Archive for the 'Buying Platinum' Category
Wednesday, January 24th, 2007
If you are looking for a platinum 18k gold engraved wedding ring there are some points to keep in mind.
Browsing on line is probably the easiest way of finding a platinum 18k gold engraved wedding ring as there is so much to choose from. You do need to do some due diligence however and ensure that the dealers or jewelers have a fixed address and are contactable by phone.
You can pay a lot of money for a platinum 18k gold engraved wedding ring so want to be sure you are dealing with a bona fide jeweler. Also do they have a returns policy? Sometimes when you get the ring home it looks nothing like the picture on the screen. The platinum looks dull (is it really platinum? ??? real platinum is very shiny) and the gold, how do you know it is 18k and not 14 or even 10 karat? A certificate of authenticity to avoid any later disappointment is a must and if a jeweler will not supply it then there are plenty of other jewelers out there who will.
Before you have it engraved decide before hand exactly what you want engraved on it. Try to keep it very simple and straight forward. A few simple words can say much more than a long involved speech. Sometimes the jeweler will engrave it for nothing, or rather include it in the price, so ensure you write out for him (or preferably type out) what you want engraved and where you want it engraved on the ring.
When browsing take your time. This is a ring you will be buying for a lifetime so a hurried choice may be regretted later. It is a good idea to know what you want and visualize it in your mind before you go out to buy. Then you will look only what you want and unlikely to be sold the first ring that the jeweler offers you.
Shopping for a platinum 18k gold engraved wedding ring can be an exciting experience provided a little common sense is used!
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Saturday, January 6th, 2007
You can buy platinum bars online as well as direct from some mints around the world.
Platinum value is increasing and platinum bars are a good investment long term. The precious metal is very hardy and strong and is ideal for jewelry setting. It is bright, shiny and looks most attractive in rings and with precious gems. The bars are usually pressed, as distinct from ingots which are much larger and pored into moulds. The bars come sealed in plastic bubbles and should not be opened and the bars touched or handled by hand. They also come in a number of sizes and each one should have their own individual number stamped on them and be accompanied by a certificate and have
Here are a few points to keep in mind when buying platinum bars.
Always buy from an established reputable dealer. You can also by from mints, such as the Australian mints in Canberra or Perth in Australia.
Ensure the dealer has a returns policy. You do not want to buy a platinum bar and find it is not what was described or what you actually ordered.
Use a credit card when you buy platinum bars. If there is any problems you have third party proof of purchase and also can reverse the charge if the product does not arrive.
When the bar arrives, check it thoroughly to ensure that it is in it’s original sealed bubble or plastic container and has not been tampered with.
Check the certificate to ensure it is genuine and matches the bar.
Buying and owning platinum bars can be a lot of fun. As time wears on it is likely they will appreciate in value
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Saturday, January 6th, 2007
All platinum should have a platinum jewelry hallmark.
Platinum can have a number of different purities. Most platinum pieces are 95% pure which is to say 950 parts per thousand parts. (The balanced is usually Iridium). However it is possible to get platinum even down to 50% only. Any jewelry marked or containing less than 50% platinum is not considered platinum unlike gold which can be ‘diluted’ or alloyed even down to around 10 percent gold and still be called gold.
This applies to jewelry only. Platinum bullion such as coins and bars are almost always pure (99.999%) platinum and the platinum content is always stated on the coin or the accompanying certificate.
The hallmark to look for then will be marks such as, 950 Plat, 950Pt, Pt950 or Plat, giving the ratio of platinum to other metal(s).
In the UK, since 1975 all British platinum must have a platinum hallmark. This is a symbol of a scepter inside a pentagon. The mark should also, much as the US system, show the purity of platinum. Mark 850 indicate a purity of 85 percent. 900, 90 percent, 950 means 950 percent and of course 999 indicates a purity of 999 percent platinum.
When looking at platinum, always ensure that the hallmark is stamped on the piece to distinguish it from white gold which likely will have no hallmark.
Platinum is an excellent metal for jewelry as it is hypo-allergenic and ideal for sensitive skin. It is the most durable and strongest of precious metals and really sets off diamonds to their best. Being strong it can hold diamonds well for many years without the prongs getting loose.
The Hope Diamond, the Kohinoor and the Star of Africa, some of the world’s famous diamonds are set in platinum.
So when shopping for platinum jewelery always ensure you get to see the platinum jewelry hallmark and always ensure you know what purity of platinum the piece is.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2007
If you want to buy platinum coins then proof platinum coins are probably the way to go. Proof platinum coins are usually issued in limited numbers. As with all proof coins they are specially struck several times in the mint to produce a higher quality coin and each one is examined individual to ensure the quality is maintained.
These coins tend to increase in value over the years, especially as the original strike is so limited and no more of that particular year are made.
Additionally platinum has held its value long term and makes for a good investment in coins as they are easy to buy, store and transport and importantly easy to sell at a later date.
Proof Platinum coins usually come in a variety of sizes and many countries produce them including Australia, Canada, china, Ireland, the UK and of course the US to name but a few.
Proof Platinum coins can be purchased from coin dealers as well as on auction sites such as eBay. However when purchasing online always ensure that you know from who you are buying and that the seller is bona fide. Does the seller have a returns policy? If selling by auction, on eBay, for example, what is their feedback like. Are they a here today gone tomorrow or are they here for the duration, so to speak?
It is a good idea when buying online to use a credit card so that, if there is any problem receiving the goods you can have the credit card company reverse the charge.
When the coin(s) arrive always check that they are in their original packaging as supplied by the original mint and that a certificate of authenticity is supplied. If the packaging has been tampered with or opened then the proof quality will be useless and the value correspondingly much less. proof coins must never be handled and never removed from their original packaging. If there is no certificate then it is possible you have a fake on your hands.
Assuming that all is well when you receive the coins then you will have proof platinum coins to add to your collection and admire.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2007
The US Platinum Eagle is very popular with collectors. In fact since they were first released, the Platinum Eagles have proven to be one of the most successful U.S. Mint releases in decades.
Excellent platinum prices in recent years have seen excellent profits by those who have been acquiring platinum eagles over the years.
Now, some sizes are considered to be comparatively rare and certain dates now have substantial premiums in the secondary market.
The American Eagle platinum coins are Official Legal Tender and they are the only platinum coins issued by the U.S. Government. Each new American Eagle is struck in .9995 fine platinum and is issued in four sizes making them very affordable to all collectors..
The selection of 2006 Platinum American Eagles are Gem Brilliant Uncirculated issues but are not sold directly by the U.S. Mint.
You will need to go to an authorised reseller to buy them.
Proof sets are probably one of the best buys as there is usually a limited issue and once they have been snapped up the only way you will get any is if one of the purchasers sells them.
They tend to escalate in price, often far more than the value of the precious metal itself.
When buying the 2006 Platinum Eagle always ensure that you pick an authorised dealer who has a returns policy and will guarantee that the coin is genuine. Pay by credit card as then if there is any problem you can cancel the transaction and not lose your money.
When the coin arrives ensure that it is in the original packaging and has not been tampered with. Also that the certificate comes with it also.
To have and own a 2006 Platinum Eagle is a joy and many enthusiasts are determined to add it to their collection.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2007
Canadian platinum bear coins have a purity of 99.95 percent.
The obverse is graced by the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse features a majestic polar bear in relief, symbolizing the untamed and pristine beauty of the Canadian arctic frontier
The mintage in 1990 of these coins was just 2,269 so they are quite rare these days. The grade is usually BU and it is unlikely that you will find any proof coins these days. Most collectors keep the coins they collect and it is not often that a collector will sell any of the coins in their collection.
Some dealers may have some but, again, you will be hard pressed to find any. It will require a lot of patient searching to locate any.
There have been some come up on eBay but you need to ensure they are genuine and not fakes as the genuine article will cost over 1000 USD depending on the size of the coin of course. If you can get any genuine Polar Bear Platinum coins below this price you will be very fortunate indeed.
Some mintages for 1999 have been selling on eBay recently for around the 100 dollar mark. These are the 1/20th of an ounce so are quite small given that platinum is a heavy metal.
As always when buying coins of any sort, ensure you practice some due diligence and common sense and check out the seller or dealer before you buy.
Canadian platinum bear coins can be an attractive addition to any coin enthusiasts collection so it can be worth that patience search to find them.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2007
There is a bit of a history as to how the 2001 American eagle platinum proof coins
Came about.
Platinum was originally sold in bars but as these are subject to sales tax amore efficient way of buying platinum was required.
In 1984 the Isle of Man began production of a platinum coin series. This was the noble series of platinum coins. The Australian Mints followed suit shortly after with the Koala series. Then Canada decided they wanted a part of this and, in the great tradition of Canadian coins, the Platinum Canadian Maple Leaf was launched in 1989. The US then issued the Platinum Eagle in 1997 and Americans were then able to buy platinum without the burden of sales tax to mar the beauty.
Many sizes are available with the one ounce being popular and the platinum American Eagle Proof coins are now produced on a regular basis enabling enthusiasts to build up a fine collection of coins.
According to the US Mint,
“American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint Platinum Bullion coins. The reverse design featured on the proof version is different from that found on the bullion version, and both proof and bullion platinum coins are available in the one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce sizes as well as a four-coin proof set, which contains one coin in each denomination. American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins have a limited mintage and are minted at the United States Mint at West Point bearing the “W” mint mark. The 2006 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins can be purchased directly from the United States Mint.”
There has also been a new reverse coin design for 2006.
“Since its debut in 1997, the United States Mint’s American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin has featured Lady Liberty on the obverse, a symbol of vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty. Designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor/Engraver John Mercanti, Lady Liberty again graces the obverse of the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin in 2006, joined by the first of three new designs created to honor our Nation’s three branches of government; the Legislative, Executive and Judicia.”
Most 2001 American eagle platinum proof coins are available from online coin dealers as well as possibly in your local coin dealer shops.
Always ensure that the coins come in their original packaging and have not been touched by hand. Inspect to ensure that the package has not been opened and resealed.
All American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins contain 99.95% platinum. The weight, content, and diameter will vary with each coin denomination.
The one ounce coin, $100 face value, is 1.287 inches in diameter and weighs 1.0005 troy ounces.
The one-half ounce, a face value of $50, weighs 0.5003 troy ounces and has a diameter of 1.063 inches.
The one-quarter ounce coin is 0.866 inches in diameter, weighs 0.2501 troy ounces, and has a face value of $25.
The one-tenth ounce coin, with a $10 face value, weighs 0.10005 troy ounces and has a diameter of 0.650 inches.
2001 American eagle platinum proof coins add value to a coin collection and will add enjoyment to any enthusiasts collection.
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Monday, January 1st, 2007
Of all the precious metals platinum is one of the finest and rings platinum, or platinum rings, are some of the best available. Platinum is the hardest of all the precious metals and the most durable. It is the whitest and shiniest and also the most expensive weight for weight.
Platinum is ideal for rings particularly as they tend to be worn the most out of all the jewelery and get the roughest treatment. Often soaking in chemicals, detergents and soaps and the various body oils and perspiration. Whereas many other metals, such as silver and the nickel contained in the lower karat gold rings can affect the wearer and cause possible allergies, platinum does not seem to have much effect for most people.
Platinum for rings should be at least 95 percent platinum and platinum jewelry marked “IRIDPLAT” should contain 90% platinum and 10% iridium. When marked “PLAT” an item is at least 95% platinum, with 5% ruthenium. In Europe, platinum is identified by the following marks: 950 or PT950.
Look for these markings when you buy platinum rings.
It is a good idea to browse around and look at several platinum rings before deciding the one you want. A good benchmark for an engagement or wedding ring with a diamond is about 2 months salary. Most of that of course is for the diamond. Do check that the ring has a certificate of authenticity and that the diamond itself has a certificate form an independent gemological laboratory.
Additional information about diamonds can be obtained from Price of Diamonds.
Good old fashioned common sense and practicing some due diligence will ensure that you get the ring platinum you want and which will give you hours of enjoyment and pleasure.
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Tuesday, December 19th, 2006
A platinum and gold wedding band is meant to last for many years so great care should be taken when choosing one.
The combination of gold and platinum is a good one and can be very striking and also hardwearing. Gold is a soft metal but is usually hardened by adding other metals such as nickel, zinc, silver and even platinum. This accounts for the karat of the gold. A 14 karat gold ring is hardened than a 22 karat gold ring which has more gold and less of the harder metals.
Platinum is a naturally occurring hard metal, much harder than gold and also looks quite splendid in a ring and offsetting diamonds and other gemstones.
A platinum gold wedding band can vary then in price as the gold may be anywhere from 10 karat up to 22 or more rarely 24 karat gold. Platinum is usually about twice the value and the price of gold.
When seeking a platinum and gold wedding band, check out as many as you can from various jewelers and dealers. One can even find many online. There are a great variety of styles and designs so you would need to be perhaps a bit more selective than if the wedding band was simply plain gold or platinum. The design can speak volumes and even make a fashion statement of a sorts so careful thought should go into what sort of design you select.
Ensure that the jeweler can substantiate the precious metals in the ring. What sort of gold is it? What Karat? Platinum should be at least 95 percent platinum. Is the jeweler willing to give you a certificate announcing the gold and platinum content of the ring?
If the ring contains a diamond or other gem then of course a certificate of appraisal for the gemstone is a must. A proper valuation is vital for what is, after all, a representative of one’s feelings for another and the ring should be as genuine as the feelings themselves.
Applying some due diligence and common sense will go along way to ensuring that you get the platinum and gold wedding band of your choice that will last a life time.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2006
Platinum engagement rings make a good investment for the future as well as look really impressive and set off diamonds and other gems very well.
When buying platinum engagement rings it is very important to understand a little about them so you can ensure that you spend your money wisely and buy something that you will appreciate for many years to come.
Of all the precious metals platinum is the strongest and the most expensive. It is nearly twice the weight of 14 karat gold and rarer than gold.
A platinum engagement ring luster will bring out the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones like no other. Platinum does not tarnish and will retain its shape and thickness over many years.
Of all the jewelry available, platinum engagement rings are usually the most expensive.
When buying a platinum engagement ring always ensure that you see the ring in natural light and not just the artificial light of the jewelers shop. There should be a certificate to accompany the ring both for the gemstones in the ring as well as the platinum. Platinum is usually 85% or more of the metal and this should be shown on the certificate.
If buying online you should also ensure that the dealer you are buying from has a returns policy whereby if you are dissatisfied with the purchase you can return it for a full refund. What you see online may not be exactly what you get so it is important, especially when making an expensive purchase, to ensure that you can get your money back.
How much you spend of course will depend on your budget but the price of any diamonds and gemstones contained in the ring will make a big difference to the cost. Check out Price of Diamonds to ensure that you know and understand about diamonds and can check out the diamond or diamonds in the ring. White your at it check out the settings also. The claws should be tight and the gemstone rigid and there should be no loose movement. Rings get more use than any other piece of jewelry and nothing is worse than losing a diamond from a ring.
It is a good idea to spend at the top of your budget to ensure you get the best value for your money and do not be afraid to negotiate a better [rice. Many of these rings are well inflated in price and the jeweler can easily dicker over the price.
Keeping the above in mind will help a lot to ensuring that you get the best possible deal for your money with any platinum engagement rings!
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