What does PT950 mean on jewelry?
PT950 means 95% platinum (Platinum). Solid precious metal
High metal value and dense, so pieces weigh more than they look. Older iridium-alloy settings can carry significant antique premium. At today's price the metal is worth about $43.95 per gram.
What the mark tells you
The US platinum standard for fine jewelry. "IRID PLAT" or "10% IRID" indicates an older piece alloyed with iridium — typical of Art Deco and mid-century settings.
You may also see it written as 950, plat, platinum, pt, 950pt, irid plat, 10% irid. They all mean the same thing.
What PT950 is worth by weight, today
A piece stamped PT950 is 95.0% platinum, so at today's spot price the metal in it is worth $43.95 per gram. A buyer will offer 70–90% of that — they carry the refining cost and take a margin — and anything below about 60% is a poor offer.
| Weight | Metal value | Likely offer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 g | $44 | $31 – $40 |
| 3 g | $132 | $92 – $119 |
| 5 g | $220 | $154 – $198 |
| 10 g | $440 | $308 – $396 |
| 20 g | $879 | $615 – $791 |
| 50 g | $2,198 | $1,538 – $1,978 |
Weigh the piece without stones if you can. A typical ring is 3–6 g, a 45 cm chain 8–15 g, a bangle 15–30 g. Stones, solder and springs add weight that is not platinum.
Is it worth anything?
High metal value and dense, so pieces weigh more than they look. Older iridium-alloy settings can carry significant antique premium.
Marks often confused with PT950
| Mark | Means | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| PT900 | 85–90% platinum | Solid metal |
Where to find it
On a ring the mark is almost always inside the band. On a chain or bracelet look at the clasp or the tag beside it; on earrings check the post or the back. Marks are tiny and often worn — a phone camera zoomed all the way in usually reads one better than your eye does.
A stamp is evidence, not proof
Marks wear down, are struck only partially, and are occasionally forged outright. If a piece is valuable enough to matter, have the metal tested rather than relying on the stamp alone. Equally, an absent stamp does not always mean an absent metal: older and handmade jewelry is frequently unmarked.
Found something real? Value it
If the piece is solid metal or holds a stone, see what it is actually worth — both at retail and what you would genuinely be offered for it.
Value my jewelry