Platinum Scrap from Jewelry Factories
Small quantities of platinum scrap can be found in factories that make or repair platinum jewelry. You can find it in filings and bench sweepings, in floor dust, and in small platinum “squiggles” that are produced when platinum is shaped on lathes and milling machines. If you can collect stuff that looks like dust or powder, it is well worth sweeping it up and sending it to Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners for testing. What appears worthless to the naked eye could turn out to be worth a lot of money.
Thermocouples and Metallic Wires
Thermocouples (devices that are used to remotely measure or monitor temperatures) are used in air conditioning units, industrial stoves and heating equipment, and many other applications. Not all of them contain platinum, but some do. If you can buy a lot of tangled-up metal wires for not too much money (they are sometimes included in batches of random scrap metals that people want to dispose of), it is worth your while to send them to Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners for testing. Call us at 800-426-2344 to learn more.
Rings and Pieces of Random Jewelry
Many engagement rings have been made of platinum over the last 30 or 40 years. Because platinum is a white metal, they often look like they are worth less than they really are. So when you are visiting antique stores or malls, spend a little time perusing those trays of old rings.
Speaking of jewelry, it is also possible to find small platinum chain links, chain clasps, and other odd platinum pieces. Our advice to you is that if you find something that is made of a shiny, untarnished white metal, snap it up and call us to learn more.