Platinum
Platinum (PT) is a naturally white precious metal — high in purity (usually 95% / PT950), rare and tough, a white that never fades and rarely irritates. A symbol of purity, permanence and true love, it is the choice for wedding rings and heirlooms — and that white is born, not plated.
Platinum (PT) is a naturally white precious metal — high in purity (usually 95% / PT950), rare and tough, a white that never fades and rarely irritates. A symbol of purity, permanence and true love, it is the choice for wedding rings and heirlooms — and that white is born, not plated.
About Platinum
Platinum (PT) is a naturally white precious metal, mostly 95% pure (PT950) in jewellery, white, dense, tough and durable, chemically inert and rarely allergenic. Unlike white gold, which needs rhodium plating to whiten, platinum’s white is inborn and lasting. It is far rarer than gold and denser too — the same ring is heavier in platinum, and that weight is itself a presence.
Why Choose Platinum
Platinum is high in purity, colour-fast and tough yet kind to skin, a symbol of purity and permanence — the top choice for wedding rings, diamond settings and heirlooms, and the best for sensitive skin. Its white is calm and noble, setting off a diamond’s fire; its toughness holds prongs firm and suits heirlooms. For anyone who wants a piece to “wear a lifetime and pass on”, without fretting over colour or re-plating, platinum is the most carefree and the most ceremonial answer.
History & Culture
Platinum symbolises purity, rarity and enduring love; in the early 20th century’s Edwardian and Art Deco eras, its toughness made it the darling of diamond jewellery and royal pieces. Platinum was seen as early as ancient Egypt; but what raised it to the peak of jewellery was the early 20th century — its toughness let jewellers craft lace-fine settings, making the classics of the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, and serving in crowns and heirloom wedding rings. Today platinum remains one of the most esteemed metals in the bridal market — its purity and toughness a figure for love’s purity and permanence.
The Truth About Platinum
Platinum’s white is inborn (no rhodium needed), high in purity (PT950), and dense, so it feels heavier; over time it develops a warm matte patina — a nature, not wear.
- Truth one: the white is inborn. Unlike white gold, which needs rhodium plating, platinum is white by nature and does not “yellow”.
- Truth two: heavier and purer. Denser than gold, PT950 is 95% pure, so the same design is heavier and kinder to skin.
- Truth three: patina is its nature. Over time a soft matte patina forms — many prize it as character; those who like a mirror finish can polish it back.
- Truth four: read the hallmark. PT950, PT900, Plat and the like mark the purity.
Platinum on the Market
Tell apart PT950 / PT900 platinum, white gold and rhodium-plated imitation; the keys are the hallmark, the weight in hand and whether the white is inborn.
| Type | Purity | Traits | How to tell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum PT950 | 95% | Inborn white, heavy, skin-kind | Stamped “PT950 / Plat” |
| Platinum PT900 | 90% | Slightly harder | Stamped “PT900” |
| White gold | By karat | Rhodium-plated, lighter | Stamped 750 / 585, may yellow |
| Rhodium-plated imitation | Surface rhodium | Wears through | No PT mark, lighter |
Before You Buy
Read the PT950 / PT900 hallmark, feel its weight, and know that patina is its nature; it suits sensitive skin and heirlooms, though it costs more.
- Read the hallmark: PT950, PT900, Plat.
- Feel it: platinum is dense and noticeably heavy — a first check.
- Patina is its nature: polish for a mirror finish, or keep it for character.
- Know it costs more: rarer, denser, purer, it prices above the same design in white gold, but skips re-plating and stays white for good.
FAQ
Platinum versus white gold?
Platinum is naturally white, high in purity (PT950), heavier, and needs no rhodium; white gold is a gold alloy, lighter, usually rhodium-plated to whiten and may need re-plating.
Does platinum change colour?
It does not yellow. It is white by nature; over time it develops a soft matte patina, which can be polished back to a mirror finish.
Why is platinum dearer than gold?
It is rarer, denser and purer (PT950), so the same design uses more and weighs more, and costs more.
Is platinum good for sensitive skin?
Very. Platinum is inert and high in purity, rarely allergenic — an ideal choice for sensitive skin.
Does platinum hold value?
Platinum has its precious-metal value, though gold and platinum prices move separately; its worth lies more in rarity, durability and heritage meaning.