Platinum: The Timeless Shine of an Exceptional Metal

A rare and precious metal with timeless prestige

Among precious metals, platinum holds a unique position. Rare, pure, and unalterable, it symbolises absolute luxury and timeless elegance. Used for centuries to create exceptional jewellery, it is now experiencing a resurgence in high jewellery.

Why is platinum so fascinating?

What are its advantages compared to other precious metals like white gold or silver?

Poemotu, a French jewellery brand, reveals all the secrets of this exceptional metal and explains why we have chosen to work with this noble material in our creations.

The origins of platinum: A noble metal with a fascinating history

Platinum was discovered by pre-Columbian peoples of South America, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that Europe began to show interest. Its rarity and difficulty in extraction made it long unexploitable on a large scale. Its name, derived from the Spanish platina (“little silver”), reflects the lack of understanding of its properties at the time. In the 19th century, the great royal and imperial courts adopted this exceptional metal. Louis XVI himself referred to it as "the only metal fit for a king".

It was in the 1900s that platinum became the chosen material for exceptional jewellery, notably by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co., who used it to enhance diamonds and precious stones.

During World War II, its use in jewellery was suspended, as it was reserved for the military industry due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, today, it is making a strong comeback, driven by its rarity and timeless nature.

Why is platinum so sought after in jewellery?

1. Absolute rarity

Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold. Its extraction is complex and mainly undertaken in South Africa and Russia, which explains its high cost and status as an exceptional metal.

2. Unmatched purity

Unlike white gold, which is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals like palladium or silver, platinum used in jewellery is 950‰ pure (or 95% pure platinum). This makes it a naturally white and brilliant metal, which does not yellow over time.

3. A hypoallergenic metal

Platinum is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, meaning it does not cause skin reactions. It is an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin, unlike some white gold alloys that may contain nickel, which is banned in France and not present in French and European jewellery.

4. Natural and unalterable brilliance

While elegant, white gold requires rhodium plating (application of a thin layer of rhodium) to achieve a bright white. Over time, this layer wears off and needs to be renewed regularly to maintain its appearance. Platinum, however, never tarnishes. Its cold and luminous radiance is natural and permanent, allowing it to stand on its own. Its weight and density offer an unparalleled sense of luxury.

5. Extraordinary resistance

This metal is extremely dense and durable, much more so than gold. A platinum piece resists shocks and the wear of time better, making it a perfect choice for wedding bands and engagement rings, symbols of eternal love.

The grand return of platinum in modern jewellery

After a period where white gold dominated jewellery collections, platinum is now making a grand comeback. Favoured by high-end luxury houses, it stands as the ultimate choice for those seeking a refined, durable, and resolutely modern metal. High jewellery designers value platinum for its ability to enhance diamonds, precious stones, and cultured pearls with its unique brilliance and cool sheen.

Furthermore, its noble weight and resistance to the test of time make it a symbol of eternity, perfectly aligning with the philosophy of wedding jewellery.

Poemotu and Platinum: An Exceptional Metal at the Heart of Our Jewellery Expertise

At Poemotu, we have always prioritised the noblest materials to create meaningful and traditional jewellery. Platinum 950 naturally fits within this approach, offering a durable and precious alternative to gold. Thanks to its purity, resistance, and natural brilliance, it allows for the creation of jewels that stand the test of time without losing their splendour.

Our platinum creations blend artisanal craftsmanship and strong symbolism, as reflected in our Tahitian alliance "Mana", engraved with traditional Polynesian motifs and designed to be passed down from generation to generation. Unlike white gold, platinum requires no surface treatment to maintain its brilliance. It is also hypoallergenic, an important asset for sensitive skin.

Its rarity makes it a privileged choice for those seeking a jewel that is both precious and timeless.

Why does Platinum attract high jewellery enthusiasts?

• Exceptional purity: composed of 95% pure platinum, it offers unparalleled quality.
• A rare and prestigious alternative to other precious metals.
• A perfect ally for wedding jewellery or vow renewal, thanks to its symbol of eternity.
• A naturally brilliant metal which does not tarnish and requires no rhodium plating.

Choosing platinum means opting for a timeless piece whose beauty never fades. Poemotu honours this exceptional metal in its collections, combining Polynesian heritage with French jewellery excellence.

Discover our platinum creations and immerse yourself in the timeless world of high jewellery.