Platinum is a naturally white precious metal and one of the rarest materials used in fine jewelry. It is denser and heavier than gold, completely hypoallergenic, and does not require plating to maintain its white color. Most platinum jewelry is made from 95% pure platinum alloy, stamped “PT950,” “PLAT,” or “950.” By comparison, 14k gold is only 58.5% gold – platinum's high purity is part of what makes it both more durable and more valuable per gram than gold.
Platinum appears most commonly in engagement rings, wedding bands, and high-end settings because its density grips gemstones more securely than gold, and its naturally white tone makes diamonds appear brighter without the yellowing that can affect white gold over time. Unlike white gold, platinum does not need periodic rhodium plating to maintain its bright appearance – though it does develop a soft surface patina with wear that many owners find attractive. This patina can be polished away at any time to restore the original mirror finish.
Repairing and resizing platinum jewelry requires a skilled bench jeweler because platinum behaves differently under heat than gold – it requires higher temperatures and specific alloys for soldering or laser welding. Common platinum repairs at QJR include ring resizing, prong re-tipping, re-polishing to restore brightness, and rhodium plating for customers who prefer an ultra-bright finish over platinum's natural soft shine. If a platinum piece has been repaired elsewhere with white gold solder, QJR's jewelers can assess the joint and rework it with proper platinum filler for a stronger, cleaner result.