Platinum is the densest and, gram for gram, one of the most valuable precious metals used in jewellery — and it is frequently mistaken for white gold or silver, and underpaid as a result. We confirm the metal from the hallmark, weigh it, and assess both the precious-metal value and the jewellery or collector value, offering whichever is higher.
Free insured postage. Written valuation. Paid in 72 hours.
The short answer
Fair Vintage buys platinum across the UK — jewellery, diamond mounts, rings, chains, watch cases, coins, bullion and scrap. Because platinum is often mistaken for white gold or silver and underpaid, we confirm the metal from the 950, 900 or 850 hallmark, weigh it, and assess both the precious-metal value and any jewellery or collector value, offering whichever is higher. Every figure is shown in writing, postage is free and insured both ways, and payment is made within 72 hours of you accepting.
Platinum turns up in more forms than most people expect — and because it looks similar to white gold and silver, it is often sold for far less than it is worth. Identifying it correctly is the first step to a fair figure.
Rings, bangles, chains, earrings and pendants in solid platinum. Wedding and eternity bands are commonly platinum. Marked 950, 900 or 850, often with "PLAT" or the platinum orb assay mark. Assessed for both metal weight and, where relevant, jewellery and design value.
Platinum has long been the premium setting metal for fine diamonds — solitaires, trilogies, eternity rings and Art Deco mounts. Here the stones usually carry most of the value, so we assess the diamonds and the platinum mount together, never as bare metal.
Solid platinum watch cases from luxury brands carry both significant metal value and, more importantly, collector value as complete watches. We assess the watch first and the platinum content second, and offer whichever is higher — selling a platinum watch for scrap is a costly mistake.
Royal Mint Platinum Britannias, platinum bars and ingots are valued at metal value against the current platinum price, with any collectable premium considered. Bring certificates and packaging where you have them.
Broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings and odd platinum items are all bought at their metal value, weighed and calculated transparently. Condition affects the figure but does not disqualify the item.
If your platinum is mixed in with gold and silver — a jewellery box, an inherited collection, a house clearance — send it all. Our specialists separate and identify each metal correctly and value them individually, rather than lumping everything at the lowest rate.
Do not remove the stones or melt anything. A platinum diamond ring is almost always worth more intact than as loose stones plus scrap metal. Prising out diamonds risks chipping them and destroys the craftsmanship value of the mount. Send the piece as it is and let our jewellery specialists assess it whole.
The hallmark is the definitive test. British platinum carries a millesimal fineness mark — 950, 900 or 850 — usually with "PLAT" or "PLATINUM" or the platinum assay orb. White gold is marked 375, 585, 750 or 916 with a gold standard mark; sterling silver is marked 925. Platinum is also noticeably heavier than silver or white gold of the same size, and unlike silver it does not tarnish. If you cannot find or read a mark, email us a clear photograph of the piece and any stamps and we will identify the metal before you send anything. For a related primer on precious-metal testing, see our guide to telling if gold is real.
Because platinum resembles white gold and silver, high-street buyers who weigh quickly sometimes value it as the wrong — cheaper — metal, or pay a blanket "white metal" rate. Platinum, gold and palladium trade at different prices, so correct identification directly affects what you are paid. We confirm the metal from the hallmark and calculate against the correct market price, shown to you in writing.
Metal confirmed from the hallmark. Weight, purity and current price shown transparently. Jewellery and collector value assessed separately, and the higher figure offered. Free insured postage both ways. No obligation.
Request a free valuation →How can I tell if my jewellery is platinum and not white gold or silver?
Look for the hallmark. British platinum is marked 950, 900 or 850, often with "PLAT" or "PLATINUM" or the platinum orb assay mark. White gold is marked 375, 585, 750 or 916; sterling silver 925. Platinum is also noticeably denser and heavier, and does not tarnish. If you cannot find or read a mark, email us a photograph and we will identify the metal.
Is my platinum worth more as jewellery or as scrap metal?
It depends. A platinum diamond ring, an Art Deco mount or a signed designer piece is usually worth more as complete jewellery than as scrap; a damaged, plain or unmarked piece may be closer to metal value. We assess both the precious-metal value and the jewellery value and offer whichever is higher, explaining which applies in writing.
Do you buy platinum with diamonds or other stones still set?
Yes — and we recommend leaving the stones in place. Platinum has historically been the premium setting metal for fine diamonds, which frequently represent most of the value. We assess the stones and mount together, never as bare metal. Never remove stones or dismantle a mount before selling.
Do you buy platinum coins and bullion?
Yes. Platinum Britannias, bars and ingots are assessed at metal value against the current platinum price, with any numismatic premium considered for collectable issues. Bring any certificates or packaging. We show the weight, purity and calculation transparently.
How is the platinum price used to value my item?
For metal value we calculate weight × purity × current market platinum price, shown in writing. Platinum, gold and palladium trade at different prices, so correct identification matters — being paid for the wrong metal is a common way people are underpaid. Where a piece has jewellery or collector value above its metal content, we assess that separately and offer the higher figure.
Do you buy broken or single platinum items?
Yes. Broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings and odd platinum items are all considered — condition affects value but does not disqualify an item. For a single small piece, email us a photograph and the approximate weight and we will advise whether it justifies the postage before you send anything.
Can you value platinum that has no hallmark?
Yes. Not all platinum is hallmarked — older, imported or very light pieces may carry no mark, and some marks wear away. Where there is no legible hallmark we identify the metal by other means, including its density, its resistance to tarnish and non-destructive XRF testing where appropriate. We never assume the cheapest metal because a mark is missing; we confirm what the piece actually is and value it accordingly.
Why is platinum sometimes worth more than gold by weight, and sometimes not?
Platinum and gold trade on separate markets that move independently, so their relative prices shift over time — platinum traded above gold for long periods, while at other times gold has been higher. Platinum is also denser, so a platinum piece weighs more than an identical-looking gold one. Rather than rely on a rule of thumb, we value against the correct metal's current price on the day and show the calculation in writing.
I inherited platinum jewellery — can you help with a probate valuation?
Yes. We regularly assess inherited platinum jewellery and can provide a clear written valuation suitable for probate, estate division or insurance, separately from any offer to buy. There is no obligation to sell. If the platinum is part of a wider estate mixed with gold, silver, diamonds or watches, we identify and value everything correctly under one report rather than at a blanket rate.
Will I have to pay tax when I sell platinum?
For most private sellers of jewellery, no. Individual items of jewellery are generally treated as personal chattels, and Capital Gains Tax typically only becomes relevant on a substantial gain above the annual exempt amount, most often on investment-grade platinum bullion or high-value collections. We are precious-metal specialists rather than tax advisers, so for anything significant we suggest confirming with HMRC or an accountant. We can provide clear documentation of the sale for your records.
How do you pay for platinum, and how quickly?
Request a free postage pack or email us photographs first for an indication. Send your platinum in the fully insured packaging, and our specialists confirm the metal, weigh it, and assess both metal and jewellery value. You receive a written valuation explaining every figure, and if you accept we pay by bank transfer within 72 hours. If you decline, we return your items free of charge, fully insured — no obligation at any stage.
Also see: Sell gold UK · Sell silver · Jewellery valuation · Sell diamond rings
Also buying: Sell jewellery · Sell diamonds · Gold valuation