Cobalt: A metal in the “superalloy”
class, Cobalt is used in the production
of jet turbines and spacecraft because
it adds strength under ultra high heat
conditions. When used as an alloy for .95 Platinum, the result is nearly twice the strength of
other alloys. The stronger metal is free from minute
surface cracks and pitting. The addition of Cobalt creates
a super-hard Platinum surface, which allows a brighter,
more durable polished finish, and holds finer detail than
any other Platinum alloy. Cobalt alloy is used in our designs manufactured using the lost wax casting process. These styles include: Designer Woven, Designer Sleek and Designer Carved Styles. In a recent study, The Platinum
Guild International stated “Platinum 950/Cobalt is the
undisputedly best alloy for platinum casting”.
Fusing Platinum with Cobalt is an advanced process,
which requires expensive vacuum-induction equipment
that is beyond the reach of most jewelry manufacturers.
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Iridium: The most commonly used Platinum alloy is Iridium. While Iridium is fine for use in .90 Platinum, it is not suitable for manufactured .95 Pure Platinum.
Platinum overnight rings are never produced using Iridium as an alloy.
The resulting jewelry has a dull, greyish look
(like pewter), and the metal is relatively soft.
When Platinum is fused with Iridium, the surface quality is more pitted (porosity) and displays more minute cracks.
With wear, rings bend and scratch, and stones can come loose, Many jewelers choose to work with Iridium because it is less expensive, more malleable, and easier to fuse with platinum.
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Ruthenium: For most of our traditional milled wedding bands and diamond bands,
Ruthenium in the alloy of choice. It
renders well into rings that are
machined with a fluid and precisely
balanced surface. When used as an alloy for .95 Platinum, Ruthenium results in a ring that has the superior hardness to be polished into an exquisite mirror-like finish, and remain
free of scratches during years of wear. Ruthenium imparts a very slightly darker color to platinum which results in a deep mysterious glow that is distinctively different from that of white gold. |
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