Shedding Light on Three Behind-the-Scenes Precious Metals

The industry experts at Treasure Hunters Roadshow see an extensive assortment of precious metals in the course of their adventures around the planet. Even though gold and silver may well be worth good money, there are a few other precious metal heavy hitters which the THR authorities want the public to know much more about: platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Platinum has been called the “choice precious metal of the stars” because of its hefty price. Its price is double that of 18kt white gold of the very same weight. It is primarily used in men’s and women’s wedding rings as well as women’s engagement rings. The steep price tag keeps it from being used in a wider array of jewelry, the exception being the bling of the wealthy and famous. Platinum is a white metal that, not like gold, is used in jewelry in an nearly pure form (about 95%). Its capacity to retain its luster over time makes it possible for it to forgo the rhodium plating that other metals like white gold should go through. And Treasure Hunters Roadshow authorities love jewelry with shine.

Palladium is an additional metal that strays from the spotlight. This precious metal is comparable to white gold in pricing but carries the long-lasting elegance of platinum. At one-third the value of platinum, palladium is produced with the same purity level (around 95%) and keeps its shiny white coloring for a life span. Due to the fact it is a naturally white precious metal, there is no need for palladium jewelry to be rhodium-plated.

So what is this rhodium?

Rhodium is not found in its pure form. Rather, it must be derived from platinum or nickel ores. About 20 tons of rhodium are produced a year, 80% of which is sourced from South Africa. The cost of rhodium is all around 50% more than gold by weight. Its main use is as a strengthening agent against tarnish, particularly for jewelry created from white gold. When electroplated onto other precious metals, a coat of rhodium produces a reflective white surface known in the business as “rhodium flashing.”

Its high melting point, very poor malleability and significant price tag make rhodium a weak selection from which to make total items of jewelry; it is best employed as an addition to other metals. The health-related field is a major purchaser of rhodium-plated products, such as filters for mammography devices and optical instruments.

The pricey metal is also employed in commemorating distinctive honors. In 1979, Paul McCartney was awarded a rhodium-plated disc by the Guinness Book of World Records for being the greatest-selling songwriter and recording artist of all time.

Although platinum, palladium and rhodium may not be sitting about the home, the THR specialists feel that information is power and knowing much more about precious metals keeps consumers and sellers on an even playing field, keeping the world of jewelry buying enjoyable and exhilarating. THR is always on the hunt for new jewelry of all sorts for the duration of their weekly trips across the U.S., Canada and Europe and they pay out on the spot for any goods they buy. Check out out the Treasure Hunters Roadshow website for additional details and a comprehensive listing of upcoming cities.