Dreaming of a platinum wedding ring
If you wear a platinum wedding ring or dream of wearing platinum wedding or engagement ring, it is worth reflecting that the band of white metal is more than an exquisite jewel. Of course, it symbolises the union of two unique people, but it is also an extraordinary metal that has fascinated alchemists and scientists throughout history.
The most precious jewel
Despite its extreme rarity, it fascinated Europe’s scientists. Heavier than gold, impossible to corrode with gas or chemicals, it entered the metallic chart in 1751 as the seventh element known to exist up until that time. Perhaps it is no surprise then that this rare, extraordinary white metal was destined to be the most precious jewel in anyone’s life - in the form of a platinum wedding ring.
Mother’s platinum wedding ring
The first contact chemical engineer Richard M Gross had with platinum was when he was a child and his mother’s platinum wedding ring fell underneath their family porch - he was the only person small enough to reach it. When he grew up, he became the vice president for research and development at a major chemical company. He had no idea that the platinum wedding ring would later become one of his life’s pursuits. He remembers feeling sorry for his mother as her wedding ring was platinum, not gold. “This is rarer than gold,” she told him, “and it's sturdier, which means I can wear it my entire life.”
More than jewellery
As Richard Gross grew up and learnt about science he became fascinated that platinum could be used in his mother’s platinum wedding ring and also for significantly different uses - such as working as a catalyst to produce sulphuric acid, nitric acid and hydrogen cyanide.
Environmentally friendly
The largest market for platinum today is in automobile catalytic converter - helping create a cleaner, more environmentally friendly car. Platinum, therefore, has helped significantly increase air quality.