Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Research
Research the jeweler from whom you plan to purchase. Perform online searches, read customer reviews and even approach other jewelers for advice. Ask your jeweler questions, and ensure that he is a reputable vendor in the world of fine jewelry.
Examine the inside markings on the jewelry. Lucido Jewelry notes that genuine platinum jewelry will show an inscription reading platinum, Pt or plat. This indicates that the item consists of at least 95 percent platinum. Lucido also explains that platinum comprises 90 percent of items reading "iridplat," while the remaining 10 percent consists of iridium.
Look for a number inscribed on the inside of the item. The percentage that contains platinum should be there. Use this formula: A product reading 999 contains 99.9 percent platinum, while a product reading 900 contains 90 percent platinum and so on.
Scratch Test
Use your fingernail to scratch the surface of the piece of jewelry. Look for scratches in the metal.
Use a coin to scratch the piece of jewelry. Look for scratches in the metal.
Determine whether or not your attempts to scratch the metal are successful. If the item shows evident scratch marks, it is not platinum.
The Weight Test
Put aside two pieces of jewelry that are roughly the same size as the piece of alleged platinum that you wish to test --- a silver piece as well as a piece of costume jewelry not made of precious metals.
Weigh each piece of jewelry on your food scale and carefully record each measure. Measure as precisely as possible, and estimate your findings to the nearest tenth of an ounce.
Compare the weight of each piece of jewelry. If the alleged platinum piece weighs less than either of the other two, the jewelry is not platinum. If, however, the suspected platinum is heavier than the other two, you can continue your investigation.
Acid Test
Make scratches on the metal with your precious metals testing stone. Ensure that the scratches are heavy and visible.
Add one or two drops of testing acid to the surface of the item, according to Canada Gold Buyers. Wait a few seconds.
Look for changes. According to Canada Gold Buyers, acid on genuine platinum becomes extremely shiny. On a non-platinum item, the acid simply evaporates.
Burn Test
Heat the item with a blowtorch that uses propane. Wait several seconds until the piece of jewelry becomes red.
Remove the piece of jewelry from the flame. Wait 10 to 15 minutes until the piece of jewelry feels cool.
Observe the item, and look for any changes. The appearance of a platinum item will not change as a result of exposure to flame. Its temperature should rapidly return to room temperature. A fake platinum item will disintegrate and change appearance, possibly developing a dark, powdery coating, according to Canada Gold Buyers.