That mom who got married in 1978 and had a conservative one carat set in yellow gold is now turning it in for a three carat in platinum or white gold.

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It could take at least a year for improving economic conditions and more cuts in platinum production for the white metal to regain the top spot over gold, analysts said.

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In the 2006 World Wines Competition alone, American vintages--a 2000 Maverick Malbec and a 2000 Carpe Diem Special Reserve--won the platinum awards for red and white wines, respectively.

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In November, Johnson Matthey said in its widely followed Platinum Interim Review that the white metal swung to a supply deficit of 400, 000 ounces in 2012, versus a 430, 000 ounce surplus in 2011.

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Perhaps still best-known as front man for the multi-platinum-selling '90s metal band White Zombie and solo efforts like 1998's "Hellbilly Deluxe, " Zombie kicked off his first headlining tour since 2007 on Thursday.

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Activity in the disaggregated report for the platinum group metals showed speculators trimming back exposure to the white metals.

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Supplies for platinum are tight, which is also supportive for the white metal.

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But really smart connoisseurs of precious white would have stocked up on palladium, a platinum-group metal used in surgical devices, watches and electronic components.

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Police killed 34 striking workers at the Marikana platinum in South Africa's North West province in August, in the most deadly security force action since white rule ended in 1994.

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