How platinum is hallmarked
UK platinum hallmarks have been required since 1975. The standard marks for platinum are 850, 900, 950 and 999 parts per thousand. A standard mark of 950 is the most common on UK platinum jewellery (95% pure). Alongside the purity you should see a sponsor’s mark, a town mark and (for items before 1999, and many afterwards) a date letter.
| Mark | Purity |
|---|---|
| 850 | 85% platinum |
| 900 | 90% platinum |
| 950 | 95% platinum |
| 999 | 99.9% platinum |
Telling platinum from white gold
They look similar, silver-grey, bright when new. Three things separate them. Weight: platinum is denser than gold (about 21.5 g/cm³ vs 19.3 for pure gold) so a platinum ring is noticeably heavier than a white-gold ring of the same size. Marks: a 950 or PT mark is platinum; a 750 with a rhodium-bright finish is 18ct white gold. Wear: over years, white gold yellows as its rhodium plate wears off; platinum dulls to a soft pewter-like patina but does not change colour.
How platinum is priced
Platinum has its own spot price, usually below gold by weight at the moment, though historically the two have traded much closer. Buyer rates work the same way: a percentage of spot, by purity, with the offer set after an XRF assay confirms the metal. We can quote you a current indicative platinum rate by message if you tell us the mark and rough weight.
Mounted stones
Many platinum pieces are engagement rings with diamonds. The diamond is valued separately, and we will tell you honestly whether your stones are worth more set or unset for your sale route. For ring shanks with broken claws, missing stones or accident damage, sale by metal weight is often the right route. For intact named-designer rings, an auction or specialist dealer is usually better than scrap.
Common questions
How can I tell if my ring is platinum?
Look for a 950 or 900 stamp or the word PLATINUM. If the mark is unclear, the weight gives it away: platinum is heavier than white gold of the same size.
Is platinum worth more than gold?
Per ounce, platinum is currently trading below gold, though both prices move continuously and historically platinum has traded above. Your offer is set against the live platinum spot on the day we assay.
Does GoldPaid buy platinum?
Yes. We assay and pay for platinum on the same postal basis as gold and silver. Send a photo first if you would like an indicative figure before posting.