and servicing platinum jewelry? First an understanding of properties unique to platinum, and realizing that it is not more difficult to work with, but different than any other metal you may have used in the past. Skilled jewelers should have no difficulty adapting to working with platinum, once they understand the metal's characteristics.

When platinum is mined, it is usually found along with its 5 sister metals, also called PGM's (Platinum Group Metals). They are Palladium, Osmium, Rhodium,  ruthenium and Iridium.

As with all precious metals, platinum in its pure state is too soft to be used in jewelry. It must be alloyed with another

metal to improve its workability. The most common alloys in the United States are 95% Platinum with 5% Ruthenium or 95% Platinum with 5% Cobalt , 95% Platinum with 5% Iridium, and 90%
Platinum with 10% Iridium.

Platinum has an extremely high melting point (about 1773°C / 3224° F) This varies somewhat depending on the alloy used. When soldered, brazed or welded, it becomes white hot. This intense white hot radiation contains UV rays that can harm unprotected eyes.

Use #5 gas welding glasses for soldering small jewelry pieces for a short period of time. These goggles are sufficient for most repair work. When welding for longer periods of time, use #6 goggles. But when casting platinum, use #10 or even #11 electric welding.

Platinum Guild International USA 2004   All Rights Reserved

2 of 15