The fear of being deceived haunts many people, and this fear is not unfounded. According to statistics, over the past 10 years the production of precious metals has practically not increased, but at the same time the number of jewelry stores is growing at an incredible pace. Alas, even when buying jewelry in a jewelry store, there is a chance of running into a low-quality fake. Are you overcome by doubts? Verifying the authenticity of precious metals is available not only to specialists, but to each of us. There are many ways to do this, which can be done at home.
Noble metals in the jewelry industry: the status of platinum and silver
Speaking about the differences between platinum and silver, we should look at each metal in more detail.
Platinum is a lustrous noble metal with a silvery-white color. The element got its name thanks to the Spanish conquistadors, who contemptuously called the metal “silver”, believing that it was not of particular value. Now platinum is synonymous with luxury.
This precious metal is one of the rarest, its content in the earth’s crust is much less than gold, and the bulk of the deposits are in the USA, Russia, China, and South Africa.
Wedding rings: platinum and silver
Platinum exhibits great chemical resistance and is one of the most inert elements. Insoluble in acids and alkalis, it is used in technology, medicine, industry, and for investments. This metal and its alloys are widely used in jewelry. Jewelers call platinum the “queen of metals” because it is the embodiment of rarity, status, and individuality.
Criteria for choosing platinum products when purchasing
Of course, no one will carry ammonia or, especially, a mixture of acids with them when purchasing a platinum product. How can you check that the seller is offering original jewelry? It goes without saying that the first thing you should pay attention to is the stamp on the reverse side of the product. Every self-respecting manufacturer must put it on all jewelry.
You can do a test with a magnet. All noble metals are immune to its power. However, this method does not guarantee 100% results, because silver will also not be attracted.
Platinum test
In a store, you can weigh a gold product on one palm and put platinum on the other. Whatever is heavier will be the metal you are looking for. If you still have doubts about the originality of platinum, it is better to make a purchase in the presence of a specialist or someone who is at least theoretically versed in the selection of such things.
Table: comparative analysis of properties
How to distinguish silver from platinum? The differences become obvious when you look at the characteristics of the metals individually:
| Criterion | Silver | Platinum |
| Color | Silver | Silver |
| Density | 10.5 g\cm3 | 21.09-21.45 g/cm3 |
| Melting temperature | 962 oC | 1768.3 oC |
| Inertia | High | High |
| Strength | Average | High |
| Fusibility | Low melting material | Refractory material |
| Anti-corrosion properties | Not subject to corrosion | Not subject to corrosion |
| Thermal and electrical conductivity | The highest rates among all known elements | Averages |
| Antibacterial properties | Available | Not available |
| Hypoallergenic properties | May cause allergies because it is almost never used in its pure form | Hypoallergenic |
| Investment value | Suitable for investment | Suitable for investment |
| Scope of application | Chemical industry, jewelry industry, photography, coinage, mirror manufacturing, medicine, shipbuilding, space industry, dentistry, radio components | Chemical and oil refining industries, jewelry, dentistry, medicine, coinage, mirror manufacturing, radio components |
| Price | Low, accessible to wide segments of the population | High |
| Marking | Samples available: 800, 830, 875, 925, 960, 999. Information about the product must be written inside the “barrel” | Samples available: 850, 900, 950, 990, 999. Information about the product must be inscribed inside the octagon. |
| Popularity, demand | High | Average |
Color
Of course, these two metals are very similar visually. They have the same shade, but platinum is lighter than silver, has a more pronounced shine, and does not fade over time.
Silver earrings
Density
Under normal conditions, the density of platinum is 21.09-21.45 g/cm3. This indicator makes the element refractory and heavy.
The density of lunar metal under normal conditions is 10.5 g/cm3, it is lighter than lead, but heavier than copper.
Melting temperature
The “Queen of Metals” melts at an extreme temperature of 1768.3 °C.
Platinum as a catalyst
This expensive metal, in addition to jewelry, has a very wide range of applications in other areas. For example, in technical applications it is used as a catalyst. It produces nitric acid. Platinum catalysts accelerate many chemical reactions, which is why it is also used in the production of sulfuric acid. In 1821, a chemist from Germany discovered the property of platinum catalysts to accelerate the process of converting wine alcohol into wine vinegar without exposure to high temperatures. At the same time, he noted that nothing happens to the metal itself. He also found out that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen, when interacting with platinum black or platinum sponge, causes combustion. And due to the active release of heat, an explosion occurs. Thus, he invented a means of making fire before matches were invented.
The world's first platinum catalyst was produced in the 60s of the last century. It was a dehydrogenation catalyst.
Platinum is also used as a catalyst in other industries. This:
- Oil refining industry, where it is also used as a catalyst;
- Electrical engineering sector of production. It is used for the production of various sensors, electrical appliances, contacts, devices where high precision is required;
- Automotive industry. In this case, platinum is used as a catalyst;
- Space industry. Electrodes of fuel cells in spacecraft are manufactured
- Medicine. All surgical interventions are performed with platinum instruments; metal is also used in dentistry, cardiology, and for the manufacture of prosthetic parts
- Glass. Metal is used to produce high-quality optical devices. They also produce fiberglass and equipment for the production of premium quality glass.
- Chemical instruments.
How to extract platinum from a catalyst
Many resourceful people, knowing about the great value of the metal, know how to extract platinum from a catalyst and use it. Most often, platinum catalyst can be found in the automotive industry. It is from such a catalyst that the precious metal is most often extracted. An auto component filled with ceramics or metal looks like a honeycomb, and its upper part is coated with precious metal. It could be platinum, rhodium or palladium. This is necessary in order to reduce the level of toxic substances released during vehicle operation.
Resourceful people, knowing about this deposition, use auto catalysts to extract the noble metal. To extract tolls, two methods are used:
- leaching;
- "aqua regia"
The leaching method is most often used. To carry it out you will need nitric and hydrochloric acids. Due to the fact that the auto catalyst is made of ceramic or aluminum, this complicates the leaching process, since the ceramic or metal reacts with acids and oxidizes. This results in the loss of some platinum. Therefore, this method requires several catalysts.
First, the catalyst is soaked in a solution of hydrochloric acid. Then it is heated and, when vapor appears, oxidizing agents are applied.
TOP 10 ways to distinguish platinum from silver at home
How to distinguish platinum from silver at home? There are many methods. Let's look at the most effective of them.
Sample on the product
First of all, it is worth examining the markings of the jewelry. Platinum and silver jewelry are hallmarked differently.
Grayscale
A gray tint is characteristic of a silver alloy. Platinum alloys are lighter, shine brightly, and do not cast a gray color.
Also, from constant wear, silver jewelry turns black. This is due to an oxidation process that platinum products are completely immune to.
Weight, product size
These precious metals differ significantly in weight. If you compare two rings made of silver and platinum of the same size, the platinum ring will be much heavier.
Ring made of platinum with stones
Also, products made of platinum alloys rarely come in large sizes. Large gray-white jewelry is most likely made of lunar metal.
Product density
To measure the density of a product at home, you will need a measuring vessel.
First, the decoration is weighed, then placed inside a bowl of water. After this, the volume of displaced liquid in cm3 is determined.
All that glitters is not gold
Only a jeweler who has all the necessary analytical equipment can check a gold item and issue a reliable conclusion as to whether it belongs to a noble metal. Professional verification is carried out by the Assay Chamber. Examination of gold jewelry is not a cheap pleasure; the price of the service ranges from 10 to 20% of the estimated value of the item. Gold is being counterfeited more and more often, and no one wants to waste money. By the way, the need to check gold for authenticity may arise not only in relation to jewelry, but also, for example, when purchasing bars or nuggets.
Silver earrings with cubic zirconia, SL; (price on the link)
The most difficult type of counterfeit to independently identify gold is a piece of jewelry on which a thin layer of precious metal is applied. It is extremely difficult to determine the authenticity of such work at home without causing damage to the product.
The most common methods of counterfeiting gold items:
- surface gilding;
- replacement with copper;
- alloys of aluminum and other metals;
- an alloy of titanium and gold.
Fake jewelry made from alloys similar in color to gold leave spots on the skin with a green tint, especially when the ring is worn for a long time. The substitution of less valuable metal alloys for gold by others or similar deposition can be determined using well-known methods.
The first stage is checking gold by comparison. Surely you have a piece of jewelry whose authenticity you have no doubt about. A line should be drawn on a hard object with these two decorations. Gold items will leave the same mark, but if there are differences, this is a direct reason to doubt the quality.
Using a magnifying glass, look closely at the mark, which should reflect the gold standard. It should be clear and without damage.
The cost of a gram of gold changes daily, however, you should rely on it when purchasing jewelry, even if it is not purchased in a store.
Gold ring with diamonds and citrines, SL; gold earrings with diamonds and citrines, SL; (price on the link)
There is also an opinion that sound helps to identify a copy. Gold items emit a crystal ringing sound when they hit a hard surface. A dull or any other sound is a cause for concern.
Iodine test
Iodine can change the color of most components that are used to falsify precious metal, but this test is completely harmless for jewelry with a purity above 500 (i.e., which contains more than 50 mass percent gold).
A drop of pharmaceutical alcohol solution of iodine should be applied to the product that is in doubt, and after 10-15 seconds, remove its remains with a napkin. If a trace of iodine remains, then this is not a gold product. Unaltered metal color may indicate authenticity.
Magnet check
Precious metals are not affected by magnets. Steel products coated with a thin layer of gold will instantly be attracted to the surface of a magnet; real gold jewelry will not react to a magnet.
Many manufacturers use lock designs for chains and bracelets that include a steel spring - in this case, the magnet will only attract the lock.
Indifference to a magnet is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient one. For example, most alloys of copper and tin are non-magnetic. However, such products are much lighter: the difference in weight can be felt even without an analytical balance.
Vinegar test
A cheap fake will turn black when exposed to acetic acid. If you put gold with a purity above 500 into it, then nothing will happen to it. This is another surefire method of recognizing authenticity. 3-5 minutes is enough to conduct the experiment.
By the tooth
You've probably seen in films how the main characters tried a gold coin "by tooth." This method is only suitable for high-grade gold (whiter than 900), which is relatively soft. On such gold, teeth marks will definitely remain, since its hardness is much lower than that of other metals.
Determining the authenticity of gold using analytical instruments
Instant identification of metal components at home is possible using a special device called a metal analyzer. The result is displayed on the screen within 2-3 seconds. To obtain it, you need to point the device at the object under study. The analyzer is widely used by precious metal miners.
Gold earrings with diamonds and sapphires, SL; (price on the link)
In order not to doubt the authenticity of gold jewelry, you should choose the right place to purchase it. Jewelry stores and pawn shops are selling points for real precious metals. Buying second hand is always a risk.
Product Inspection
Nowadays many products can be ordered in online stores. Such purchases are usually significantly cheaper and can be delivered directly to the buyer's home. Jewelry is no exception. However, with this method of purchasing, the risk of purchasing a fake increases. To reduce it, experts recommend buying expensive jewelry in jewelry stores.
Self-respecting companies sell jewelry with a special tag . It is made of thick cardboard. The tag must indicate the product article, sample, and weight. Such a label is attached to the jewelry with a thread with a metal seal, on which there is an imprint of the manufacturer. Some jewelry comes with special certificates, although this requirement is only required for items with stones.
A platinum product must have a hallmark. Jewelry made from this metal can be graded 850, 900, 950 or 999. The markings must be clear and easy to read.
If the numbers are not clearly stamped or do not meet the standards, there is a high probability of fraud. It is better to refuse such a purchase immediately.
Next you need to carefully examine the decoration itself. Typically, genuine platinum products have a very high price and no less high quality. The best jewelers work with this metal, so there are no flaws or visible defects on rings or chains. If the intended purchase looks like a hastily made craft, it is most likely counterfeit.
The size of the product is also important. Real platinum jewelry is not big and bulky - the metal is too expensive for that, so the proposed massive item at an unusually low price is a deliberate fake.
Heating
Platinum is very refractory, so it cannot be melted using a lighter flame. It will also not succumb to a gas stove or even a burner. This material does not change color when heated, since it is impossible to quickly change its temperature. That is why, when the platinum ring is briefly heated, you can put it on your finger without fear, because the jewelry inside will not have time to warm up. But based on this experiment, it is impossible to draw unambiguous conclusions, which means you must either use other verification methods or contact a specialist who knows exactly how to check the authenticity of the platinum product you purchased.
It is a specialist who will be able to help if you do not know how to test platinum. And only then can you be completely sure that you are wearing a real noble metal.
Section question - answer
Platinum and silver, which is more expensive?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
Cost is one of the key criteria by which these elements can be distinguished. Platinum products are much more expensive than silver ones; the purchase price starts from 2,500 rubles per gram.
They also have a special status, a prime example of this is platinum albums and credit cards.
How to wash platinum and silver?
Expert opinion
Andrey Seleznev
Chemist-technologist, Volgograd
The brilliant green can be washed with alcohol or strong alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, is also suitable.
Platinum products are easy to clean with makeup remover. It is not recommended to clean silver jewelry this way.
Platinum and silver - how to decide?
Expert opinion
Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich
Jeweler 6th category
The choice depends entirely on personal preferences, financial capabilities, and allergies.
Visually, products made from these metals are very similar, but platinum jewelry is many times more expensive. They do not cause allergies, do not darken over time, but also do not have the healing properties of silver.
Platinum and silver: how to distinguish a fake from the original?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
Sometimes imitations of precious items are made very skillfully; in appearance, they are difficult to distinguish from the originals.
You can try to attract the jewelry with a magnet; genuine precious metals will not be attracted.
Try applying iodine to the product. The reagent should leave a dark blot on the surface. If the color of the stain is light or the iodine has not left any marks, it is a fake.
How to distinguish platinum from silver and white gold with diamonds?
Expert opinion
Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich
Jeweler 6th category
White gold looks brighter and shines more intensely. Platinum alloys have a steely and more subdued color.
Over time, white gold may begin to cast a yellowish tint. Silver alloys also differ in color - they are less light and do not have a rich shine.
The key difference between the listed elements is cost. Platinum alloys are much more expensive.
How to distinguish platinum from silver and palladium?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
You can try dripping iodine onto the surface of the product. If a stain remains on the surface from contact with this substance or the reagent itself changes color to a lighter color, then it is palladium.
You can distinguish a platinum alloy from a silver alloy using mechanical action. Marks will appear on the surface of the lunar metal.
Differences from gold and other metals
Gold belongs to the category of soft metals. In contrast, platinum is much stronger and denser, more resistant to wear. And it weighs more. Gold is easier to deform, platinum products are more practical. Platinum is lighter, gold bars and jewelry have a gray or gray-yellow tint.
To give white gold products a characteristic whiteness and shine, as well as additional strength, they are often coated with a rhodium layer of a silver-white hue.
Its properties are as close as possible to the properties of platinum.
Rhodium looks attractive and does not fade or change color over time. It is more scratch resistant than soft gold. The only drawback of this coating is associated with its abrasion, which leads to yellowing of the product. It is recommended that such coating be renewed every few years by a jeweler. Platinum does not require additional processing; it already has a silvery-white tint.
Another difference is the price. Previously, platinum products were cheaper than silver ones. Today, jewelry made of this metal will cost much more than its gold counterpart.
Platinum is distinguished from other metals, including palladium, by its pure white luster. It is characterized by refractoriness and is insensitive to high temperatures.
If you bring a platinum product to an open fire, nothing will change, the color will remain the same, and even strong heating will not occur.
Experience with table salt
This method of determining platinum will appeal to those who love experiments. Conduct the experiment as follows:
- Pour concentrated brine solution into a canning jar.
- Dip the product into the liquid.
- Connect the decoration to the plus of the battery, and the jar itself to the minus.
- Study the results of the study.
If a precipitate has formed in the solution and the liquid has become cloudy, then this is 100% counterfeit. After real platinum, the solution remains clear, but as a result of the reaction, chlorine is released. You will recognize this volatile substance by its characteristic odor.
What is platinum in?
Platinum is a precious metal, the high cost and demand for which is ensured by the minimum coefficient of expansion, electrical and thermal conductivity and high strength of the material. ...Platinum contains:
- automobile catalysts (see photo);
- capacitors;
- microcircuits;
- generators;
- relay;
- other details.
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