously thought, an imperfection of gold.
Platinum, which is more rare than gold, has a whole host of uses. Industrial uses include use as a catalyst, and when mixed together with cobalt, as a magnet. Platinum is more commonly known for its use in jewelry, however. After its recognition as a separate metal, jewelers started to use platinum by itself to create beautiful pieces of jewelry. Because of its white hue and durability, platinum is a popular choice for setting of diamonds and gemstones. Perhaps the most famous diamond in the world, the Hope Diamond, is set in platinum. Platinum is also often found in pieces of Art Deco jewelry, as the metal became more commonplace after the discovery of the largest deposit of it in the 1920s in South Africa.
Today, platinum remains a popular choice for use in jewelry and watches, as well as a bullion investment. Because of this sustained demand, PMR is interested in purchasing all sorts of platinum items. Read below to see what stamps we are interested in buying:
Types of Platinum Stamps purchased by PMR:
- PLAT
- PT 950
- PT 900
- PT 900/10% Irid
