These advances were slowed by the Depression of the 1930 s and were stopped abruptly by World War II, when the U.S. government declared platinum a strategic metal and banned its use in all non-military applications, including jewellery. This led to the emergence of white gold to satisfy consumer demand for platinum s pure white luster. Platinum is strong. Platinum is one of the heaviest metals in the world. With diamond settings, platinum prongs show little wear even after years of use.
Platinum is pure.
Platinum is also hypoallergenic and resists tarnish. Platinum is rare. To produce a single ounce of platinum, a total of 10 tons of ore must be mined. In comparison, only three tons of ore are required to produce one ounce of gold Worldwide production of platinum per year is approximately only 85 tons, compared to an annual gold production of 1500 tons. Platinum s rich, white luster perfectly compliments diamonds and other precious gems.