Platinum looks like silver or white gold to the untrained eye.Platinum has many characteristics that make it different.It resists scratches because it is harder than other precious metals.It is denser than other precious metals.Look for a stamp or hallmark to see if your piece is Platinum.Try an acid scratch test if you can't find one.Take your piece to a jeweler to find out what kind of metal it is.
Step 1: There is an inscription that says "platinum" on the item.
A hallmark is a stamp that should be used to mark Pure Platinum jewelry and jewelry that is at least 50% Platinum.If your piece is marked with the word "Platinum", it is at least 85% pure.You will usually see a number like 850 or 85 followed by a letter.The piece is 85% pure if 85/100 parts are Platinum.If the jewelry is from a country that does not require these markings, it may not be stamped.Any metal that is less than 50% Platinum will not be marked.
Step 2: Look for a bright, white appearance, few scratches and no tarnish.
Platinum has a brighter color than silver, white gold, and palladium.To see the difference, compare it to another piece of metal.It can still be scratched, but it is more scratch- resistant.You should not see a lot of scratches.If the piece is tarnishing, it is silver.It is possible to tell if the metal is likely to be Platinum by looking at the color and visual qualities.
Step 3: A magnet can be used to determine if metal is not Platinum.
Platinum isn't magnetic.If you are testing a piece that is attracted to a magnet, you will know it is not Platinum.It's more likely that the metal is white gold mixed with nickel if you notice a magnetic pull.
Step 4: Platinum jewelry can be verified with an acid scratch test kit.
You can buy an acid scratch test online or at a jewelry store if you can't find any marks on your jewelry.Acid scratch test kits come with different kinds of acid.Several different kinds of metals are tested in scratch kits.If you want to find out what kind of metal your piece is, this could be helpful.
Step 5: You can scratch the piece on the stone.
You may have to run it over the stone a few times while applying pressure because Platinum is hard to scratch.A visible mark is 1 to 1 2 inches long on the stone.The stone will leave a mark on your jewelry, so choose a small part to test.
Step 6: Drop the acid on the stone with latex or vinyl gloves.
Wear gloves when handling acid.Place one or two drops on the stone with the dropper in the bottle of acid.Make sure the cap is tight and put it back in the kit if there is a spill.
Step 7: The acid will react with the metal on the stone.
Platinum is not dissolved immediately in the acid.Under Platinum testing acid, the same color and brightness will be retained.The acid should be at a room temperature of around 72 F.Platinum can be dissolved if you warm the acid.
Step 8: If the piece is not Platinum, continue testing with other acids.
Each kind of acid requires new scratches on the stone.Take one acid at a time.Platinum, silver, and white gold are not what the piece is.