Don’t Let Scrap Platinum Slip through Your Fingers
We all know that platinum is rare in nature. But does that mean that you can’t find it anywhere? Not at all. In fact, there are a lot of sources of platinum that people let slip through their fingers – sometimes literally so.
We don’t want you to do that. So in today’s post, let’s explore some places where you can probably find recyclable platinum scrap today. Ready? Here we go.
Rings and Small Pieces of Platinum Jewelry
Grandma’s old jewelry box or your top dresser drawer could contain small items of valuable platinum jewelry that are easy to overlook. Why? One reason is that platinum, a white metal, can easily be mistaken for white gold or silver.
So when you go looking for platinum in those places, look for rings that are stamped with “p,” “pt,” or of course, “platinum.” And if you find a piece of unstamped white metal jewelry and you are not sure what it is made of, call our recycling experts at 800-426-2344. We will test your white-toned jewelry, and you could be in for a very pleasant surprise.
Thermocouple Wires
Platinum-bearing thermocouple wires show up in more places than you might expect, including old air conditioners, kitchen stoves, central heating and air conditioning systems, and in factories where ceramics and other products are made.
The thing is, thermocouple wire looks a lot like other wire because it is commonly wrapped in insulation. Not sure whether that tangle of wire you have contains platinum? Again, call us at 800-426-2344. We will test what you have and let you know if you are sitting on a pile of platinum thermocouple wire that could bring you a lot of money.
Old Discolored Laboratory Equipment
Silver-colored laboratory crucibles, forceps, stands and other equipment might look worthless. But don’t be fooled. Even though they are bluish and discolored, they might be made of platinum that has been exposed to high heat. Even a small crucible (which looks like a small drinking cup) could be worth a great deal of money. Call us at 800-426-2344 and ask us to do the testing for you.
Used Sputtering Targets
Sputtering targets are metal disks that have been used in industrial plasma plating processes. They contain metals which, when exposed to high electrical currents and heat, vaporize and travel to items that are being plated, where they adhere. After a period of time, sputtering targets become useless because the plated metals they contain become diminished to the point of disappearing. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that 100% of the platinum or other precious metals they contained are gone. Many used sputtering targets, in fact, still contain quantities of valuable metals that we can extract profitably for you.
Where do you find used sputtering targets? They aren’t exactly lying around everywhere, yet you can find some in old factories where plating processes were performed. You can even find that some companies are selling off their old stocks of used sputtering targets. When you get your hands on some, call us at 800-426-2344 to learn about getting them tested and processed.
Old Cigarette and Cigar Cases and Other Unusual Items
In this miscellaneous category, you will find all kinds of curious items that have been made of platinum over the years. The thing is, they look a lot like silver, and are easy to overlook if you see them in an antique store or stuck in a drawer in your home.
They could be cigarette or cigar cases, cigar cutters, shot glasses, ice tongs, tweezers, and just about anything else. The bottom line is that if you see something that is made of bright white-toned metal, don’t assume it is of low value. Call our precious metal recycling consultants today and make sure you are not letting valuable platinum items slip through your fingers.
The number again is 800-426-2344. Call to be safe, not sorry . . . and to potentially make money in platinum.
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