Professional Gemologist Appraiser

Womens Cuff Bracelet Sterling Silver in Adjustible Indian-Style (Jewelry) tagged "fine jewelry" 5 times

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Platinum Bracelet Quality Question: I bought this bracelet about a year ago and was told that it's "Platinum".

Gold & Platinum Jewelry Buying Guide

Price: $74.81

I do not know what the number for Platinum is, but I do see a stamped number 585 or 586 - can't make it out 100%.

Would you please tell me what is the correct number.

Many thanks. Maryann - New York

Answer: G'day Maryann and many thanks for your query.

Platinum (which as you know is a White Metal) and Palladium are traditionally stamped PLAT or PALL and sometimes with three digits after it, such as PLAT850 or PLAT900 etc.

The three digits are the International Marks indicating the quality in 'Parts per Thousand' of pure metal, and you will find many examples on eBay...

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So PLAT850 has 850 parts of pure Platinum and 150 parts of another metal which is mixed in.

Now your mark is 585 which is the same 'Parts per Thousand' in quality, but without the PLAT in front, means it is gold.

In this case 585 is the International Mark for 14 karat or 14 carat (often marked as 14k - 14kt - 14ct etc) depending on where you live. The term Karat is used in the States and parts of Asia while 'Carat' is used in the UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia etc.

However; as you didn't say what color your bracelet is, I am going to assume it is white - which is okay as you can still have 14 Karat White gold - because they add more Nickel to the mixture to turn yellow gold - white.

You might also like to add this query to our Members Forum at http://www.online-jewelry-appraisal.net/ as others may have had a similar problem.

Can't hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.

Remember that Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals. Thankfully, our Jewelry Appraisals Online software has it all built in to the system.

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