platinum alloys

[bgray]

I have read various arguments for and against the different alloys. Does anyone know what alloy Whiteflash uses in their platinum? Is ruthenium really the optimal alloy. historically tiffany used iridium.......good or bad?

 

[stone-cold11]

WF is using Pt/Ru if I remember correctly from one of the previous post, but you can just call them up and ask?

If you have read the various argument for the different alloys, you should know what Pt/Ir''s properties are and their respective adv/disadv? So not sure what you are asking here?

 

[bgray]

Date: 12/2/2009 6:01:39 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
WF is using Pt/Ru if I remember correctly from one of the previous post, but you can just call them up and ask?


If you have read the various argument for the different alloys, you should know what Pt/Ir''s properties are and their respective adv/disadv? So not sure what you are asking here?

i am just wondering which is better. I also wonder why so much fine vintage jewelry is plat IR ....? If its inferior

 

[stone-cold11]

Define better?

Vintage jewelry, Ir is more common because that is the alloy most often use then, easier to cast than Ru alloys. Ru is also cheaper than Ir, Ru alloy's specific gravity is less than Ir alloy, Ir being about the same density as Pt, so it is a less expensive alloy to manufacture.

 

[bgray]

Date: 12/2/2009 8:14:31 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
Define better?


Vintage jewelry, Ir is more common because that is the alloy most often use then, easier to cast than Ru alloys. Ru is also cheaper than Ir, Ru alloy's specific gravity is less than Ir alloy, Ir being about the same density as Pt, so it is a less expensive alloy to manufacture.

On Art of Platinums website there is a big section on platinum alloys and that Ruthenium is superior--it also states that iridium is easier to use and is evidence of mass production etc etc.

Here is the section:

A recipe for a hand made ring: raw ingredients.

All metal we use starts in a form of grain, rolled stock, wire or plate.

Platinum

It is alloyed with 5% Ruthenium for hardness and strength.
Platinum is commonly alloyed with iridium, ruthenium, cobalt or copper. A platinum content of 950 parts per thousand is required in the US and many other developed countries in order to mark jewelry "Platinum."
An alloy such as platinum/ruthenium is preferred for custom fabrication because of it exceptional properties but it is very difficult to cast because of its poor fluidity. Anybody using platinum alloyed with iridium is either not skilled in high end jewelry or using a lot of casting in his/her work. 10% iridium alloy is a warning sign of poor craftsmanship or mass production.

 

[Laila619]

I believe WF uses 95 Plat 5 Iridium. This is a soft alloy. I've done a TON of reading on the various alloys!

I requested Ruthenium alloy for my ring. Tiffany, Tacori, and Scott Kay use this alloy.

Cobalt and Ruthenium alloys are the hardest. Ritani uses a Cobalt alloy.

 

[bgray]

Date: 12/2/2009 9:38:33 AM
Author: Laila619
I believe WF uses 95 Plat 5 Iridium. This is a soft alloy. I''ve done a TON of reading on the various alloys!


I requested Ruthenium alloy for my ring. Tiffany, Tacori, and Scott Kay use this alloy.


Cobalt and Ruthenium alloys are the hardest. Ritani uses a Cobalt alloy.

thanks!