#1 Platinum Pendant Buyer in Las Vegas & Henderson
History
Etymology
Platinum’s word origin can be traced to the Spanish word platina (i.e., the diminutive of plata) meaning little silver. Moreover, that platinum has been commonly used for various reasons (especially, jewelry-making) historically parallels other precious metals such as gold.
Tombs in Ancient Egypt
In an archaeological site in Egypt, 3219-year-old tombs forged from gold were discovered to have had traces of platinum. For instance, in Shepenupet II’s tomb, a small box adorned with gold-platinum hieroglyphics was recovered. Seemingly, ancient Egyptians were unaware that the gold they used had platinum.
South America Prior to Christopher Columbus’ Arrival
The discovery of platinum is historically attributed to the natives living near the present-day Esmeraldas, Ecuador because of the objects they forged from the alloy of platinum and white gold, and all this has happened prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World. As a tradition in pre-Columbian South America, platinum-smith is usually linked to the La Tolita culture although it is quite hard to provide the exact date and location of the platinum objects from the area because most of these objects were obtained through trade.
The European Quest for Platinum
What is now known about platinum is due to the many Europeans who went into the New World and eventually met the natives there from whom much was learned about platinum. However, this metal was immediately thrown away because they were regarded as some unadulterated element in gold. Then, this low regard for platinum was rendered into an official decree that forbade the alloy of platinum and gold.
Arguably, the earliest reference of platinum was published by Julius Caesar Scaligern, an Italian humanist, in 1557. In the reference, platinum was described as a metal that was found in mines between Panama and Mexico and that neither fire nor Spanish arts could liquefy.
With the first mineralogy laboratory built in Spain in 1748 after coming home from Colombia and Peru, Antonio de Ulloa was the first to systematically study platinum through the nuggets he took home from his expedition. Furthermore, de Ulloa recorded during his expedition the observation that platinum is neither separable nor calcinable.
Almost four decades later, workable platinum could be produced through a method the French chemist Francois Chabaneau invented and patented, but the quality of the platinum produced in every batch failed to meet the standards set.
At the outset of the 1800s, pure platinum was made possible by William H. Wollaston, an English chemist, who developed a commercial process producing pure platinum. Through his exhaustive research on platinum ores, he found other PGMs such as palladium, osmium, iridium, rhodium, and ruthenium, which rendered Chabaneau’s research quite frustrating.
Platinum 101
Noted for its ductility, malleability, and high melting point, platinum is a precious metal that is considered quite harmless to a living entity’s health. In terms of appearance, this metal is silverish-white with a lustrous sheen.
Pendants
Derived from the Latin word pendere and the old French pendre, both of which mean to hang down, a pendant is usually a hanging piece of jewelry normally attached to a necklace.
One of the oldest known body ornaments, pendants were commonly worn by ancient Egyptians and are at times shaped like hieroglyphs. Pendants in early times were made of a variety of materials such as stone, shell, pottery, and other available materials, which are sometimes perishable.
Like other jewelry, pendants also played an important role across cultures; it may represent affiliations, protection, identification, may be given as an award, and more.
Types
Amulet
Also called talisman, these are worn by people for a protection of sorts as it is believed to be endowed with magical powers to protect the wearer from harm or spiteful spirits or to bring them good fortune. An example of this is the Middle Easter talisman “hamsa” that symbolizes the “Hand of God”. Where it is believed to protect the wearer from misfortune, and also believed to give happiness, success, good health and prosperity to its wearer.
Locket
Typically a small circular or oval-shaped hollow object can be opened to reveal a small space usually for a photograph.
Medallion
A coin-shaped object usually given as an award, recognition, or for religious blessings.
Crucifix
Usually worn as a display of religious faith or devotion. These are commonly worn by religious leaders of the Christian faith.
Statement Pendants
Popular amongst the younger population, statement pendants are stylish and unique as they are crafted in various styles. The designs can be simple or complex, such designs might include heart-shaped, star, or can be animals such as owls, tigers, wolves, or everyday objects such as keys, dice, and much more.
We BUY Platinum Pendants
Do you have old platinum pendants you want out of your hands? We’ll be happy to take them from you and even pay you for them! Here at Nevada Coin Mart we are the #1 buyer of platinum pendants, in Las Vegas, Henderson, and even the entire Nevada state!
We offer free in-store evaluation for your piece using 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 days 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.
