What Platinum Alloys Are Used to Make Jewelry?
Platinum engagement rings are not rare. Maybe you called off an engagement and your former fiancé gallantly said, “I gave the ring to you . . . it’s yours, so keep it.” Or maybe you find some platinum engagement ring blanks (rings that have not yet had stones mounted in them) in a jewelry manufacturing company that went out of business.
Because they are bright, white and shiny, you are tell that you are looking at platinum. But does that mean that the jewelry you have is made of pure, 100% platinum? Or are you looking at a piece of jewelry that contains other metals too, not only platinum?
To find out what you have, call Specialty Metals Smelters and Reiners at 800-426-2344 and talk to our precious metal refining experts. They can help you find markings on the items you have that indicate what they are made of, in other cases, explain how simple it is to have testing done that shows just what metals are present.
What Platinum Alloy Could Your Jewelry Be Made Of?
Platinum is a popular choice for making high-quality jewelry due to its durability, rarity, and distinctive white-silver appearance. While pure platinum (often referred to as 950 platinum) is used for many jewelry items, it is often alloyed with other metals to enhance its properties and reduce costs. The most common platinum alloys used in jewelry include:
Platinum 950 - This alloy is 95% platinum, alloyed with 5% other metals like ruthenium or iridium. It is one of the most popular choices for platinum jewelry, known for its strength and natural white color.
Platinum 900 - This alloy contains 90% platinum and 10% other metals. It is generally used to achieve a balance between durability and cost savings.
Platinum 850 - With 85% platinum content and 15% other metals, this alloy offers a more significant cost reduction but is still suitable for jewelry.
Platinum 750 - This alloy contains 75% platinum and 25% other metals. It is more affordable than higher-purity alloys but may have a slightly different color due to the increased presence of other metals.
Platinum 585 - With 58.5% platinum content and 41.5% other metals, this alloy is one of the most budget-friendly options while still offering some of the desirable properties of platinum.
The choice of alloy depends on factors like budget, design, and the specific properties desired in the jewelry. Higher-purity platinum alloys (e.g., Platinum 950) are preferred for their natural white color, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. Less pure alloys (e.g., Platinum 585) may be chosen for more affordable pieces, but they may not have the same level of purity and color.
Always look for markings on jewelry to ensure you are getting the desired platinum alloy.
What Metals Are Most Likely to Be Alloyed with Platinum to Make Jewelry?
Platinum is often alloyed with other metals to create platinum jewelry with desired properties. The most common metals used as alloying agents with platinum in jewelry include:
Iridium is one of the most popular alloying metals for platinum jewelry. It improves the durability and hardness of platinum while maintaining its white color.
Ruthenium is another common alloying metal used with platinum. It helps enhance the metal's strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Palladium is sometimes used in platinum alloys to reduce costs. It can provide a slightly different color and may be preferred in some design aesthetics.
Copper is occasionally added to platinum alloys to create a reddish or pinkish hue. This combination is known as "rose gold platinum" and can offer unique design possibilities.
Cobalt is used in some platinum alloys to increase hardness and resistance to scratching. It is more commonly used in industrial applications, but it may be found in certain jewelry alloys.
The choice of alloying metal depends on the specific properties desired for the jewelry piece. For example, if you want a more durable and white appearance, platinum alloys with iridium or ruthenium are popular choices. If cost savings are a consideration, palladium might be used. The addition of copper or cobalt can create unique colors and characteristics in platinum jewelry. It's important to check the composition of the platinum alloy, as it can vary between manufacturers and jewelry pieces.
Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners to Learn More about Your Platinum Jewelry Scrap
We are always available to offer advice on reclaiming and profiting from platinum scrap of all kinds. Call our precious metal refiners at 800-426-2344 today or email us at sales@specialtymetals.com.
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