What if there was a precious metal so rare, so distinct, that it could be described as the “last” of its kind? A metal that was once known primarily to scientists, yet today is rapidly making its mark in the world of high jewellery, luxury watches, and investment portfolios. That metal is osmium.
Osmium, a member of the platinum group of metals, has long been known for its extreme rarity and unique properties. Once toxic and unfit for high-end use, osmium has been transformed into a brilliant, stable material, earning its place as “the world’s last precious metal.” Its unmatchable sparkle, extraordinary density, and one-of-a-kind crystalline structure make it unlike any other precious metal.
At the International Institute of Gemology (IIG) Mumbai, osmium was brought into focus through an insightful presentation by Scarlett Clauss, Vice Director of the Osmium Institute, Germany. The session explored osmium’s emergence as a luxury material, its growing relevance in global markets, and its potential for the Indian jewellery industry.
A Note from Rahul Desai, CEO & MD, IIG
At IIG, we are committed to exploring every potential and possibility within gemology, craftsmanship, and education. When I met Scarlett Clauss, I was fascinated by how osmium is transforming the luxury sector. The metal’s rarity and unforgeable qualities open up new possibilities for designers and investors alike. This article aims to share these insights, not only with our students but with readers and professionals in the industry, encouraging them to embrace osmium’s potential as both an artistic and investment material.
What Is Osmium and Why Is It So Special?
Osmium belongs to the platinum group of metals, but it is unlike gold or platinum in one crucial way, its rarity. Mined only as a by-product of platinum extraction, osmium is incredibly scarce. With only 350-500 kilograms estimated to be available in crystalline form, it is a metal that is finite and precious. To visualize this: all the gold ever mined could form a cube over 20 metres tall, yet all the osmium in the world would fit beneath a few chairs.
What makes osmium unique, however, is not just its rarity but its stunning crystalline form. Once crystallised, osmium reflects nearly 100% of sunlight, giving it an unparalleled sparkle that rivals diamonds. Each piece of crystallised osmium also carries a unique, unforgeable micro-crystal fingerprint, stored in the Osmium Identification Code (OIC), which ensures authenticity and traceability.
Why Osmium is the World’s Last Precious Metal
Osmium has been dubbed the “last precious metal” due to its finality in the realm of naturally occurring materials. Unlike gold and platinum, which have long been staples in the luxury world, osmium is the last naturally occurring precious metal to be crystallised, wearable, and certifiable for jewellery and investment. As technology has allowed osmium to be transformed into a usable material, it represents the end of an era in precious metal discovery. The process of crystallisation made osmium safe to handle and showcased its extraordinary visual properties, ushering it into the luxury market.
Osmium’s scarcity is key to its appeal. Unlike metals that can be replenished or mined in large quantities, osmium is finite, making it a material that will only become rarer and more valuable over time. For collectors, investors, and jewellers, this makes osmium an incredibly attractive asset.
Osmium in Luxury Design and Indian Jewellery
In the world of luxury jewellery and watchmaking, osmium offers a new avenue for creativity. Designers are now using osmium as an inlay, bringing a futuristic yet elegant touch to high-end pieces. Its incredible sparkle and durability make it ideal for use alongside diamonds, sapphires, and other precious gemstones. For Indian jewellers, known for their skill in creating intricate, high-value designs, osmium offers an opportunity to push boundaries and innovate with a material that resonates with rarity and permanence.
For Indian jewellery designers, osmium provides a way to integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship, creating unique pieces that stand out in the global market. As the material continues to gain traction, Indian artisans can lead the way in osmium’s adoption, crafting jewellery that is as rare as it is beautiful.
A Global Opportunity for IIG Students
Scarlett Clauss’s visit to IIG Mumbai also brought exciting news for IIG students. The Osmium Institute has formally invited them to participate in the 2026 Osmium Visionary Contest. This global platform invites jewellery designers to create innovative pieces using osmium, giving students the chance to gain international recognition and contribute to a growing dialogue around contemporary jewellery design.
Over the past few years, the value of Osmium has risen steadily, and it is increasingly seen as a tangible asset in the portfolios of those seeking to diversify their investments. The rarity and unforgeable nature of osmium ensure that it will only appreciate in value, making it a secure investment for the future.
At IIG, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to explore materials like osmium, preparing them for the future of luxury and design. Osmium is not just a material for jewellery, it is a symbol of the future of craftsmanship, investment, and innovation.
The World’s Last Precious Metal Is Here, and Its Journey Has Just Begun.
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