PLATINUM as a precious metal is still the hottest fashion and bling statement being made in the high end crowds. Fortunately there will always be the high standard for this precious perfect metal and that is because it is the rarest of metals mined in the world, and it has many more functional uses than gold.

Many people love it's color and the heavier weight, per volume of pure gold, so you have looks that dont tarnish and a weight that reminds the wearer that he or she is wearing something heavy duty.

My experience with this wonderfully tough metal, is that it takes alot of extra work not just to hand engrave it's toughness, but it is also an arduous task to polish and finish it to a high sheen. Unlike gold and it's common polishing process, platinum needs a stronger polishing abrasive and a finer polishing fabric wheel. Sometimes the more you try to polish it the more it seems to fight back and really make you work to get it finished nicely.

As a precious metal love jewelry designer and carver I have gained a high respect for this expensive precious metal. If you can't afford the high cost then I would recommend the next best alternative, and that is white gold, 18k or 20k.

For more info and prices for my original native platinum jewelry please visit my website at www.billhelin.com

Bill Helin- Master Tsimshian jewelry artist /designer