Platinum Purity Guide
Platinum jewelry is sold in high purities — much higher than gold. The most common standard is PT950 (95% pure), which is typical for fine jewelry in the USA, UK, and Japan.
Common Platinum Purities
- PT950 / 950 Plat — 95% pure. Standard for most fine platinum jewelry in USA and UK.
- PT900 / 900 Plat — 90% pure. Common in Japanese platinum jewelry.
- PT850 / 850 Plat — 85% pure. Less common, found in some Asian markets.
- PT999 / 999 Plat — 99.9% pure. Investment platinum bars and coins.
Where Platinum Is Used
- Fine jewelry — engagement rings, wedding bands, pendants
- Catalytic converters — automotive exhaust systems (high platinum content)
- Investment bars & coins — American Platinum Eagles, Maple Leafs
- Industrial — laboratory equipment, chemical processing, electronics
- Dental — dental crowns and bridges (mixed with other metals)
How to Find Platinum Hallmarks
Look for stamps on platinum jewelry:
- PT950 or 950 PLAT — most common US mark
- PT900, PT850 — Japanese/Asian standards
- 950, 900, 850 — numeric purity marks
- PLAT — general platinum indicator (usually 95%+)
- PT999 or 999 — pure investment platinum
Platinum vs. Gold: Which Is Worth More?
Historically platinum was more valuable than gold, but as of 2025, gold (~$3,200/oz) trades significantly above platinum (~$960/oz). However, platinum has industrial demand in catalytic converters and hydrogen fuel cells that may drive future prices higher.
Selling Platinum Scrap
Dealers typically pay 75–90% of melt value for platinum depending on form:
- Online refineries: 88–95% of melt (best rates, 1–2 week turnaround)
- Local jewelers: 70–85% of melt (immediate cash)
- Catalytic converter buyers: Highly variable — converters contain PGMs (platinum group metals) and value depends on converter model