Platinum Chronology

Approx. 700 BC:
The ancient Egyptians master the techniques of processing Platinum: the document casket of the High Priestess, Schepenupet, which is decorated with ornate Hieroglyphics in Platinum, can be seen today in the Louvre.

Approx. 100 BC:
The Indians in Pre-Columbian South America cultures succeed in working Platinum and gold together to make nose rings and other items of jewellery.

1590:
Spanish Conquistadors discover a white metal in the rivers of Ecuador. Not realising its superb qualities, they name it contemptuously "platina" - "little silver".

1679:
Platinum first mentioned in Europe by a Bohemian Jesuit, who describes the metal as white gold.

1735: French explorers and scientists discover jewellery made of a Platinum and gold alloy in Quito, now Ecuador.

1751:
The Swedish scientist Scheffer categorises Platinum as a precious metal, as it dissolves only in aqua regia.

1780:
Marc Etienne Janety makes Platinum jewellery for King Louis XVI of France.

1795:
On the introduction of the metric system, the standard metre and the standard kilogramme are both measured in Platinum.

1824:
Substantial deposits of platinum are discovered in the Ural Mountains, Russia.

1828-1846:
Platinum coins are officially declared legal tender in Russia.

1875:
Vast diamond deposits are discovered in Kimberley in South Africa. A completely new jewellery style develops, using these stones together with the "modern" metal platinum. Major jewellers, such as Cartier and Tiffany, owe a large measure of their current importance and fame to this time.

1924:
The German geologist Dr. Hans Merensky discovers the largest deposits of platinum ever found - west of Johannesburg, South Africa.

1939:
The Second World War brings the prohibition of platinum for the jewellery industry. Platinum during this time was exclusively required for the armaments industry.

1975:
The Assay Offices of Great Britain introduce the hallmark for platinum. All jewellery wishing to be sold as Platinum in the UK must bear this mark and, to gain approval, be 95% pure. 1990's: Platinum enjoys a renaissance in the West as the flashy glitz of the 80's gives way to subtle, understated style. Demand from consumers in the UK increases ten-fold, as platinum becomes a preferred metal for wedding and engagement rings.

Late 1990's:
A trend toward white jewellery in the West encourages consumer interest in white gold fashion jewellery. Platinum enjoys increased sales in this sector due to dissatisfaction with the quality of white gold, prone to colour change as the rhodium plate wears away.

1999:
The hallmarks for platinum are extended by the Assay Offices of Great Britain to include platinum purities of 85%, 90% and 99% in addition to the traditional orb in the pentagon denoting the jewellery is 95% pure.

21st Century:
Platinum becomes the metal of choice for most couples choosing their engagement and wedding rings. Jewellery manufacturers and retailers dramatically increase the range of platinum jewellery they offer. Pendants, chains, earrings, fashion rings, necklaces and bracelets are now all available to people wanting to celebrate other key moments in their lives.