Why did platinum become more common in jewelry after the 19th century?

Platinum became increasingly common in jewelry from the 19th century onward due to its unique combination of physical and chemical properties. Its rise in popularity was driven by its white brilliance, malleability, high melting point, and exceptional resistance to corrosion and chemical attack.12

While platinum-containing artifacts date back to antiquity, the metal was difficult to isolate and work with using traditional fire-refining methods because of its high melting point and the complex processing required to separate it from other metals. It was not until researchers in the 19th century developed advanced techniques for consolidating and working the metal that its use in fine jewelry became practical, with widespread adoption beginning around 1900.3

To improve its durability for jewelry applications, pure platinum—which is relatively soft—is often alloyed with other metals, such as iridium, to increase hardness and stiffness.45