Authenticating Platinum Chains – A Comprehensive ...

Understanding the Value of Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is highly valued for its rarity, strength, and hypoallergenic properties, making it a sought-after material for fine jewelry, including chains. However, due to its high value and similarity to other white metals like white gold and silver, it can sometimes be difficult for consumers to verify its authenticity. This guide offers essential tips to ensure you purchase genuine platinum chains.

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Start with Platinum Jewelry Hallmarks

The most straightforward method to authenticate a platinum chain is to look for hallmarks. These small, stamped markings on jewelry indicate its metal content and are often found on the clasp or on a small tag near the clasp. Common hallmarks for platinum include &#;950,&#; &#;Pt950,&#; &#;PLAT,&#; or &#;950Pt,&#; indicating that the metal is 95% platinum and 5% other balancing alloys. This is the most common purity used in jewelry. Occasionally, you might also see &#;900&#; or &#;850&#; which are less pure but still genuine platinum. Apples of Gold Jewelry only sells 950 grade platinum jewelry, ensuring that you get the highest quality product available on the market.

Weighing Platinum Chains for Authenticity

Platinum is denser and heavier than other metals used in jewelry. If you have access to a precise scale, weigh your platinum chain and compare the weight to a similar chain made from another metal like silver or white gold. Platinum will be significantly heavier. Although this is not a conclusive test, when used in conjunction with other methods, it can provide further evidence of authenticity.

Professional Jewelry Appraisal

If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a platinum chain, such as platinum curb chains, consider having it appraised by a certified jeweler or gemologist. These professionals have the tools and knowledge to conduct thorough tests that can confirm the metal content of your jewelry. This is especially recommended if you are investing in a particularly expensive piece.

Magnetic Testing

Platinum is not magnetic, so using a strong magnet can be a quick test for ferrous (iron-containing) materials often found in counterfeit products. Simply bring a magnet close to the chain; if it attracts, the material is not pure platinum. This test, while helpful, is not definitive alone, as non-ferrous metals like aluminum are also non-magnetic but significantly less valuable.

Check for Signs of Wear

Inspect the chain for signs of wear. Platinum is exceptionally durable and resistant to wear and tarnish. If the item shows significant wear or tarnishing at the joints or clasps, it may be another metal plated with a thin layer of platinum. Genuine platinum jewelry, like platinum box chains, should maintain its integrity and appearance over time even with regular use.

Seller Reputation and Documentation

Purchasing from a reputable seller is one of the most reliable ways to ensure the authenticity of your platinum chain. Established jewelers, like Apples of Gold Jewelry, have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from verified shoppers and ensure that all of our platinum jewelry has a hallmark that verifies the purity and legality of the platinum used. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, particularly from unfamiliar sources.

Using Acid Testing Kits

While not always completely accurate, for a more hands-on approach, consider using an acid testing kit. These kits include a solution that reacts to different metals to indicate their purity. When a drop of the testing solution is applied to a small scratch made on the chain (preferably in an inconspicuous area), the color change will indicate if it is genuine platinum. This method should be used as a last resort as it involves minor damage to the item. For a more accurate test results, try a professional assayer.

Understanding Platinum Alloys

Be aware that platinum can be alloyed with other metals, which can affect its purity. The most common alloys for jewelry are 95% platinum and 5% cobalt or ruthenium. Each alloy has specific properties. Knowing these can help you understand what to look for in terms of authentication and what each stamp means for the quality of your chain. Apples of Gold does not recommend platinum that is not 950 grade or 95% pure. Anything less is subpar, in our professional opinion.

Long-Term Care and Handling of Platinum Jewelry

Maintaining your platinum chain, including platinum cable chains, to pick one style of many, is crucial for preserving its aesthetic and structural integrity. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap solution can help maintain its luster. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the metal. Proper care will ensure your platinum jewelry remains a lasting part of your collection.

By following these guidelines, you can authenticate platinum chains and make informed decisions when adding to your jewelry collection. Knowing how to verify the quality and purity of platinum not only protects your investment but also ensures that you enjoy the beauty and durability of this precious metal to its fullest. For more questions, feel free to contact Apples of Gold Jewelry, and seek out our experience of 25 years+ in the jewelry industry.

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Different Types of Nickel Alloys

There is a wide range of nickel alloys available. Some of the common grades are listed below:

Inconel® is a trade name for a type of nickel alloy that contains chromium, molybdenum, and iron as its main alloying elements. It is known for its oxidation resistance, excellent performance in a high-temperature environment, and mechanical strength. Inconel® can be difficult to cold form due to its rapid work-hardening behavior. Typical alloys are Inconel 625, 718, and 600. 

Monel® is a trade name for a group of copper-based nickel alloys. Monel has high strength and excellent saltwater resistance, as well as the ability to perform well in low-temperature environments, i.e there is not a large reduction in ductility and there is an increase in hardness and strength. Monel® tends to work harden during cold forming, making it difficult to process. Typical alloys are Monel® 400, R-405, and K-500. 

Hastelloy® is the trade name for a highly corrosion-resistant alloy of either a nickel-chromium alloy or a nickel-molybdenum alloy. In addition, Hastelloy® also has good thermal stability and is used in the aerospace and chemical processing industries. Typical alloys include C-22 and C-276.

4. Nickel-Copper Alloys

Nickel-copper alloys have excellent saltwater corrosion and fouling resistance. For that reason, they are used extensively in the marine industry. Iron, tin, and manganese are sometimes added to further improve corrosion resistance. The copper content can be anywhere from 55 to 91.5%, with nickel being the next largest alloying element. The other alloying elements make up a small percentage of the total weight. Monel® is considered a nickel-copper alloy. 

5. Nickel-Iron Alloys

Nickel-iron alloys have good ductility, low thermal expansion, and corrosion resistance. These alloys also have soft magnetic properties. These alloys are used in applications where low thermal expansion is desired like sensitive scientific equipment or where soft magnetic properties are beneficial, for example in transformers. A common trade name for a nickel-iron alloy is Invar®. 

6. Nickel-Chromium Alloys

Nickel chromium alloys have excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance while also maintaining their strength at elevated temperatures. They also have high electrical resistivity. This makes nickel-chromium alloys especially fit for application as heater elements, such as those found in ovens or toasters, for example. Nickel chromium alloys can have a melting point of over °C. These alloys typically have a high nickel content, 70%.

7. Nickel-Titanium Alloys

Nickel-titanium alloys have excellent corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength. However, the most interesting property is that they are a type of shape memory alloy (SMA). They can be formed into a specific shape above a certain high temperature, called the transition temperature. When cool, the part can be deformed to a certain degree, but if it is heated back up to its transition temperature, it will resume its original shape. The exact temperature at which this change takes place can be adjusted by changing the composition of the alloy. These alloys are especially useful in medical applications. For example, stents can be inserted in their compressed form but will expand to their final shape once in the body. Nickel-titanium alloys are also known by the name Nitinol®. 

8. Nickel-Molybdenum Alloys

Nickel molybdenum alloys have excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance at high temperatures. They also maintain their mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. A common nickel-molybdenum alloy is also known as Hastelloy®. This nickel alloy is often used for heat exchangers, pumps, and reactor pressure vessels.

Properties of Nickel Alloys

Nickel alloys can withstand high operating temperatures and corrosive environments, and have good mechanical strength. In addition to this, they can have soft magnetic behavior, low thermal conductivity, and good electrical conductivity. Table 1 below lists down the properties of nickel alloys:

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