What is Platinum?

The history of platinum dates back again many years back in the past even though it's known as a new metal. The platinum came to Earth some two billion years ago when a big meteorite crashed into Earth in North America. This meteorite is thought to be the earliest source of platinum on the planet. Since then, this uncommon and beguiling treasure has made sporadic appearance all through history, mysteriously disappearing for centuries at a time, which is both baffling and enchanting to those who come across it.

Platinum jewelry also features a long and distinguished history like that of gold jewelry. It has undergone resurgence in popularity over the last 200 years and its use began in antiquity. Platinum was held in high esteem throughout early Egyptian times. Native individuals in South and Central America worked it as early as 100 BC. Spanish conquistadors discovered platinum artifacts amongst the gold they had been looking for when they came towards the new globe. They named the curious metal "platina," or "little silver". They also considered it worthless, and discarded it. Jewelry televison offers the largest selection of stunning discount jewelry and loose gemstone beads.

Until the 18th century platinum did not reach Europe but when King Louis XVI elevated it by terming it "the metal of Kings" it caught on in a big way. For hundreds of years, besides South America, the only large quantities of platinum had been found in Russian mines. Within the nineteenth century, platinum coins had been used by the Russians. In Spain, some gold coins had been faked by gold-plated platinum coins. Platinum dominated the world of jewelry style throughout the Edwardian era, and the Art Deco period, well in to the thirties.

Until 1924 when German geologist Hans Merensky discovered the world's biggest platinum deposit near Johannesburg, South Africa, there were restricted resources for the production of platinum. By the mining activities in just two regions, the need for platinum was essentially happy. The Bushveld Complex, which is just north of South Africa's capital, Pretoria, produces more than two thirds of the yearly platinum supply. The Noril'sk-Talnakh region within the extreme north of Siberia in Russia supplies most of the remainder. As many believe that Russian mines may be running out, they are the sole ones with substantial stocks of platinum.

Platinum was declared a strategic metal in USA with the outbreak of war in 1939 and were only allowed to be used for armaments. Using platinum for making jewelry was band. Cherished by super stars because they dress for their red carpet moment, platinum has become the precious metal choice of the world's glitterati in recent times. With regards to walking down the aisle, celebrities as diverse as Catherine Zeta Jones, Reese Witherspoon and LeAnn Rimes all selected Platinum.