Metals · Pt
Platinum
Updated October 16, 2026
Platinum is a dense, naturally white precious metal. Jewellery platinum is usually 95% pure, stamped "PT950" or "PLAT". It never needs re-plating the way white gold does, rarely irritates skin, and when it scratches the metal moves aside rather than wearing away, so a platinum ring keeps its weight for generations. It costs more than 14K gold for the same piece because you need more of it.
- Element
- Pt, atomic number 78
- Density
- 21.45 g/cm³, heavier than gold
- Jewellery standard
- PT950: 95% platinum
- Biggest producer (2023)
- South Africa, about two thirds of the 180 tonnes mined worldwide
Platinum vs white gold
White gold is gold alloy plated with rhodium to look white, and the plating wears off in a few years. Platinum is white all the way through. Platinum is heavier, more expensive and develops a soft satin "patina" with wear, which a jeweller can polish back to bright.
Where it comes from
Almost all platinum comes from a few places: the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, Norilsk in Russia, and the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. Much of it goes into car catalytic converters, not jewellery.
The platinum atom
A simplified picture: real electrons are fuzzy clouds, not dots on rings, but the count in each shell is real. The cube shows how the atoms stack in the solid metal.
Electron shells from each element's ground-state configuration; crystal structures at room temperature. Source: electron configurations of the elements and crystal structures of the elements.
Real platinum pieces on Amazon
Each listing's own metal details were read on October 16, 2026 and match the title; we show its star rating, and leave out anything under 4 stars. Prices change, so the link goes to the live listing.
Platinum pieces
Solid platinum, stamped 950 or PLT.
950 platinum 2 mm plain wedding band 2 mm wide band See it on Amazon → 
Kooljewelry platinum 950 light rope chain, 0.9 mm 0.9 mm rope20 in1.2 g See it on Amazon → 
Solid platinum 2 mm half-round wedding band 2 mmPLAT-950 See it on Amazon → 
Solid platinum rolo chain, 3.4 mm, 24 in 3.4 mm24 in950 See it on Amazon → 
Houston Diamond District lab diamond solitaire pendant, platinum option 1 to 10 ct lab diamond Choose "PLT" on the listing for platinum See it on Amazon → 
Chow Sang Sang 950 platinum star earrings See it on Amazon → 
Houston Diamond District IGI lab diamond studs, platinum option 2 ct total (platinum option) Choose "PLT" on the listing for platinum See it on Amazon → Frequently Asked Questions
Is platinum better than white gold?
It lasts longer without upkeep and is better for sensitive skin, but it costs more. White gold looks the same when freshly plated and costs less.
Does platinum scratch?
Yes, it scratches about as easily as gold, but the metal is pushed aside rather than lost, so it does not thin over the years. A polish restores the shine.