Platinum jewelry is rarely 100% pure platinum. Usually, the platinum is mixed with similar metals or non-precious base metals. Generally, the higher the percentage of pure platinum, the higher the value of the jewelry.

Metals used in platinum jewelry usually fall into one of three categories:

• pure platinum
• other platinum group metals (palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium)
• base metals (copper or cobalt, for example)

Most platinum jewelry sold in the U.S. is 85% platinum and 15% other metals, either precious platinum group metals and/or base metals. Labels will look like this:

• = 85% pure platinum
• = 90% pure platinum

For items containing between 50% and 85% pure platinum combined with other platinum group metals, marketers should state the amount of pure platinum and the amount of other platinum group metals. For example:

• 800 Pt. 200 Pd. = 80% pure platinum, 20% palladium
• 750 Pt. 250 Rh. = 75% pure platinum, 25% rhodium
• 600 Pt. 350 Ir. = 60% pure platinum, 35% iridium

Platinum is much stronger than gold, making it ideal for engagement rings and wedding bands.