#1 Platinum Chain Buyer in Las Vegas & Henderson
History
Derived from the Spanish word platina, meaning little silver, platinum is historically as common as gold and other metal types in terms of the purposes they served, especially jewelry-making.
Ancient Egypt
Archaeologists found traces of platinum in the gold used in ancient Egyptian burials as early as 1200 BC. For example, a small box adorned with gold-platinum hieroglyphics was recovered in Shepenupet II’s burial. Despite that, ancient Egyptians may not have known at all that they had used platinum in their gold.
Pre-Columbian South America
Because of the objects, they forged from platinum-white gold alloy, the natives living near what is now Esmeraldas, Ecuador, are believed to have discovered platinum, which had happened even before Christopher Columbus claimed to have found the land he later called the New World. The custom of platinum-smith in pre-Columbian South America is normally connected with the La Tolita Culture. The exact date and area are very hard to give in light of the fact that the vast majority of the platinum relics from the zone were not acquired by direct archeological exhuming, however through ancient pieces exchange.
European Discovery
With many Europeans traveling to the New World, much was learned about platinum, especially through encounters with the natives. For the Spanish, platinum was deemed as a kind of impurity, so it was thrown away. Around then, there was even an official declaration forbidding gold to be alloyed with platinum.
In 1557, platinum was described as a metal found in the mines between Panama and Mexico and that neither fire nor Spanish arts could melt, in the first reference about platinum written by an Italian humanist named Julius Caesar Scaligern.
Then, Antonio de Ulloa became the first to study platinum systematically through the first mineralogy laboratory he built in 1748 shortly after having returned to Spain together with the platinum nuggets taken from Colombia and Peru. On an account he wrote during his expedition, platinum was observed as a neither separable nor calcinable metal.
In 1783, Francois Chabaneau, a French chemist, invented a method that generates malleable platinum and patented it, although the generated metal’s quality in each batch proved far from being decent.
After a score, an English chemist William H. Wallaston learned how to produce pure platinum through a commercial process he had developed. Then, as Wallaston pursued to better understand platinum ores, he discovered the other platinum-group metals (i.e., palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium), which quite rendered Chabaneau’s research work in vain.
What Is Platinum?
Known for its malleability, ductility, and high melting point, platinum is a precious metal that’s soft, silvery-white, dense, and with a beautiful, lustrous sheen. Platinum, together with five metals (e.g., palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium), are all subsumed under platinum-group metals (PGMs) because of their shared qualities and location in mines.
Chain Types
While platinum jewelry is beautiful, especially necklaces, deciding which necklace chain to get is tricky. From chains that can handle a large and heavy pendant to chains for your classic delicate pendants, there’s a lot of variety to choose from. Listed below are some of the most popular chains available:
Anchor Chain
Also known as the mariner chain, this chain can be distinguished by its horizontally and vertically alternating links, usually with a vertical bar in the center of every link. It shares the same design with chains used to anchor huge ships at port. Thus it is one of the most heavy-duty chains available. These chains are traditionally flat best worn by itself.
Ball Chain
Most commonly used in carrying identification (i.e., military dog tags), this chain, as its name suggests, is a chain composed of tiny metal beads linked together. This chain is also adjustable as it has a snap-on fastening mechanism in which the wearer can decide whether to wear it longer or shorter. This is also known as a bead chain. Beads also differ in sizes from a smaller 2mm one to a larger 6mm one.
Box Chain
These are tiny cube links connected together to form a smooth, simple, and sleek chain—the design warrants it to be unbreakable.
Cable Chain
Another simple, yet classic design is the cable chain, tiny round shapes are linked together in a uniformed fashion, typically lying at 90 degrees to each other. However, this isn’t exclusively just one design. Individual links exist and, at times, can be square or rectangular shaped. Cable chains are most commonly used in necklaces as it is classically beautiful.
Curb Chain
Among the most common, this chain type is designed to lay flat when linked and is usually the best choice for necklaces. It is typically heavy and bulky and is more popular among men.
Figaro Chain
A simple and fancier version of the cable chain, originally from Italy, this chain usually consists of different sizes of flattened links in an alternating pattern. It is generally one long link followed by shorter links of either two or three, creating an intricately elegant chain.
Rope Chain
Consisting of a few metal segments in a twisting pattern to resemble a rope, this chain is one of the most beautiful types of chain. This chain has the most texture and is also the most durable and are perfect for huge and heavy pendants. However, thick and larger pieces are a statement piece.
Singapore Chain
This classically sleek chain is made out of a series of interlocking parts. It is a twisting open-chain when stretched out. It is very strong regardless of width, making it a popular choice for holding pendants.
Snake Chain
Like its namesake, the snake chain takes not only the appearance of a snake but in flexibility. It is made out of tiny rings that are so tightly knit together that the rings in it are basically invincible. It is also a bit delicate but is stunning when worn with pendants. Snake chains are also fairly easy to maintain, perfect as an everyday accessory.
Wheat Chain
Also called spiga, this chain type is symmetrical in that it is made up of twisted oval links similar to fibers but metallic ones, thereby resembling an ear of actual wheat.
Platinum in Pop Culture
During the Costume Institute Gala (Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion) in 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Precious stones set in platinum became a popular trend. A perfect metal to hold precious gemstones, platinum is the go-to metal for the red carpet.
For years, celebrities have been sporting platinum designs as it really captures their glamorous moments.
We BUY Platinum Chains
Nevada Coin Mart is the #1 buyer of platinum chains, in Las Vegas, Henderson, and even the entire Nevada state!
We offer free in-store evaluation for your piece using a state-of-the-art Thermo Scientific Niton X-Ray Spectrometer in order to accurately analyze and measure precious metal contents in your piece. This will ensure that you get top-dollar for your items.
We are open 365 times a year, from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Come visit us at Nevada Coin Mart® 4065 S. Jones Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103, or call us up at 702-998-4000.
