[Jewelry making - Article 00166] - [Orchid] Platinum Piercing hazards

[Jack Ogden]

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    Allergic reactions to platinum body jewellery are highly unlikely
    but perhaps not impossible. There are rare reports from jewellers
    about customers who seem to be allergic to platinum - though
    presumably it is the metals alloyed with the platinum that are the
    culprits. 

    The cobalt content of some commercial platinum alloys is one thing
    to watch. Cobalt is closely related to nickel and in clinical tests
    some people have shown sensitivity to cobalt. Indeed, some body
    jewellery made of base-metal alloys containing cobalt has caused
    allergic reactions. 

    Cobalt-containing platinum jewellery alloys are usually described as
    not causing allergic reactions, but it would be interesting to see
    the results of detailed research on the extent of long-term cobalt
    release from platinum jewellery alloys under various simulated 'wear'
    conditions (as were carried out ad nausiam with nickel alloys). 

    Also 'traditional' platinum alloys were platinum plus iridium and
    very hard. However, some of the softer platinum alloys now used for
    jewellery might abrade in wear and thus I suppose increased
    particle-deposition on the skin could  exaggerate problems from
    alloying metals. It is also possible that surface porosity resulting
    from casting could trap cosmetics or other substances that might
    cause problems. 

    To be on the safe side it might be best to specify platinum-iridium
    alloys for body jewellery. 

    One obvious thing with platinum body jewellery is to ensure that any
    solder joins are with 'safe' alloy solders and that the piece hasn't
    been nickel and then rhodium plated. 

Jack Ogden


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