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What are platinum hallmarks?
Is all platinum hallmarked or not? What about platinum jewelry and bullion?
- What are Platinum Hallmarks?
- Does All Platinum Bullion Have a Hallmark?
- Does All Platinum Jewelry Have a Hallmark?
- How To Check Platinum for Hallmarks and Purity?
- What is 999 Hallmark on Platinum?
- What is 950 Hallmark on Platinum?
- What is 925 Hallmark on Platinum?
- What is a Dog Head Platinum Hallmark?
- ​ What is Platinum 750 Hallmark?
Table of Contents
What are Platinum Hallmarks?
Platinum hallmarks are official marks stamped on platinum jewelry and objects to certify their purity and authenticity. These small stamps serve as a guarantee that the item contains the stated amount of platinum.
Common platinum hallmarks are:
- 950 – 95% pure platinum (most common for fine jewelry);
- 900 – 90% pure platinum;
- 850 – 85% pure platinum
- PLAT or PT – General indication of platinum content
Platinum hallmarks are important because platinum is a precious metal that’s often mixed with other metals to create alloys. The hallmark tells you exactly how much platinum you’re getting.
Does All Platinum Bullion Have a Hallmark?
No, not all platinum bullion has a hallmark, especially in the context of investment-grade bars. Platinum hallmarks are common on platinum jewelry to indicate purity and authenticity. But, they’re not always present on bullion bars, especially those produced for investment purposes.
Investment-grade platinum bars, especially those produced for large-scale investment purposes, are often considered raw material and not subject to the same hallmarking requirements as platinum jewelry.
Does All Platinum Jewelry Have a Hallmark?
No, not all platinum jewelry is hallmarked.
While it’s typical for platinum jewelry to be hallmarked, especially in the UK and other countries with hallmarking regulations, not all platinum jewelry will have a hallmark. For example, older pieces or jewelry from certain countries might not be hallmarked. Also, very small items or those below a certain weight threshold may be exempt from hallmarking requirements.
How To Check Platinum for Hallmarks and Purity?
To check the purity and authenticity of platinum, look for hallmarks and stamps on the platinum pieces’ surface.
Platinum hallmarks are typically found on the inside or underside of the item (on clasps, bands, or handles) in inconspicuous places so as not to take away from the aesthetics of the jewelry piece.
What is 999 Hallmark on Platinum?
A “999” hallmark on platinum indicates that the platinum is 99.9% pure (999 parts per thousand). 999 platinum is also known as 24 karat platinum and it’s the highest purity form of platinum available and the one used for IRA-approved platinum bullion.
Meaning people wishing to open a platinum IRA account would be able to add 999 platinum coins and bars to their account.
What is 950 Hallmark on Platinum?
A “950” hallmark on platinum indicates that the piece of jewelry is 95% pure platinum (950 parts per thousand), with the remaining 5% consisting of other metals (iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt, which are added to improve the platinum’s properties for jewelry making.)
950 platinum is primarily used in jewelry, particularly for rings and other high-end pieces. It’s also used in some types of watches. Beyond jewelry, it finds applications in laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, and the glass industry.
What is 925 Hallmark on Platinum?
A “925” hallmark on platinum indicates that the piece of jewelry is 95% pure platinum (925 parts per thousand), with the remaining 7.5% consisting of other metals (iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt, which are added to improve the platinum’s properties for jewelry making.)
925 platinum is primarily used in jewelry, particularly for rings and other high-end pieces. It’s also used in some types of watches. Beyond jewelry, it finds applications in laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, and the glass industry.
What is a Dog Head Platinum Hallmark?
A dog head hallmark on platinum indicates that the piece of jewelry is 85% pure platinum (850 parts per thousand), with the remaining 15% consisting of other metals (iridium, ruthenium, copper or cobalt, which are added to improve the platinum’s properties for jewelry making.)
Platinum 850 is commonly used in jewelry, particularly in Japan and Hong Kong, for chain making, settings, and cast jewelry.
It’s also used in some markets where a more durable platinum alloy compared to platinum 925, 950 and 999 is desired and needed.
Platinum 850 has a lower shine and luster due to higher percentage of other metals in the alloy. That’s why rhodium plating is often added to it to enhance both its shine and hardness.
​ What is Platinum 750 Hallmark?
A “750” hallmark on platinum is a stamp that indicates that the piece of jewelry is 75% pure platinum (750 parts per thousand), with the remaining 25% consisting of other metals (iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt, which are added to improve the platinum’s properties for jewelry making.)
Platinum 750 jewelry is very rare nowadays as newer and better platinum alloys are instead used in jewelry design.
Here’s an example platinum ring from the late 1930’s stamped with platinum 750 hallmark (the hallmark is partly erased with time, but it’s there).
Platinum Hallmarks: What Do These Stamps Mean? Conclusion
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
