We would indeed be very happy if you showed some appreciation for what we have written here on orbitrek platinum. A referral to others will suffice as appreciation.

Another Great orbitrek platinum Article
Beware: Platinum Quality Can Vary in Jewelry

Platinum has become a popular choice for jewelry due to its strength, durability, and marketing efforts of the platinum industry in recent years. Platinum is three times more expensive than gold. Jewelers aggressively market it because they make three times the profit on every platinum item they sell compared to gold. Platinum is a naturally white, lustrous metal that is long lasting. Sometimes the claims of strength and scratch resistance are overstated. Like all precious metals, platinum will scratch. A platinum scratch is different from white gold because it simply "plows" the metal instead of removing it.

Traditionally, jewelry manufacturers used platinum alloyed with metals from the platinum group metals (iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium). With the proper mix of these platinum group alloys, platinum becomes one of the hardest metals making it a strong and durable jewelry metal. Platinum will not rust or corrode and the platinum family metals make it hypoallergenic and ideal for persons with sensitive skin.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for platinum jewelry state that only items consisting of 950 part per thousand of pure platinum can be marked stamped "PLATINUM" or "PLAT" without more alloy information. From 750-950 Platinum, the platinum group metals must also be indicated. For example, PLAT900IRID for 10% Iridium alloy. Historically, the most common alloys in America were 95% Platinum with 5% Ruthenium or 5% Cobalt and 90% Platinum with 10% Iridium.

There is a misperception that the 950 platinum is better than the 900 platinum. However, pure platinum is very soft and the right alloy mix is what is important. Different alloys and different percentages produce better results for different jewelry purposes. Some alloy mixes work better for casting and some are better for handcrafting like bending the prongs over fragile diamond corners. Many artisans feel that PLAT900IRID is the best general-purpose alloy for diamond rings.

While platinum is best known for its use in jewelry, more than 60% of platinum is used for other industrial purposes such as catalytic converters in autos and pacemakers in the medical field. Because of its rarity and the rapidly increasing demand for this versatile metal, the price has soared in recent years.

The high price of platinum has caused some jewelry manufacturers to start using lower percentages of platinum and to use other alloy metals to lower the cost of the jewelry. Unfortunately, these new alloy mixes are reducing the very qualities that made platinum desirable. The new alloys produce more brittle platinum that is more susceptible to damage.

For example, metal that is stamped 585 Platinum is really only 58.5% pure platinum and 41.5% copper and cobalt with the result that it is more likely to crack, crater, discolor or irritate sensitive skin. Less scrupulous jewelry vendors remove the 585 stamp and complicate the situation, leading consumers to believe the metal is the traditional high quality platinum.

Historically the jewelry shopper did not have to be concerned about the purity of platinum because the alloy metals were in the platinum group the quality was uniform regardless of the particular alloy or percentage used.

Today's jewelry shopper is at potential risk because the lower quality platinum looks the same as the higher quality platinum. While platinum looks similar regardless of the alloy, the weight of lower quality alloy mixes is lower because there is so much less of the dense platinum.

Currently there are no FTC guidelines for the new platinum alloys so it is up to the jeweler or appraiser to help the consumer determine if the platinum is well suited for its intended use. The consumer deserves a warning if sold lower quality platinum since it might not hold stones as well and is more susceptible to damage. However, do not expect the jeweler selling low quality platinum to point out this potential problem. As with any important purchases, it is up to the consumer to be knowledgeable and ask the right questions before making a purchase.

About the Author

Denny Reinke is the Vice-President of Diamond Source of Virginia, an online diamond retailer specializing in loose diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry located in Richmond, Virginia and on the web at www.DiamondSourceVA.com You can also visit Denny's blog at www.diamonds.blogs.com

Featured orbitrek platinum Items
Geneva Platinum Women's Large Number Dial Watch

Geneva Platinum Women's Large Number Dial Watch
Customer Review: Mom loved it

I bought this watch for my mom because the numbers are large and it's easy for her to see the time at a glance. My mom's vision isn't terrible - she only wears glasses for reading and at work as a librarian -- but it's hard for her to see the little numbers on a watch dial if she's not wearing her glasses (such as when shopping or watching TV or working around the house). A friend gave her a similar watch from Chicos and she loved it, but Chicos doesn't have any more. I searched high and low on the internet and could not find a good selection of large dial watches, suitable for a mature woman and within an affordable price range. I just found another like this in a Lillian Vernon catalog and will buy that one for a Valentine's gift. My mom was really happy with this watch, and I was thrilled to have found it. Wish they made more stuff like this.

Platinum 2.5mm Comfort Fit Plain Band

Platinum 2.5mm Comfort Fit Plain Band
With its smooth surface and high polish, this platinum wedding band is a stylish start to any marriage. The slightly rounded edges allow the ring to slide on easily and sit comfortably upon the finger, while still maintaining an elegantly classic look. Being the most durable of fine jewelry metals, platinum does not easily chip or splinter, meaning this wedding band will last as long as your love.

Customer Review: can't go wrong with this for the LADIES!!!!!!!!!!

This is the PERFECT RING, especially if your girl is the "simple type"...better yet...It's more than enough if she is...so give her what she deserves...mine loved it...and it looks great, and feels great. PLATINUM...

Customer Review: Wonderful buy!

We were a bit worried about buying a platinum band over the internet, but it turned out great. We got just what we wanted, a 95% platinum band, with comfort fit at 1/3 of the mall store prices!

Sterling Silver/Platinum Cubic Zirconia Circle Dangle Earrings

Sterling Silver/Platinum Cubic Zirconia Circle Dangle Earrings
Never ending dazzling radiance! Delicately crafted in platinum plated sterling silver, these earrings glisten with elegant illumination. Eloquently dancing across each piece are 66 round faceted 1.55mm cubic zirconia stones in prong settings. Total cubic zirconia weight is approximately 17.16ct. They measure 1-13/16"L x 11/16"H and are finished with French hook backs. Complete the look with the matching bracelet . Part of the Brilliante Touch of Platinum Collection. About Brilliante Touch of Platinum: Howard Freund is a third generation jeweler. His grandfather was a fine jeweler in Europe. His father moved to New York in 1951 and established a factory specializing in high end pieces manufactured in platinum, diamonds and precious stones. Howard joined the family business in 1975 and started out as a bench worker, actually hand crafting pieces himself. His father believed that the best way to run a business is to intimately know every aspect of it. It wasn't until Howard mastered all facets of the manufacturing process that he was promoted. When his parents traveled on vacation, his mother was concerned about traveling with her expensive jewelry pieces. Howard made replicas for her, using the same process and craftsmanship but substituted the materials, using silver and cubic zirconium in place of platinum and diamonds. No one could ever tell the difference. Mrs. Freund still received tons of compliments and envious glances. So began the inspiration for Brilliante Color Creations and Brilliante Touch of Platinum; the exclusive lines that Howard brings to ShopNBC. Now you too can proudly own and display exquisite pieces of jewelry for a fraction of the cost. No one will know the difference!

Karat Platinum Love Knot Pendant

Karat Platinum Love Knot Pendant
Ribbons of crisp, cool Platinum intersect one another to create our love knot pendant. This Karat Platinum is a unique combination metal made up of 58.5% Platinum. The piece is stamped 585Pt/415CoCu. This pendant measures approximately 1/2 inch in diameter and weighs (on average) 3 grams. An 18-inch, Karat Platinum box link pendant chain is included with this piece. The matching earrings, number (PL-E-036-46) is also available.

orbitrek platinum in the news
Till Salu: Orbitrek Platinum

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 07:49:11 -0700
Till Salu: Orbitrek Platinum March 16, 2008 Allmänt No Comments Någon som känner att dom måste ha en Orbitrek Platinum? Isåfall kan du få köpa våran då vi inte kommer ha plats med den i nya lägenheten. Mycket bra skick. Endast 1000kr, nypris 1600! Skriv en kommentar eller skicka ett mail till andreasa]freeradical.se om du är intresserad. Den hämtas i Färila.

Orbitrek Platinum

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:22:03 -0800
Orbitrek Platinum Coming soon.. 2008 02 27 Admin Orbitrek Platinum Comments (0) Permalink

Independent, The (London) - INDEPENDENT READER OFFER: Orbitrek Platinum Total Body Exerciser

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:00:00 GMT
January 23, 2006 -- Tone up with the Orbitrek Platinum exerciser. It provides a full cardiovascular workout in just 20-30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels....


platinum jewellery