The main features of platinum and its differences from other metals. How to Distinguish Rhodium Plated Silver from Platinum and White Gold Applying Test Solution Directly to Silver

An uninformed person, looking at jewelry made of silver, platinum and palladium, most likely will not see any difference between them and think that they are all made of the same metal. Meanwhile, these precious metals differ in their physical and chemical properties. Of course, they also differ in price. In this article, we will tell you about the properties of these metals.

The structure of platinum is several times harder than the structure of silver. Platinum jewelry does not scratch from accidental mechanical stress. Platinum is much less common in nature than silver. Therefore, platinum products, like ingots, are much more expensive. In addition, platinum jewelry is, in fact, a great rarity. Platinum is much more difficult to melt than silver, as its melting point is much higher than that of silver. Finally, this metal does not oxidize at all.

Palladium differs from platinum and silver in its lower specific gravity. It is a durable precious metal that is absolutely corrosion resistant. Palladium is extremely resistant to mechanical damage. Despite the fact that it is a durable metal, it is at the same time soft and pliable in processing.

Platinum is the most expensive precious metal, which is found in nature ten times less often than gold, which is why it was nicknamed the "queen of metals". Platinum has a high density index, incredible wear resistance and resistance to the corrosion process. The metal also has a great appearance, so the jewelry leaves no one indifferent. In addition, platinum products do not break, bend or fade over time. Many people who are interested in jewelry made from this metal are wondering how to determine platinum at home.

Natural Platinum Ingot

A little about metal

Platinum is a metal that is characterized by a high index of hardness and density, therefore, in the jewelry industry it is used almost in its pure form, while the gold alloy can contain up to 63% of the ligature. Platinum is characterized by the following samples:

850: the alloy is 85% precious metal and 15% master alloy;
900: 90% precious metal and 10% master alloy;
950: 95% precious metal and 5% master alloy.

Metals such as rhodium, palladium, iridium and silicon are added as ligatures to platinum. These metals do not add an uncharacteristic hue to platinum, but only emphasize its white-silver shine.

Checking platinum jewelry

When asked how to check platinum, it should be said that the check should start at a jewelry store. The purchase of platinum items must be approached with knowledge, since such jewelry is expensive, which is used by fraudsters trying to sell gold or silver to the buyer at the price of platinum. Therefore, you need to buy platinum jewelry only in large jewelry stores or salons that offer their products under well-known brands. Genuine platinum jewelery will never be sold by hand.

Platinum jewelry is not massive, primarily because this metal is very rare and expensive. Therefore, if the seller offers the buyer a massive ring (pendant, earrings) made of platinum, then this should alert.

You need to take a platinum jewelry in your hand for a few seconds and try to heat it. If the metal remains cold, it will be a sign of its authenticity, since platinum has a weak thermal conductivity.

At home, iodine can be used to verify the authenticity of platinum. Select a small area on the item to be tested and apply some iodine to it. If a dark spot appears on the platinum, this will indicate the authenticity of the metal. Important: iodine must be wiped off as soon as possible so that there is no dark spot left on the jewelry!

If you put a little ammonia on real platinum, then this substance will not harm the product. If the jewelry darkens from ammonia, this will indicate that it does not contain platinum. The most radical method of verifying the authenticity of platinum is the use of "aqua regia", consisting of nitric acid (1 part) and hydrochloric acid (3 parts). The test object should be placed in such a solution. Tsarskaya Vodka will not affect natural platinum in any way.

If there is a silver item at home, the size of which is similar to the parameters of the platinum jewelry being tested, then the weight of the two items can be compared. Also, for verification, you will need a high-precision scales (pharmaceutical). On them you need to weigh the jewelry in turn and compare their masses. Silver will be 2 times lighter than platinum. But if the items weigh the same, then this will indicate that they are both made of silver. In the same way, platinum can be distinguished from white gold, which is very similar to the "queen of metals".

You should also evaluate the appearance of the product. Platinum is characterized by a pure white luster, while silver (even high-grade silver) has a grayish tint, which is clearly defined when juxtaposed with two pieces of jewelry. Unlike silver, platinum does not tarnish or darken over time.

Platinum authentication methods used at home are not 100% reliable. Only an expert can accurately determine the authenticity of the metal.

Platinum is considered one of the most expensive precious metals used in jewelry making. Compared to other noble metals, it is easier to shrink, heat; serves as an optimal material for creating industrial and jewelry items. In the current economic climate and the high demand for jewelry, platinum is second only to gold.

She emphasizes the social status of the owner. It belongs to the group of white metals, so it is not easy to recognize it among other jewelry.

Metal composition and characteristics

How to check platinum at home was known back in the 18th century. She was considered a symbol of wealth. Even then, people determined what this piece of white material was for. Nowadays, small jewelry is made from precious ingots:

Platinum is too expensive a metal to be used to create massive pieces. The high price per gram may alienate buyers, because not everyone can afford a ring weighing 5 grams for one or two thousand dollars.

Modern technologies of our time allow many owners to open online stores of precious products. But the opportunity to feel and explore the little thing you like is impossible, but you can get acquainted with all the certificates of metal quality.

However, some doubt remains, and many are forced to independently check the quality and authenticity of the products. The main difference between platinum is weight and density.

Density can be compared to metals such as:

iridium;
Uranus;
rhenium;
osmium.

The metal is heavier to the touch than other precious alloys. The ratio of the percentage of pure substance is 85-95%. Thus, we can say that platinum products are practically made of pure metal. The rest of the alloy is made up of iridium and osmium. It is impractical to add them as weighting agents, since the price will not change from this.

The metals are almost identical, the alloys are as precious as platinum. In the mining industry, iridium and osmium are more expensive because of the deposit.

A real platinum product, unlike other metals, is not afraid of iodine. Some chemical elements cannot affect the appearance of the jewelry. Alcoholic solutions will harm fine spraying or coating, some oxides will leave a barely noticeable mark on the surface. And stronger concentrated substances completely corrode platinum.

There are not many of them, but the environment also negatively affects the metal:

the original shine may disappear;
the appearance will noticeably deteriorate;
the product will lose its properties.

Compared to silver, a platinum item has a lighter shade. Massive rings and large brooches are not made of expensive metals. This does not attract customers or suppliers.

How to distinguish platinum from other metals?

How to determine platinum - the main indicator of the difference is the sample. It is always applied to the back of the ring; on chains - to the area of the castle. Pendants and pendants may not look at all different from cheap metals, especially if the product is inherited. The samples are easily erased, and the factory models are supplemented only with documents. Therefore, it makes sense to check the platinum for authenticity.

At home, distinguishing it from white gold or silver is quite simple. The weight of rings made of different metals will be noticeable - a platinum product is much heavier. There are also alternative methods using chemical aggregates.

Grandma's method, which is based on the laws of physics, is also suitable: The metal, whose density is higher, displaces a larger volume of water than the one whose density is lower. And the density of platinum is greater in comparison with white gold or silver.

How to distinguish platinum from silver - to conduct the experiment, you will need a measuring vessel with water. Measure the weight of the product in advance. When placing it in water, be aware of the expelled volume of water. If by the measure of a glass on the data scale the number exceeds 21.45 cubic centimeters, then you have a platinum piece in front of you. Based on these values, the density of the product can be calculated.

The use of iodine was mentioned above. It will be a good assistant in determining the type of metal. For an experiment, apply a drop of iodine to a platinum piece. No changes should occur after that. Household chemicals cannot stain the decoration, and are also easily removed from the surface.

The darker the iodine drop on the platinum, the higher the purity of the product. Compare several platinum rings of different grades, focusing on the stamp on the wrong side of the product.

There is another way how to determine platinum with the help of improvised means at home - "by the tooth". Silver, like aluminum, does not tolerate any impact or scratches. Platinum jewelry can withstand even the most severe damage. Try to bite (in the literal sense of the word) him - if traces remain, then you have in front of you a fake made of cheaper metal.

Chemistry home test:

Temperature conditions for heating platinum are too high.

At home, it is impossible to heat or even slightly melt this metal. A professional burner for melting gold will not help either.

Using a lighter, you can change the color of the silver - the piece being tested will darken. Platinum won't even change its hue. With light heating, the platinum ring can be immediately put on your finger - the temperature allows you to take it in your hands, and you will not burn yourself.

Hello dear reader! Today I will not tell the fascinating story of the discovery and use of this amazing noble metal. It is enough that now it is for making jewelry. Although its popularity has been growing rapidly lately, many do not really know, and therefore the risk of encountering a fake increases, for example, in online stores, and not only in them.

I will tell you how to determine platinum in order not to become a victim of scams.

We will always be in time to see the specialists, let's first try to figure it out on our own, and then you look, and you won't need help.

How to determine weight and density

The density of platinum jewelry depends on the sample, the highest is 999. The metal has a specific density equal to 21.45 g / cm3, and in 950 standard it is 21.05 g / cm3. Platinum of 850-950 fineness is used in jewelry, where the content of the precious fraction is 85-95%, respectively. Mostly there are 950 fineness, rarely 900, very rarely - 850. The 999 fineness is used only in bank bullions. The sample number is always indicated on the inside of the product.

Expert opinion

Vsevolod Kozlovsky

6 years in jewelry. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds

The platinum product is weighed with pharmaceutical or special electronic scales. You can determine the density as follows: we put the weighed decoration into a measuring container filled with water. We get the volume of the displaced liquid in cubic centimeters. It is best to collect it with a syringe. This value is divided by the weight in grams. If you get about 21.05 - the density is 950 samples, then it is not a fake.

Scammers do not use other dense metals, they are too expensive and rare. Therefore, we can be sure that a metal with such a density is what we need.

Iodine alcohol solution

This tool is in every home medicine cabinet. It is applied to the surface of the metal: iodine should remain dark. It is easy to determine: the darker the drop, the higher the sample. Do not forget to wipe off the iodine, there will be no streaks on the real jewelry.

Aqua regia

A chemical solution called aqua regia is made from 1 part nitric acid and 3 parts hydrochloric acid. It has a unique ability to oxidize metals: any metals dissolve in it, but not platinum.

Liquid ammonia

This is a simple and easy way to check. It is based on the fact that liquid ammonia, in contact with metals, leaves dark traces on them. Platinum is an exception: ammonia has no effect on it.

Concentrated sodium chloride solution

In a metal can, make a concentrated solution of common table salt. Place a researchable decoration on it. Take the battery. Connect the test object to the plus, and the body of the jar to the minus. If the solution becomes cloudy, a precipitate has formed, then this is a fake. If the solution remains clear and chlorine has evolved, which you can identify by the familiar smell, then it is platinum.

Magnet

Platinum, like any other precious metal, is not magnetic. Therefore, check whether the jewelry under study is magnetic or not. It cannot be distinguished from silver in this way, it also does not react to a magnet, but in principle it will help to identify a fake.

How to distinguish from silver

Most often, they try to give out silver for platinum, so it is important to know their differences.

Color

With all the similarity of these noble metals, there are differences. Silver has a grayish tint, while platinum is lighter and shinier. Over time, silver tarnishes, platinum does not.

Weight and density

Platinum is almost twice as heavy and denser than silver. Comparing even without weights 2 of approximately the same size jewelry, you can easily feel the difference. How to determine the density, I told at the beginning of the article.

Resistance to mechanical stress

High density results in resistance to mechanical stress. Examine the jewelry carefully: you will hardly find scratches or deformations on platinum. On silver, everything is exactly the opposite.

Heat resistance

Platinum, unlike silver, is. At home, it is impossible to create the required temperature to melt it. Even special jewelry furnaces for melting gold cannot cope with this task. The silver will darken in the place of heating even from the flame of a lighter. This will not affect platinum: if you heat a platinum product for a few seconds, then touching the place of heating will not burn you.

Also, see a visual video below:

Conclusion

So, I have listed for you the ways how to determine the authenticity of platinum products, now you can, in most cases, independently figure out this issue at home. Feel free to buy rings or other jewelry made from this amazing metal.

Hope this article was helpful to you. Goodbye, don't forget to subscribe to articles and share useful things on social networks!

At first glance to an inexperienced person, platinum and silver are very similar. However, with a little practice, you can easily tell them apart!

Steps

Visual check

Look for any identification marks on the jewelry. These marks can be etched directly onto the metal. If the jewelry has a clasp, look for the lettering on the back of it. In addition, there may be a small metal tag on the end of the jewelry with a description. Finally, inspect the largest pieces of jewelry.

If the jewelry doesn't have any markings at all, it is probably not made of precious metal.

Look for labels indicating that the piece is made of silver. Some coins and jewelry are stamped with "999". This indicates that the piece is made of pure silver. If you find the inscription "925" with the letter "S" in front of or after the numbers, then the item is made of coin silver. In this case, the jewelry consists of 92.5% silver, the rest is made up of other metallic impurities, usually copper.

Look for inscriptions that would indicate that this is platinum. Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal, so authentic jewelry is labeled accordingly. Look for "Platinum", "PLAT", or "PT" tags with "950" or "999" in front or behind. These numbers indicate the purity of platinum, with the most pure metal being the number "999".
- For example, a genuine platinum piece may be labeled “PLAT999”.
Bring a magnet to your jewelry. Most precious metals are not ferromagnetic, that is, they are not attracted to a magnet. However, don't panic if the platinum jewelry reacts to the presence of a magnet. Pure platinum is a soft metal and is therefore hardened with other additives. Cobalt is often used as a hardening alloying element. Cobalt is a ferromagnet, so some platinum jewelry can be attracted to a magnet.

Using the acid scratch test kit
1. If the jewelry is difficult to test otherwise, use an acid kit. If you are unable to locate any inscriptions on the jewelry and are in doubt about its origin, use a test kit to determine what it is made of. Purchase a test kit from a jewelry store or order online. This set includes a grinding stone and several bubbles with different acids.
  - Purchase a kit that is suitable for determining silver and platinum. It should include acid bubbles to detect these metals.
  - If the kit does not include rubber gloves, purchase them separately. Be careful not to get acid on your skin, or you may get burned.
2. Rub the metal with a grinding stone. Place the supplied grinding stone on a flat surface. Rub the jewelry lightly from side to side to create a line. Apply 2-3 lines to the product (one for each acid). For example, if you want to determine if a piece is made of platinum, silver or gold, you need three lines.
  - Rub an inconspicuous part of the decoration against the stone. Grinding stone will scratch and damage the metal surface.
  - Place the grinding stone on a towel to avoid scratching your countertop or other work surface.
3. Place a drop of acids on the lines left by the stone. Take acid from the test kit and carefully apply a small drop to one of the scratched lines. Do not mix different acids, otherwise the results will be incorrect.
  
  Monitor the acid reaction. The reaction can occur within a few seconds or approximately one minute. If the scratched line disappears completely, the test is negative. For example, if you drop acid to determine platinum and the line dissolves, the jewelry is not made of platinum. If the line persists, you have solid platinum.
Applying the test solution directly to the silver
1. Track your reaction. At first, the acid will be dark brown or transparent, then it will change color. By changing the color of the solution, one can judge the purity of the metal. For example, if the liquid darkens or turns bright red, the metal contains at least 99% silver.
  
  Remove acid from jewelry. Wipe off the acid with a clean cloth and discard. Rinse the product with cold water to remove any acid residues. Use a colander or plug the drain hole to prevent the decoration from rinsing away with water. Allow the jewelry to air dry completely before putting it on.
Hydrogen peroxide test
1. Look at the reaction. Platinum is a powerful catalyst for hydrogen peroxide. If the piece is really platinum, the peroxide will bubble up almost immediately. Silver is a less powerful catalyst. If the liquid does not begin to bubble up immediately, wait about one minute to see if smaller gas bubbles form near the metal surface.
  - Hydrogen peroxide will not corrode or damage your jewelry.
2. Wash your jewelry well. Rinse the jewelry under cold water to remove hydrogen peroxide. Plug the sink drain or use a colander to keep the jewelry from rinsing away with water. Allow the jewelry to air dry completely before putting it on.