Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 612,667 times. It is usually stamped or inscribed on the piece. Buy a kit that can test for both silver and platinum. Platinum holds fine gemstones firmly in place for the life of the jewelry when used for prongs and other setting components. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. By using our site, you agree to our. The metal was first discovered in 1557. Thank you for the easiest, safest test. If it was marketed as platinum, chances are you got ripped off and were sold a silver ring, or the ring is silver and plated with another metal, such as rhodium or platinum. High-end rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are fashioned from Platinum. Platinum is a precious heavy metal. If your jewelry doesn't have any markings at all it's probably not a precious metal. References I thought it was white gold and your, "All the steps helped me especially how to identify between platinum and silver by the letter markings. She contributed to The Spruce for over 11 years. What is platinum? ", "Well written and interesting to a confused reader. Its density and weight make it a durable jewelry metal. Because it is both dense and malleable, it is ideal in jewelry production. Platinum is one of the heaviest metals used to make estate jewelry. Will now test my jewelry. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. There are also hallmarks that can identify where the item was … This means that 95% of the content of a piece of platinum jewelry is pure platinum and 5% is another platinum … Mined from deep within the Earth and … Keep all acids and acid testing kits out of the reach of children. ", "The article contained knowledge for future reference. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your jewelry, see a reputable jeweler. Platinum is a rare precious metal primarily used to create fine jewelry. 350 Irid." Platinum is a heavy, precious metal, gray-white in color and noncorrosive. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The STERLING part indicates that your jewelry is real sterling silver. The acid may damage any smaller workings in the jewelry. If the jewelry is stamped with the number 925 or the letter S, it is made of sterling silver. The stone will scratch and damage a small section of the jewelry. This article received 17 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Only rhodium is more expensive than platinum. If you can't find … Platinum is a rare precious metal primarily used to create fine jewelry. For instance, "600 Pt. As you have read above, the "950" designation doesn't really mean … We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Is a marking PLAT 950 silver or platinum? So to verify I was doing it the right way, I tried a couple of my rings and the silver ones bubbled almost immediately. This article was co-authored by Edward Lewand. Here are some important platinum facts regarding content markings: The FTC is currently considering a request to allow manufacturers to mark jewelry as platinum even if it contains metals that are not part of the platinum group. Also, platinum isn't really white—it's actually a gray color. Standard Jewelry Abbreviations for Metals. If it dissolves, it's not. Jewelry can be made from a variety of metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. ", "Very helpful in determining if items are of value when disposing of them. Platinum does not wear away and holds precious stones firmly and securely. This is important because silver-plated and sterling silver items look virtually identical to the untrained eye. Platinum, rhodium and palladium are the most frequent ores used in platinum jewelry. for 550 parts pure platinum, 350 parts palladium and 50 parts iridum. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Its heavy weight and durability make platinum a metal that will not wear away with constant use like gold. ", How to Identify Platinum and Silver Jewelry, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiGrtLoJ2dY&feature=youtu.be&t=71, https://www.zales.com/jewelry101/index.jsp?page=preciousMetals, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0294-platinum-jewelry, http://blog.stuller.com/working-with-platinum/?utm_source=Platinum_questions, https://www.pricescope.com/journal/overview_common_alloys_used_jewelry, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQHoiWF7TkE&feature=youtu.be&t=127, http://www.danaraejewelry.com/is-my-sterling-silver-real.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBseKUZ0OvA&feature=youtu.be&t=111, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQHoiWF7TkE&feature=youtu.be&t=148, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBseKUZ0OvA&feature=youtu.be&t=262, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbFPreBkjQU&feature=youtu.be&t=28, http://www.chemicool.com/elements/platinum.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6JQZGSyzuk&feature=youtu.be&t=23, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uAonn4T-Us&feature=youtu.be&t=80, Riconoscere Gioielli di Platino e d'Argento, отличить платиновые украшения от серебряных, identifier un bijou en platine ou en argent, Bestimmen ob ein Schmuckstück aus Platin oder Silber ist, Mengidentifikasi Perhiasan Platinum dan Perak, Platin ve Gümüş Mücevherler Nasıl Tespit Edilir, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry. Here to help you navigate your platinum jewelry purchase with education and insights into the latest styles from leading experts. Think about it like this: you mix up a huge bucket of fruit tea that contains 1,000 ounces--900 hundred of the ounces are plain tea and 100 are fruit juice. If you have a piece of sterling silver jewelry with a .925 stamp that's attracted to a magnet, see a reputable jeweler to verify its authenticity. For example, an authentic piece of platinum jewelry might have a stamp reading “PLAT999.". Well, that certainly tells you something. 50Irid." "I have always wondered about the metal of a simple bracelet I have worn for over 30 years. There's no question that there are many advantages to choosing platinum over white gold. Hydrogen peroxide won't corrode or damage your jewelry. Could it be genuine? PLAT means platinum, and the 950 means that is it 950/1000 or 95% platinum. The easiest way to determine the metal used in your jewelry is by examining the hallmarks or markings. When you select platinum jewelry, you’re buying a product that consists of a metal that’s almost entirely pure – 90-95%. If it’s stamped with the letters PLAT, PT, or the word Platinum, it is platinum jewelry. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. Helped me to understand markings on my jewellery and I looked up the makers and found who made the, "An item of jewelry was given to me as a gift and was described as Platinum. If you use the 18-karat gold acid test to test on silver, the line will turn a milky white color. Platinum is the now-most-sought-after metal especially for engagement and wedding jewellery, particularly for rings. No. Hydrogen peroxide can be found at most grocery stores. Platinum is often used to produce the finest jewelry and for setting expensive gemstones. Determine what … Platinum's natural white luster provides a rich backdrop for diamonds and can even make diamonds appear whiter than they really are. But before you pay your good money for a piece of jewelry, here is … This number doesn't match any common numbers that indicate the purity of the metal. Jewelry stores who sell high quality platinum offer 950 Grade (95% pure platinum) jewelry. Don't drop acid on clasps or other important sections. Note that a “950 Platinum” mark indicates that jewelry is 95 percent pure platinum, or 950 parts pure platinum out of 1,000. The US Federal Trade Commission, FTC, publishes guidelines for acceptable marking standards for platinum jewelry sold in the US. As we are approaching the new millennium and as platinum … Ask your jeweler to explain platinum content and markings if you are not sure which combination is the most suitable for your jewelry purchase. "DR STERLING" is stamped on the back oan a silver and onyx pendant I bought in New Mexico years ago-any meaning on the DR? But, unlike gold, platinum is not measured in karats. There is considerable confusion about the meaning of quality marks that are seen on jewelry … "529" probably refers to a maker or manufacturer. However, "925" would indicate that the jewelry is sterling silver. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. What does the number 5372 mean on a ring? He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry. The most common alloy used to harden sterling silver is copper, which is not magnetic. Platinum content is usually expressed as the amount of pure platinum the jewelry contains in parts per thousand. for 600 parts pure platinum and 350 parts iridium, "550Pt. … Determining the Alloy Metal Quality Find out what metal the platinum is mixed with. My St. Christopher medal has stamped silver on the back. or 600 Plat. Wear gloves to protect your hands and work over a towel to protect your workspace. As platinum jewelry continues to gain market share, nearly every jeweler will have contact with this most precious metal. ", "Clear and concise instructions to help identify sliver and platinum jewelry. Acid can burn your skin and is fatal if ingested. This article was co-authored by Edward Lewand. ", "I tried the hydrogen peroxide, and it worked just like you said it would. Platinum/cobalt alloys will usually be stamped as PLAT, Pt950, or possibly Pt950/Co. Both industry experts and jewelry retailers are slowly … in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. It's a metal that's elegant when used all by itself to create a piece of jewelry, either a simple polished item or a design with engraved motifs. Platinum jewelry with 15% to 50% base metals also may be labeled "platinum.” These platinum/base metal alloys contain from 50 to 85% pure platinum, but the total of pure platinum and other platinum … Great article! The letters PT and PLAT are often used to indicate platinum is used. However, you can also use an 18-karat gold testing acid to identify pure or sterling silver. Also, you must include the alloy present in the mix if the piece contains less than 85% pure platinum. Each piece is stamped to mark its metal content, and you can also use the … Platinum … Typically, you'll find metal content stamps near the clasp on necklaces and bracelets, on the inside surface of rings, and on the backs of earrings, pin… Jewelry that contains at least 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum may be marked or described as "Platinum". If you want to identify whether a piece of jewelry is platinum or silver, first examine the jewelry for any etchings in the metal. The word platinum … Platinum Purity Considered among the most pure and precious metals used in modern -day jewelry making, platinum has become synonymous with luxury and longevity. Using an Acid Scratch Testing Kit Use an acid testing kit on hard-to-verify jewelry. Understanding the metal content of your piece can help you make sure you get the quality for which you're paying. 350 Ir." ", "Helped to identified the real silver and platinum.". Because of its hardness and … Platinum is much denser than silver, so it will have more heft to it. The acronym PTL refers to a kind of sheet metal and is not a precious metal. Our Expert Agrees: When you're testing for platinum, you scrape a little piece of the jewelry on a stone, then you drop nitric hydrochloric acid on it. If a ring is stamped 925, is it platinum? The bottle labels will indicate which metal they are used to test for. Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals. The most common alloy metals paired with platinum are copper, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and titanium. This ushered in the Edwardian era, known for its exceptionally fine yet durable lace-like platinum work. Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. Pure silver jewelry is rare as pure silver is soft and easily damaged. If the line stays, it's platinum. Purity is the percentage of pure platinum that is in your jewelry or item. % of people told us that this article helped them. Platinum jewelry is rare and exotic, and is the fastest growing jewelry … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If the kit doesn't include gloves, buy some separately. If you can't read the markings on your jewelry, or there aren't any, read the article for tips on testing jewelry with an acid testing kit, a silver testing solution, or hydrogen peroxide. 50Ir." I used the peroxide, "Great answers. Pt is the name. Examine the color and weight of the piece, as well. Approved. Medical Definition of platinum : a heavy precious grayish white noncorroding ductile malleable metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, … This article has been viewed 612,667 times. She has a special interest in vintage jewelry. The greater the percentage of platinum in your jewelry, the more value the … If the stamp reads "999", "S925," "925S", "Pure Silver", or "Sterling Silver", then your medal is made of genuine silver. ", "I used the magnet method and it seemed to work fairly well. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. These six related metals belong to the Platinum Group of Metals, or PGM: As long as 50% of the alloy contains platinum and some other combination of metals above, the piece can be labeled as containing platinum. This is due to a number of factors, including its rarity, higher levels of purity when used in jewelry, and the complex level of expertise and tools required when crafting jewelry from platinum. Platinum has come a long way from being a metal affordable only by the elite, being accessible even to middle class patrons. I believe that the desire for "950" platinum is primarily driven by the fact that 950 is a bigger number than 900 - it looks better in "print" - so it must be "better". Only metals marked with a 950 or 900 purity designation are considered high-grade platinum. Jewelry that contains 850, 900 or 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum may be marked "Plat" or "Pt" if a number is used in front of the term to disclose the amount of pure platinum in the mix, such as : Jewelry that contains at least 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, with at least 500 parts per thousand of the total pure platinum, may be marked as platinum as long as the numbers of each metal are disclosed. The platinum group of metals (PGM) are platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium. The metal also looks stunning when combined with contrasting touches of 18K yellow gold. The major platinum jewelry … Purity is the game. Platinum is the rarest and most expensive of the precious metals. Education and information about platinum is good business. If the solution turns white, the metal is 92.5% silver, or sterling silver. The .925 stamp is reserved for sterling silver, and refers to the silver content, at 925/1000 or 92.5 percent silver. If you get any acid on your hands you will burn your skin. Platinum derives its name from the Spanish word “platina,” meaning “little silver.” Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. ​Carly Wickell is a writer and jewelry expert. ", "Great information at no cost. The rest is an alloy, which is mixed with the platinum. 350Pd. For example, a stamp that says “S925” indicates that the jewelry is sterling silver. The etchings may be on the clasp, a tag, or the largest part of the jewelry. Anything less should not be considered either pure or hypoallergenic or of substantive quality. However, with a little practice, you'll be able to tell the difference in no time! Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Lay a towel down underneath the stone to protect your work surface from scratches. Although some alloys may be billed as platinum by jewelry sellers, there are stringent requirements for what constitutes a 'pure' platinum piece. test, and unfortunately, no bubbles. Identify this type of jewelry by any of these other marks: “Plat 950,” “Pt950,” … To the untrained eye, platinum, silver, and sterling silver may appear very similar at first glance. Another way to express that is to say that tea makes up ninety percent of the mix. "Platinaire" is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 5% platinum, with the 2.5% remaining usually consisting of copper or gold. When considering platinum jewelry, the purity mark “950” denotes a composition of 95 percent platinum with a mix of other metal alloys, while “900” is made up of 90 percent platinum, and … Instead, it probably refers to the brand or manufacturer. If you can't read the markings on your jewelry, or there aren't any, read the article for tips on testing jewelry with an acid testing kit, a silver testing solution, or hydrogen peroxide. Common Platinum Jewelry Hallmarks Just like gold, platinum is measured by its fineness. These markings indicate that your jewelry was made in Italy and is real sterling silver. Platinum vs Silver Value. Most tests have acids specifically for silver. Many jewelry marks represent the metal content of the piece. Instead, it is measured by its purity percentage. Its heavy weight and durability make platinum a metal that will not wear away with constant use like gold. If you doubt your results, test the jewelry again to be sure. If it turns a bluish green color, it's copper or another lesser metal. In the 1700's platinum was discovered in South America. But how can you determine if jewelry you already own is made of platinum? ", "Took silver test solution, and test stick works very well. How about PTL on a fancy antique little baby picture holder? or "550Plat. Platinum is one of the most popular metals of choice for ring settings, because the strength and color of platinum … Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. When an item is stamped “925 Platinum,” it means that it is made of 92.5% platinum. ", "The literature, characters, and photographic information helped! As with most metals for jewelry… 350Pall. Since about 1900, platinum came into use in a major way in the making and manufacturing of jewelry. Acceptable alloys that are used with platinum are grouped together. I have a silver bracelet with marks "Italy" and "925". Because of the purity of platinum, it is suitable to all skin types, no matter how … All modern platinum jewelry requires stamps indicating metal content. If for instance, jewelry contains 50% platinum and 50% gold, that piece can not contain a hallmark indicating the piece contains platinum. This article has been viewed 612,667 times. Last Updated: February 5, 2020 That makes the tea 900 parts per thousand of your mix. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Identify-Platinum-and-Silver-Jewelry-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Platinum-and-Silver-Jewelry-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Identify-Platinum-and-Silver-Jewelry-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1265826-v4-728px-Identify-Platinum-and-Silver-Jewelry-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"