The first Platinum jewelry in Europe appeared around the year 1780, at the court of Louis XVI of France. Platinum has been around for many centuries, but used in jewelry for less than two centuries. It is both an ancient and young metal. Platinum is one of the strongest and most enduring metals in the world, and is also one of the heaviest. It is ideal for jewelry worn every day because it exhibits little material loss, even after prolonged wear.
Platinum is 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 once of gold. Rarity lends platinum its cachet. Platinum's rich, white luster perfectly complements diamonds and other precious gems.