---
title: "How to Sell Platinum Jewellery: Complete Guide to Getting Best Prices"
source: "https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/platinum-palladium/selling-platinum-jewellery"
date: "2025-12-02"
---

# How to Sell Platinum Jewellery: Complete Guide to Getting Best Prices

Platinum jewellery represents significant value due to the metal's rarity, purity, and enduring appeal. Whether you're selling a platinum engagement ring, inherited pieces, or scrap platinum, understanding the selling process ensures you receive fair market value for your items. The UK platinum market operates differently from gold in some respects, making specialized knowledge valuable for maximizing your return.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of selling platinum jewellery, from confirming your items are genuine platinum (not white gold), understanding how platinum is valued, preparing items for sale, choosing reputable buyers like Goldealers, and securing the best possible price. Whether selling one ring or an entire collection, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge needed for successful transactions.

> **Platinum Value Reality:** Platinum jewellery is typically 95% pure (950 hallmark), meaning high intrinsic value. However, platinum prices fluctuate independently from gold - sometimes trading higher, sometimes lower. Check current platinum prices before selling, as they significantly impact your payout.

## Identifying Your Platinum Jewellery

Before selling, confirm your items are genuine platinum - many people confuse white gold with platinum due to similar appearance.

### Platinum Hallmarks

UK platinum items over 0.5 grams must carry official hallmarks:

**Common Platinum Hallmarks:**

**Purity Marks:**
- **"950"** or **"Pt 950"** - 95% platinum (most common for jewellery)
- **"900"** or **"Pt 900"** - 90% platinum (less common)
- **"850"** or **"Pt 850"** - 85% platinum (rare)
- **"PLAT"**, **"PLATINUM"**, or **"Pt"** - text indicators

**Assay Office Marks:**
- Orb (Edinburgh) - most common for platinum
- Anchor (Birmingham)
- Leopard's head (London)
- Castle (Edinburgh)
- Rose or crown (Sheffield)

**Date Letters:**
- Indicate year of assay
- Help establish age
- Not essential for scrap value

### Visual Differences from White Gold

> **Quick Visual Check:** Platinum has a naturally greyish-white colour and doesn't require rhodium plating (unlike white gold which is often plated for whiteness). Platinum also feels noticeably heavier than white gold of similar size.

**Platinum Characteristics:**
- Dense and heavy (feels substantially weighty)
- Natural grey-white colour (no plating needed)
- Develops patina with wear (shows use but doesn't wear away)
- Scratches show same platinum colour beneath
- Doesn't tarnish or discolour

**White Gold Characteristics:**
- Lighter weight than platinum
- Often rhodium-plated (bright white surface)
- Plating can wear at edges (yellowish base shows)
- Marked with karat stamps (10K, 14K, 18K, or 375, 585, 750)

[Complete guide to distinguishing platinum from white gold](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-vs-white-gold)

### Getting Items Tested

If hallmarks are unclear or absent:

**Professional Testing:**
- Goldealers offers free XRF testing with quotes
- XRF instantly identifies platinum vs white gold vs other metals
- Determines exact platinum percentage
- Non-destructive and immediate results

**Home Indicators:**
- Magnet test (platinum isn't magnetic, but neither is white gold)
- Weight test (platinum notably heavier than white gold)
- Appearance (natural grey vs bright plated white)

## Understanding Platinum Value

Platinum jewellery value depends on several factors:

### Platinum Market Price

**Price Fluctuations:**
- Platinum trades on international commodity markets
- Prices change daily based on supply and demand
- Sometimes higher than gold, sometimes lower
- Check current prices before selling

**Price Influences:**
- Industrial demand (automotive catalysts main use)
- Economic conditions
- Supply constraints (mainly mined in South Africa, Russia)
- Investment demand
- Currency exchange rates

**Where to Check Prices:**
- Financial websites (Bloomberg, Kitco, Reuters)
- Goldealers website (live pricing)
- London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM)

### Platinum Jewellery Purity

**950 Platinum (Most Common):**
- 95% pure platinum
- 5% alloy metals (usually iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt)
- Standard for engagement rings and fine jewellery
- High intrinsic value

**Other Purities:**
- 900 platinum (90% pure) - older pieces
- 850 platinum (85% pure) - uncommon
- Lower purity = proportionally less platinum = lower value

### Weight Considerations

**Platinum Density:**
- Very dense metal (21.45 g/cm³ for pure platinum)
- Small items can be valuable
- Weight measured in grams
- Even thin platinum pieces weigh more than gold equivalents

**Typical Weights:**
- Platinum engagement ring: 4-8 grams (significant value)
- Platinum wedding band: 5-10 grams
- Platinum chain: varies widely (10-50+ grams)

### Condition and Form

**Scrap Value Factors:**
- Condition doesn't significantly affect scrap price
- Broken, damaged, or worn items have same metal value
- Gemstones don't add to platinum weight value
- Designer brands might have premium in retail but not scrap

**When Condition Matters:**
- Intact designer pieces (Cartier, Tiffany, etc.) might fetch more retail
- Antique or collectible platinum jewellery
- Very unusual or artistic pieces
- Consider specialist jeweller vs scrap buyer for these

## Preparing Platinum for Sale

Maximize value by properly preparing items:

### Removing Gemstones

**Diamond and Gem Considerations:**

> **Gemstone Policy:** Most platinum buyers, including Goldealers, pay only for platinum content - not gemstones. Diamonds and gems should be removed beforehand or will be returned to you after platinum is processed.

**When to Remove Stones:**
- Large valuable diamonds (over 0.5 carat)
- Precious gems (sapphires, rubies, emeralds)
- Sentimental stones you wish to keep
- Any gems you want to sell separately

**When to Leave Stones:**
- Tiny accent diamonds (under 0.2 carat total)
- Semi-precious or synthetic stones
- Stones damaged or worthless
- If removal risks damaging platinum setting

**Goldealers Approach:**
- Any gems in your platinum will be removed and returned
- We don't charge for stone removal
- Stones packaged safely for return
- Alternative: we can sometimes purchase gems separately

### Cleaning (Optional)

**Light Cleaning:**
- Warm water and mild soap sufficient
- Soft brush for crevices
- Rinse thoroughly and dry

**Don't Over-Clean:**
- No need for professional polishing
- Tarnish removal not necessary (platinum doesn't tarnish)
- Patina doesn't reduce value
- Scratches don't affect scrap price

### Organizing Items

**Sort by Type:**
- Platinum jewellery separate from gold or silver
- Group similar items (rings together, chains together)
- Remove any non-platinum parts (watch movements, leather straps, etc.)

**Documentation:**
- Original purchase receipts (if available)
- Certificates of authenticity
- Appraisals (helpful but not required)
- Photos for your records

## How Platinum Is Valued

Understanding valuation helps set realistic expectations:

### Calculation Basics

**Simple Formula:**
```
Platinum Value = Weight (g) * Purity (%) * Current Platinum Price per Gram * Dealer Percentage
```

**Example Calculation:**
- Platinum ring weighs 6 grams
- Hallmarked 950 (95% pure)
- Pure platinum content: 6g * 0.95 = 5.7g
- Current platinum price: £25/gram (example - check actual price)
- Market value of platinum: 5.7g * £25 = £142.50
- Dealer offers 90%: £142.50 * 0.90 = **£128.25**

### Dealer Margins

**Why Not Full Spot Price:**
- Dealers must cover refining costs
- Margin for processing and handling
- Business operating costs
- Risk of price fluctuations
- Melt loss (small amount lost in melting/refining)

**Typical Offers:**
- Reputable dealers: 85-95% of platinum content value
- Platinum often higher percentage than gold (easier to refine, higher purity)
- Goldealers typically offers 90-95% for platinum
- Higher amounts may negotiate better percentage

### Factors Affecting Offers

**Better Offers For:**
- Larger quantities (more platinum = better rate)
- Clearly hallmarked items (quick verification)
- Clean, easy-to-process items
- 950 platinum (standard purity)

**May Affect Price:**
- Unmarked items (require testing time)
- Very small amounts (under 5 grams total)
- Items with extensive repairs or solder (different alloy)
- 900 or 850 platinum (less common purities)

## Choosing Where to Sell

Selecting the right buyer is crucial:

### Types of Platinum Buyers

**Specialist Precious Metal Dealers (Recommended):**
- Example: Goldealers
- Professional testing equipment (XRF)
- Fair, transparent pricing
- Handle platinum regularly
- Best rates for scrap platinum
- Established reputation

**Jewellers:**
- Some buy platinum scrap
- May offer lower prices (not primary business)
- Might be interested in retail-quality pieces
- Vary widely in knowledge and offers

**Pawn Shops:**
- Buy platinum but typically offer lower prices
- Convenience factor
- Less specialized in precious metals
- Compare offers before accepting

**Online Buyers:**
- Convenient postal service
- Ensure reputable company
- Check reviews and credentials
- Goldealers offers fully insured postal service

**Refineries:**
- Usually deal in bulk only
- Often won't work with individual consumers
- Dealers like Goldealers act as intermediary

### What to Look For

**Reputable Buyer Characteristics:**

✅ Professional testing (XRF or equivalent)
✅ Transparent pricing (explain calculations)
✅ Established business (check reviews, years operating)
✅ Clear terms (no hidden fees)
✅ Insured postal options (if selling by mail)
✅ Quick payment (same-day or next-day)
✅ No obligation (can decline offer)

**Red Flags:**

❌ Refuses to test in front of you
❌ Vague or evasive about pricing
❌ Pressure tactics to sell immediately
❌ Unusually high offers (if too good to be true...)
❌ Poor reviews or complaints
❌ Unwilling to provide business credentials

> **Avoid:** Door-to-door "cash for gold" buyers, pop-up temporary shops, and unverified online companies. Stick with established, reputable dealers with physical addresses and verifiable credentials.

## Selling Process at Goldealers

Our platinum buying process ensures transparency and fair value:

### Step 1: Initial Contact

**Get a Quote:**
- Contact via website, phone, or visit
- Provide details: weight (if known), hallmark, photos (optional)
- Receive initial estimate based on current platinum prices
- No obligation at this stage

### Step 2: Sending or Bringing Items

**Postal Service:**
- Request free Gold Pack (suitable for platinum too)
- Fully insured Royal Mail Special Delivery
- Pre-paid postage
- Tracked shipping
- Items insured in transit

**Visit in Person:**
- Bring items to our location
- Testing and valuation done while you wait
- Immediate payment available
- See testing process firsthand

### Step 3: Professional Testing

**XRF Analysis:**
- Non-destructive testing
- Identifies platinum vs white gold definitively
- Measures exact platinum percentage
- Tests each item individually
- Results explained clearly

**Verification:**
- Hallmarks examined and verified
- Weight measured precisely
- Multiple test spots if needed
- Stones noted for return

### Step 4: Formal Offer

**Transparent Valuation:**
- Exact weight and purity stated
- Current platinum price shown
- Percentage offered explained
- Total offer calculated
- Breakdown provided in writing

**No Pressure:**
- Take time to consider
- Compare with other quotes if desired
- No obligation to accept
- Items returned if you decline

### Step 5: Payment

**Once Accepted:**
- Bank transfer (most common - instant to same-day)
- Other payment methods available if preferred
- Payment typically same day or next working day
- Receipt provided for records

**Quick Turnaround:**
- From receiving items to payment: often 1-2 days total
- Testing usually same day
- Payment processed immediately upon acceptance

## Maximizing Your Return

Tips to get the best price for platinum:

### Timing the Market

**Monitor Platinum Prices:**
- Platinum prices more volatile than gold
- Can vary significantly month-to-month
- Check historical trends
- Consider selling when prices elevated

**Price Tracking:**
- Set price alerts on financial websites
- Check Goldealers' live pricing
- Compare to gold price (platinum sometimes trades at discount to gold, sometimes premium)

**However:**
- Don't try to perfectly time the market (impossible)
- If satisfied with current offer, take it
- Waiting risks price falling

### Compare Offers

**Get Multiple Quotes:**
- Approach 2-3 reputable dealers
- Provide same information to each
- Compare offers and terms
- Check what's included (testing fees, postage, etc.)

**Goldealers Price Match:**
- We'll match or beat legitimate competitor offers
- Bring written quote from reputable competitor
- Must be comparable terms (no hidden conditions)

### Sell Larger Quantities Together

**Volume Advantage:**
- Selling more platinum at once may get better percentage
- 100 grams might fetch 93% vs 90% for small amounts
- Economies of scale benefit both parties
- Negotiate if you have substantial platinum

### Ensure Accurate Weighing

**Verify Weight:**
- Use home scale to check approximate weight
- Digital scales with 0.01g precision ideal
- Compare dealer's weight to your estimate
- Question significant discrepancies

[Why platinum prices fluctuate](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-palladium-prices-fluctuation)

## Common Questions and Concerns

### "How Much Is My Platinum Ring Worth?"

**Quick Estimate:**
1. Weigh ring (or typical platinum ring 4-8g)
2. Check current platinum price (e.g., £25/gram)
3. Calculate: Weight * 0.95 (950 purity) * Price * 0.90 (dealer offer)
4. Example: 6g * 0.95 * £25 * 0.90 = ~£128

**For Accurate Valuation:**
- Professional testing determines exact weight and purity
- Current market price at time of sale
- Dealer's specific offer percentage
- Get quote from Goldealers for precise figure

### "Will I Lose Money Selling Platinum?"

**Compared to Purchase Price:**
- Original retail included jeweller markup (often 100%+)
- Designer premium (Tiffany, Cartier, etc.)
- Craftsmanship and retail costs
- Scrap value is metal content only

**Realistic Expectation:**
- Expect 30-50% of original purchase price for scrap
- Designer pieces might fetch more if sold retail (not as scrap)
- If platinum prices rose since purchase, better recovery
- Not an investment (jewellery bought for enjoyment)

### "Should I Sell Now or Wait?"

**Consider:**
- Do you need the money now?
- Are platinum prices currently high or low historically?
- Storage costs and insurance if waiting
- Emotional attachment vs financial need

**General Guidance:**
- If satisfied with current offer, sell
- If platinum at historic lows, maybe wait (if you can)
- Don't speculate - treat as clearing unwanted items

### "What About Platinum Wedding/Engagement Rings?"

**Sentimental Value:**
- Consider carefully before selling
- Once melted, cannot be recovered
- Keep one or two pieces for memory?

**Practical Reality:**
- Many people sell after divorce or bereavement
- Financial need can outweigh sentiment
- Personal decision - no judgment either way
- Goldealers handles with discretion and respect

## Tax and Legal Considerations

### Capital Gains Tax

**UK Taxation:**
- CGT doesn't typically apply to personal jewellery (wasting chattel)
- Platinum rings unlikely to trigger CGT
- Investment platinum bars/coins might (if profit substantial)
- Check with accountant if large amounts or profit

### Proof of Ownership

**Documentation:**
- For very high-value sales, ID may be required (anti-money laundering)
- Original purchase receipts helpful but not required
- Inherited items: probate documents useful if very valuable
- Normal transactions: no extensive paperwork needed

### Selling Inherited Platinum

**Estate Items:**
- Legal to sell once probate complete (if applicable)
- Executor permission if required
- Multiple beneficiaries: agreement needed
- Goldealers can advise on requirements

## Next Steps

Ready to sell your platinum jewellery? Follow these steps for best results:

**What to do next:**
1. Confirm items are platinum (check hallmarks, weight)
2. Remove valuable gemstones or decide on gem disposition
3. Check current platinum prices for market context
4. Get quote from Goldealers (free, no obligation)
5. Compare offers if desired
6. Sell when satisfied with price offered

**Useful Resources:**
- [How to tell platinum from white gold](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-vs-white-gold)
- [How platinum is tested professionally](/knowledge/testing/testing-platinum-palladium)
- [Understanding platinum price movements](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-palladium-prices-fluctuation)
- [Using our insured postal service](/knowledge/postal/how-to-sell-gold-by-post)

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How do I know if my jewellery is platinum or white gold?**

A: Check for hallmarks inside rings or on clasps. Platinum is marked "Pt", "Plat", "Platinum", or numbers like "950" (for 95% purity). White gold shows karat marks like "18K", "14K", or numbers "750", "585". Platinum is also noticeably heavier than white gold of similar size and has a natural grey-white colour (white gold is often rhodium-plated to appear bright white). If unsure, Goldealers offers free XRF testing which instantly and definitively identifies platinum versus white gold versus any other metal.

**Q: What's platinum jewellery worth per gram in the UK?**

A: Platinum value depends on current market prices which fluctuate daily. As of 2025, platinum typically trades in the range of £20-35 per gram of pure platinum, though it varies. For 950 platinum jewellery (95% pure), expect scrap value of approximately £17-30 per gram depending on market price and dealer offer. Check current platinum spot price and multiply by 0.95 (purity) and approximately 0.90 (dealer percentage) for rough estimate. Goldealers provides current pricing on our website and in quotes.

**Q: Where can I sell platinum jewellery for the best price?**

A: Specialist precious metal dealers like Goldealers typically offer the best prices for platinum scrap because we handle platinum regularly, have professional testing equipment, and offer competitive rates (usually 90-95% of platinum content value). Compare this to jewellers (who may offer lower as it's not their primary business), pawn shops (convenience but often lower prices), or online buyers (ensure reputable). Always compare quotes from 2-3 established dealers, ensure they provide transparent pricing and professional testing, and check reviews before selling.

**Q: Do you pay more for platinum wedding rings or engagement rings?**

A: No, scrap platinum value is based purely on metal weight and purity regardless of original purpose or design. A platinum wedding band and engagement ring setting of equal weight and purity have identical scrap value. The ring's sentimental meaning, original cost, or design doesn't affect scrap price - only the platinum content matters. Designer brands (Tiffany, Cartier) might fetch premiums if sold as jewellery retail rather than scrap, but as scrap, all 950 platinum has the same value per gram.

**Q: Should I remove diamonds before selling platinum ring?**

A: Yes, if diamonds are valuable (over £100-200), consider removing them or selling separately. Goldealers and most scrap buyers pay only for platinum content, not gems. If you send a platinum ring with diamonds, we'll remove the stones and return them to you safely (no charge). For small accent diamonds (under 0.2 carat total), removal effort may exceed their value. For large centre stones (0.5+ carats), definitely remove or sell separately to maximize return. A jeweller can remove stones for typically £20-50 if you can't do it yourself.

**Q: How long does it take to sell platinum jewellery and get paid?**

A: Very quickly with Goldealers. If visiting in person, testing and payment can happen the same day (often within an hour). By post: send items via our free insured Royal Mail Special Delivery (arrives next day), we test upon arrival (same day), contact you with offer, and pay immediately once you accept - typically 1-2 days total from posting to money in your bank account. Payment via bank transfer usually processes same day. Some dealers slower, but reputable companies should complete transactions within 3-5 business days maximum.

**Q: Is platinum worth more than gold?**

A: Not always - it varies. Platinum sometimes trades at a premium to gold (perhaps 110-120% of gold price per ounce), but at other times platinum trades below gold price (80-90% of gold price). Currently (2025), platinum often trades at a discount to gold despite being rarer, largely due to market demand factors (gold has more investment demand; platinum demand industrial). Check current spot prices for both metals. However, platinum jewellery is typically 95% pure (950) versus gold jewellery often 75% pure (18ct) or less, so platinum jewellery can still be more valuable per gram of item than equivalent gold depending on purity.

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*Published by Goldealers Ltd · https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/platinum-palladium/selling-platinum-jewellery*