Platinum is a popular choice for milestone jewelry. If you, too, are considering getting a platinum engagement ring, you must first learn everything about platinum markings.
So, today I’ll answer recurring questions, including: What is 950 platinum, pt950, 900 platinum? What is the difference between them? Which one should you choose?
Are you ready? Let’s start!
What Is 950 Platinum (pt950), 900 platinum?
950 platinum is the same as platinum stamped with pt950 marking. It is an alloy that contains 95% of pure platinum. This platinum alloy sometimes bears only the Platinum stamp, too.
900 platinum, on the other hand, has 90% of pure, elemental platinum.
Most platinum alloys are 90%-95% pure, unlike gold, which is usually either 58.5% pure (14K gold) or 75% pure (18K gold).
Pure platinum is stronger and less malleable than pure gold, and that is why it can be used for jewelry in its pure form, too.
Most platinum jewelry produced in the USA is stamped. Different markings indicate the percentage of pure platinum in the platinum alloy.
Check the next section to find out more on this subject!
How Is Platinum Jewelry Marked?
Jewelry containing pure platinum is usually marked with ‘PLT,’ ‘PLAT,’ or ‘PLATINUM.’ 999 platinum has 99,9% pure platinum.
However, most commonly, jewelry is made from 950 platinum (95% pure platinum alloy) or 900 platinum (90% pure platinum alloy) and is stamped with PT950 or PT900.
I have made a table that shows off all the possible markings you can find on your platinum jewelry:
| Platinum Jewelry Markings (indicating the number of pure platinum parts per thousand) | Pure Platinum Content |
| 999 | 99,9% |
| 950 | 95% |
| 900 | 90% |
| 850 | 85% |
Platinum 900 vs. 950
Platinum 900 and 950 are very much alike in terms of beauty, usability, and durability. However, platinum 950 contains more pure platinum than platinum 900.
Namely, platinum 900 is 900 parts pure platinum and 100 parts other metals, while platinum 950 is 950 parts pure platinum and 50 parts other metals.
Logically, platinum 950 is the more valuable of the two.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), only items made of 950 platinum (95% pure platinum alloy) can bear only “PLATINUM” or “PLAT” marking without any number or more alloy information.
Platinum jewelry made from 900 platinum or 850 platinum needs to have the platinum group metals indicated as well.
Therefore, if a ring was made from 900 parts pure platinum and 100 parts iridium, it would be stamped with PLAT900IRID.
What are the other metals used in platinum 900 and 950 items?
Typically, jewelry manufacturers do not use pure platinum for their jewelry – they mix it with platinum group metals. These are:
- Iridium
- Palladium
- Osmium
- Rhodium
- Ruthenium
Historically, the most popular platinum alloys in the USA were 95% Platinum with 5% Ruthenium and 90% Platinum with 10% Iridium. 95% Platinum with 5% Cobalt is a common combination as well.
Why should you choose platinum 900 and 950 jewelry?
When mixed properly, platinum alloys become one of the hardest materials used for jewelry. As a result, both 900 platinum and 950 platinum jewelry is strong and durable, resistant to scratches, rust, and tarnish.
Since most platinum jewelry contains only platinum and platinum family metals, it is hypoallergenic, too.
You can wear it even if your skin is highly sensitive or prone to allergies. It goes for both platinum 900 and platinum 950.
Thanks to the high price of platinum in today’s market, some jewelry manufacturers have started using lower percentages of platinum or other (less costly) alloy metals to minimize the cost of their jewelry or maximize their earnings.
As a result, you can now find 585 platinum (58.5% pure platinum and 41.5% copper and cobalt).
Platinum 900 and 950 are far superior to the new alloy mixes, even though they look the same. 585 platinum is more brittle and susceptible to damage, and can irritate your skin, too.
If you want to enjoy high-quality platinum, stick to platinum 900 and 950.
Which one is better: platinum 900 or 950?
It is a common misperception that the 950 platinum is better than the 900 platinum. It is not the case.
Mixing platinum with platinum group metals should make it better, not worse.
Different alloys with different percentages of pure platinum and other metals were all made with a purpose. Some alloy mixes proved ideal for casting, while others are better suited for handcrafted jewelry.
If you are looking for the best general-purpose platinum alloy, you should go for the already mentioned PLAT900IRID. Most artisans use it to make platinum diamond rings due to its desirable properties.
What is the pt900 or pt950 diamond ring price?
Pt900 or pt950 ring price depends on numerous factors, not only its gram weight or platinum’s current market valuation. Factors such as design and labor, or the way the ring has been made (whether it has been handmade or mass-produced), influence the final price of the ring, too.
If a platinum ring carries a gem, the value of the stone will dictate its price as well. Hence, when it comes to platinum diamond ring price, the rule of the thumb is: The pricier the diamond, the pricier the ring.
Of course, when comparing two rings of the same characteristics, a pt950 diamond ring price will be higher than a pt900 diamond ring price. It is all due to the higher content of pure platinum.
Final Words
Platinum markings are easy to learn and highly important when shopping for platinum jewelry. Even though different platinum alloys might look the same, they are not.
Knowing how to differentiate between 950 platinum and 900 platinum can help you choose the ideal piece of jewelry for you or your loved ones.
I hope I’ve helped you out. Use the comment section to add anything I might have forgotten to mention. Please, share the article, too!
