Innovations in platinum jewellery materials

This article presents an overview of Mintek research in platinum jewellery alloys over the past 10 years. The research was initiated by work on coloured platinum alloys, and culminated in the development of coloured platinum gemstones and a white gemstone material. Over the years, a niche has been identified for a harder platinum alloy that is still formable. This research thrust has produced a hard, yet ductile alloy which can still be hallmarked (950). Research has also begun on the application of powder metallurgy to form platinum-gold composites. Commercial jewellery alloys have been characterized in terms of wear and tarnishing.