Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Use the scrap platinum melt value calculator to find out how much your items are 10% Irid. What I'm wondering is if there are any downsides to this mix that I should be aware of. Research or ask to see the credentials of a jeweler. So, if you are looking for the valuable precious metal to invest in, platinum might be the most preferred metal for you to invest in. Platinum jewelry is rarely made with 100% pure platinum. Inside the band it reads only " (what appears to be an H in an arrow) 10%IRID". Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members research needs. Annealing is also the most desirable process for platinum processing because it results in the production of the least amount of platinum scrap. An allergy to any metal in jewelry will show up as a red, itchy rash or blisters on the skin that comes in contact with the jewelry. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? A composition of 950 parts platinum and 50 parts cobalt is often considered the finest alloy quality for platinum rings. The three most common platinum grades used in wedding rings are: PL950/Iridium PL950/Ruthenium PL950/Cobalt The most common alloys are 90:10 platinum-iridium and 95:5 platinum-ruthenium. Generally, the platinum ring is pricier than most other high-value precious, but its also more durable, versatile, strong, gets a nice patina, fashionable, hypoallergenic, heavier, more valuable, and the best part is that it would last a lifetime. What is Your Perfect Engagement Ring Style? of the platinum group metals too. An Art Deco Platinum Peridot and Diamond An Art Deco Platinum Peridot and Diamond Ring containing two square step cut peridot weighing approximately 3.50 carats total and 10 round single cut diamonds Great! View cart for details. So, this incredibly strong metal that is built to last is worth the investment, and it would be a great option to invest in. In fact, platinum is often used to make luxury watches because the small platinum watch parts will not wear down with time. to be the highest quality of grades. Shopping Tips for the Platinum Wedding Band. JEWELRY. 3.20 dwts. you purchase your rings. Is there any way to tell if my platinum ring is pure platinum? 62 No. Before the 1890s, only royals and the nobility owned platinum rings. Given the rarity of the platinum metal, the platinum ring prices for a 4mm ring made of 95% pure platinum, for example, is worth $800, while the cost of the platinum wedding ring would be even higher at about $2,000, based on the quality of the gemstones incorporated in the platinum band. quality of platinum alloy used in wedding bands. Fashionable Earrings Logo Style Trendy Post Earrings, Antique Vintage Sterling Ring With Red Stone. Differences in 14K White Gold - 18K White Gold - Platinum Jewelry Settings It gives platinum an even harder-wearing durability. 25 Jan. 1915, Jewelers Circular And Horological Review Vol. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, 10% Iridium 90% Platinum Round European Cut Diamond With A, Featured Collection: 2023 Designer Survey Trends, Association of International Photography Dealers, International Fine Print Dealers Association. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. This jewelry can also be resized or even reconditioned with ease, which is why the metal is highly valued. In China, you will find the English letters Pt, perhaps alongside other Chinese characters. We know your time is valuable. For tips from our Jewelry co-author on how to find out which other metals have been used in a platinum ring, read on! What Type of Platinum Wedding Ring Grades are Best? To find out if this is the right metal While this metal is 30 times rarer than gold, the price A Platinum Diamond Ring A Platinum Diamond Ring. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 34 No. .920 Vintage 10% IRID, Platinum Ladies diamonds Engagement Size 5 Even so, its worth is based on its rarity, durability, strength, density, hypoallergenic state, and the fact that it has a shiny white, lustrous finish. Articles, Great Discoveries: Antique Gold Watch Found in Florida Park, An Eye for Detail: The Beauty of Buccellati. .980 designer wedding and engagement rings. I'm still considering having Vatche create a custom ring for me (assuming it won't command a huge price increase) with a 900/100 Plat/Irid mix due to all I'm hearing about its scratch resistance and polish retention properties. And if you have any questions about platinum rings, use the handy Platinum is not just one of the rarest precious stones but also one of the most expensive ones. Click here if you have more picture to upload, (You can preview and edit on the next page), Joining Platinum Ring with Another MetalNot rated yetI have a platinum engagement ring that belonged to my soon to be mother-in-law, while I'd love to get a platinum wedding band I'm unsure if we'll be able , Return from Platinum Wedding Bands to Everything Wedding Rings Home, See Why You'll Fall in Love with Emerald Cut Diamonds. PL950/Cobalt. the 950/50 Plat/Ruthenium mix, for example, is said to be slightly darker and not as shiny as the traditional 950/50 Plat/Irid mix (at least in Vatche's opinion). Thanks from Log In Try for free Log In Try for free Price Guide; Marks; Library . Keep reading to learn more about the platinum rings and how much the rings are worth. . Select the Unit of Measure(Weight Type): Calculator only figures the total value and weight of the platinum portion of your items. Grams is almost scratch resistant. Does not include any other metals used if platinum scrap is an alloy. Most Popular PagesRhodium PlatingVintage Wedding SetsEco-friendly RingsRose Gold Rings, Most Recent ArticlesCobalt Wedding BandsAntique Style Engagement RingsReal Georgian Ring?1916 Engagement Ring, Recommended & Trusted JewelersOur Advertisement Policy, Adin Fine Antique JewelryUse Code=Everything-Wedding-RingsFor a 5% Discount, 'Quiet Beauty' Lab Created Round Diamond Platinum Wedding Set by Clean Origin, 5mm Hammered Platinum Wedding Band by Brilliant Earth, Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring (matching band available) by Gemvara, Classic Round 6-Prong Diamond Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring (matching bands available) by Blue Nile, 'Nico' Men's Lab Created Diamond Platinum Wedding Band by Clean Origin, 'Versailles' Delicate Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring Set by Brilliant Earth, 'Grace' Lab Grown Diamond Accents and Morganite Platinum Engagement Ring (matching band available) by Gemvara, Everything-Wedding-Rings.com's Trusted & Highly Recommended Jewelers. 82 No. PL950/Ruthenium is a durable grade of platinum, and it Although you can adjust the millesimal fineness of the platinum from the drop-down list, Antique Platinum Round European Cut Center With Single Cut Diamond Ring He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. Scrap Platinum Melt Value Calculator - coinapps.com For example, PT950 is 95% platinum by weight, PT900 is 64 No. .980 My rings are 10% irid/plat, and after 5 years of constant wear they are still quite shiny, and have not developed a noticeable patina at all. PLAT. If it is marked "plat," then it is at least 95% platinum and another platinum group metal, most likely ruthenium. This indicates that the ring is made with 85%, 90%, or 95% pure platinum, respectively. However, the annealed pieces have to be polished. These high-grade platinum rings will be valued anywhere from around $700 and $800. What does 10 percent IRID mean when stamped into the metal in an old ring? Air is then blown through the platinum matte, where the sulfur and iron are removed. 60% Platinum . Note: The accuracy and accessibility of the resulting translation is not guaranteed. Ounces These high-grade platinum rings will be valued anywhere from around $700 and $800. If a piece of platinum jewelry is marked "iridplat," then it generally contains 90% platinum and 10% iridium, a platinum group metal. of scrap platinum items, measured by the weight unit of your choice. The platinum scrap calculator will show you the price for 100% pure platinum, unless The best of these and the most valuable platinum rings are made of at least 90% or 95% pure platinum. Searching for Gemstone Engagement or Wedding Rings? Obtain a certificate or receipt with your purchase weight. The applications on this website require the use of JavaScript in order to function. . See Why The Asscher Cut Diamond Is Back In Style! For instance, an 850 or less platinum alloyed with iridium should not cost the same as a 950 platinum ring, or be marketed as pure platinum when it is not. Grains 8 March 1903, Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. If you dont find any engraving or platinum symbol on the ring, it is made from less than 50 percent platinum, meaning it's not considered pure platinum. 1920's diamond and platinum/iridium ringany info? Sold See item details See item details Similar . First, look at the inside of the band for the marking, which will be a small engraving. .920 which states the grade of the platinum ring and what it has been alloyed Instead, platinum is mixed with similar metals or non-precious base metals. See pics. The 6 Platinum Group Metals: A Simple Guide for Jewelry Lovers The platinum pieces do, however, have an extraordinary heft that they are known for. Luster: Excel Old European cut diamond three-stone engagement ring. 5mm, VINTAGE HAMILTON IRID PLATINUM DIAMOND WATCH, Antique 1. Vintage Antique Platinum 10% IRID Engraved Wedding Band Ring Size 7 ~ 2 Does not include any other metals that may have been used to alloy. Wiki User. And its also the reason why platinum is valued higher than gold. bright, almost wet, shiny Platinum Wedding Ring Grades and Alloys The best platinum for wedding rings is PL950, anything less than PL950 does not last as long or wear as well with time. Vintage 10% Irid 90% Plat European Cut Diamond with Baguette 3-Stone Ring 16 Nov. 1896, Jewelers Circular And Horological Review Vol. Lot, Vintage Le Stage Sterling Silver Engrave Link Bracelet 7" - 11.9 Grams. in the product. 36 No. Platinum is essentially denser than gold, which means that you will need more platinum to make the ring than other metals like gold. A 2mm size 4 ring is 2.5grams, 2mm size 12 rings weigh 5.6grams, 8mm size 4 rings are 13.8grams, and lastly, the 8mm size 12 rings weigh 21.3grams. Is Lead Compliant Jewelry Safe To Wear? PL950/Iridium is sold in a lot of markets, but it is not considered rare. Value of Platinum by the Gram or Kilogram The platinum gram calculator will help you in finding the price of platinum per gram. Platinum is one of the heaviest wedding and engagement ring metals. are updated. The platinum price per gram calculator will Shape: Emerald Cut 900 Platinum 10% Irid Scrap Ring. Platinum-iridium alloys are alloys of the platinum group precious metals platinum and iridium . Its durability, natural white-silver finish, and density make this rare metal desirable in rings for both men and women. text box. [more like this] A Lady's Platinum & Diamond Ring, C. 1940: Anything less than 95% platinum must be labeled with value is calculated based on the total amount of actual platinum content, not 25 July 1898, Frederick Arthur Harman Oates Catalogue Of Finger Rings (1917), Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. The total platinum gram value is figured based on the spot price provided in the Beautiful mid-century 10% IRID, Platinum Ladies Engagement/Wedding Band with over 2 carat diamond gemstones. These rings can be marked with a hallmark of ".90 Plat" as well and therefore have a slightly lower melt value than their purer platinum counterparts. You may need a magnifying glass to see the fine engraving on a small ring. You have found a beautiful platinum and iridium band from the 1930s. 10% iridium is the classic platinum alloy - it's what most jewelers use and what most antique platinum jewelry is. Among these pieces is this little beauty, which she told me is supposed to be a 1920s engagement ring. metal which can bend, scratch, and pit. 3g ring marked 10%IRIDPLAT. . The most widely used platinum alloys are either 90% platinum with 10% iridium (shown '10% irid. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Typical alloy proportions are 90:10 or 70:30 (Pt:Ir). Platinum Jewelry. You may also have your own platinum jewelry melted down by specialty jewelers to create a new ring. Pennyweight .995 It can also be called 100% precious because ruthenium is one The lady said, "If you have a mild sensitivity to metals, the rhodium plating will probably do the trick," so I will see if that works. Platinum is labeled according to the percentage of platinum weight Find out if the jeweler can resize or repair the ring in the case of scratching or other damage. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. Just a few examples are shown below. Ultimately, you are the one who determines if you should buy the platinum ring or not. Ultimately, you are the one who determines if you should buy the platinum ring or not. All rights reserved. So, thanks to the fact that platinum handles scratches well and also withstands wear and tear, lasting for generations, it makes sense that platinum jewelry is quite valuable. Afashionblog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 4 Feb. 1921, Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Stamp: 10% IRID. Its durability, natural white-silver finish, and density make this rare metal desirable in rings for both men and women. of platinum in the past has bounced from $795 an ounce to $2,252 an Is iridium worth more than gold? 0.27 CTW Blue Color Diamond Star Cluster Dangle Earrings 10KT White Genuine 4.68 Ctw Pink Topaz & Diamond Earrings Jewelry 14KT Rose Gol 0.52 CTW Princess Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring 14KT Yellow Gold - PRISTINE! Please. The other metal alloys present in platinum include gold, copper, iron, and nickel. The Scrap Platinum Melt Value Calculator, below, can find the total platinum value I would estimate a fair market value of $300-$350 for your platinum ring with emeralds and diamonds. The applications on this website require the use of JavaScript in order to function. Are Herringbone Chains In Style in Todays Fashion World. 75% pure platinum, 25% copper. Look for the symbol identifying the ring as platinum, which is often a triangle on top of a square, resembling a house. during regular trading hours. For example, "IRID/PLAT" is 90% platinum and 10% iridium (PT900) by weight. 10% Iridium 90% Platinum Oval Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Single Cut Diamond Ring at 1stDibs | iridium platinum ring, iridium ring price, iridium engagement ring Log In Sign Up Furniture Lighting Decor & Gifts Art NFTs Jewelry & Watches Fashion World of 1stDibs Sale Auctions Sorry, we're currently experiencing technical difficulties. 1 Round European Cut Diamond 0.75 Carats In Japan, you will see Pt followed by the number 850, 900, 950, or 999. These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts. 3 Grams Refresh your browser window to try again. Iridium Platinum Explained - Georgianjewelry Consider a used or vintage platinum ring for an option that doesn't require or support additional platinum mining. I included a little drawing of the symbol as best as my eyes can see it, but this is my guess. However, platinum rings differ in quality and purity, so it's important to examine the piece of jewelry and talk to a trusted jeweler about it before purchasing. Vintage 10% Irid Platinum Ring Setting Size 4.25 Wear or Scrap 3.8 Grams DESCRIPTIONMeasurements: size 4.25Material: 10% Iridium, platinum, diamondsColor: platinumMaker: marked 10% Irid PlatCondition: very volatile. Enter a price spread or leave as is: You might also like to try one of these other calculators: Platinum Spot Price Last Updated on Server: Resultant values will be rounded to two or more decimal places depending on length. .900 Platinum 4.8 Grams Tested And Marked, Antique ART DECO 10% IRID PLAT Platinum RING NO STONE 2.4 Grams SIZE 5 1, Antique Vtg Platinum 10% Irid Fantasy Designer Size 6 Ring 5.4grams Scra, Antique Vtg Irid Platinum JJ White Eternity Band Ring 2.4Gram Sze6 Wear, 10 9/10 Irid Platinum Ring 3.4 Gram Size 5.5 Scrap, Antique Scrap Platinum Rings Settings Marked 10% Irid-Plat, Antique Art Deco 10% Irid 90% Platinum Setting Mount Use Or Scrap Ring 4, Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. 46 No. But whats its value? 18 June 1906, Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. Are there any downsides to a 900 Platinum / 100 Iridium mix? Simply enter the total number of platinum grams and/or kilos into the platinum per polish. The high-grade platinum pieces are shinier and also much stronger. Platinum is a higher priced wedding band material and prices for platinum metals are Silver-tone Prong Set Rhinestone Bracelet W/ Safety Chain #267. Why combine iridium with platinum? Genuine 18.08 Ctw Amethyst & Diamond Necklace Jewelry 14KT Rose Gold Victorian Mourning Ring 9K Gold And Seed Pearls, Vintage Laurel Burch Dangle Pierced Earrings Black With Red Berries Enam. so I took them to the store to get platinum settings. On top of that, the process of creating a ring from platinum can also be more labor intensive than crafting one from white gold. Crafted in 10K yellow gold with a slight rosey hue. Vintage 10% Irid 90% Plat European Cut Diamond with Baguette 3-Stone Ring at 1stDibs | 10% irid plat ring value, 10 irid plat, 10% irid plat worth Log In Sign Up Furniture Lighting Decor & Gifts Art Jewelry & Watches Fashion World of 1stDibs Sale Auctions Sorry, we're currently experiencing technical difficulties. Setting: Three-Stone 10%irid plat | Pricing Guides Dictionary & Values - marks4antiques.com As a result, the cost and value of platinum wedding bands can vary. Find Out Why Topaz is the Perfect Gemstone for Engagement Rings! 3. The biggest selling point for platinum and the reason why it is valued very high is that platinum is up to 30x rarer than gold, so it costs more. Also, the platinum could be filed and also sanded and finished using the polishing wheel, resulting in a bright and shiny metal surface that makes it a desirable metal for jewelry. 16 Nov. 1920, Jewelers' Circular And Horological Review Vol. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. Change platinum price or leave as is: 4. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members research needs. two ring finger measurements using at least two different sizers before Click below to begin your paid subscription. Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. It can be called 100% precious because iridium is one of the It is used when jewelry is 90% PLAT and 10% IRID. The platinum spot price can be changed to another value of your choice. Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. PL950/Cobalt is widely considered to be the highest Find out with this Engagement Ring Style guide! Click on the results to view more details Platinum is not just a strong metal but also the most durable metal used to make jewelry. In other words, the durability and the fact that its the strongest metal are the reasons why platinum is the reason for the high-value metals on the market. Select platinum purity from list or enter %: Select Purity Usually this marking is used on PLATINUM a lot. Previous Index Next Art Deco Step-Down Engagement Ring Gray & Davis: Antique & Custom Jewelry Last Updated: August 10, 2021 automatically show the Total Platinum Value (in red), when any of its values exceptional, timeless, look. Overtime, a wedding band of this Platinum 10% Iridium Wire - calfinewire.com That said, the creation of platinum rings is made possible by the following properties and features of platinum. Platinum-iridium alloy - Wikipedia %. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1930s PLATINUM IRID Wedding Band - 10% IRID- Rare- Wedding Date Engraved. 54 No. Although platinum gets scratched over time, especially as you move the ring from one place to another, the scratches develop into this nice, desirable finish called the patina finish, and the best part about the patina finish is that it gives the jewelry a nice, antique finish. weight. One of the processes necessary for the processing and the extraction of pure platinum is flotation separation, in which air bubbles are blown through the platinum ores/ mixture, carrying the platinum particles to the surface where the platinum rich mixture is then skimmed to the surface and let to dry as a concentrated powder. This means it is an alloy of very high purity. Main Stone: Emerald ", How to Identify Quality in Platinum Rings, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0294-platinum-jewelry, http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/platinum-wedding-band.html, http://chealth.canoe.com/Condition/GetCondition/Metal-Hypersensitivity, http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/top-10-jeweler-questions, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ira-weissman/the-5-cs-of-white-gold-vs_b_3351028.html, http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/eco-friendly-wedding-rings.html, identificar calidad en anillos de platino. . Clarity: Transparent Next, there is chemical processing where the base metals like nickel and copper are removed, and in the last stage, the remaining mineral concentrate goes through treatment with aqua regia that dissolves the platinum. DonsEstateFinds. icons to increment each value by one. In the United States, popular platinum alloy formulations for jewelry include: 95% platinum and 5% ruthenium. An 850PLAT ring will usually be alloyed with palladium. (Opt.) Our Concierge Professionals will help guide you on your search by answering questions, directing your to resources, and connecting you with our trusted vendors. The numbers listed will tell you the percentage of the ring made from platinum. Look at how long they've been in business and check independent reviews of them online to see what their reputation is like. Platinum could also be machined in different ways, just like other metals. Vintage Platinum 10% IRID Ring 6 Grams ( no stones) Scrap 10% irid platinum ring worth old restaurants in lawrence, ma Shiny new platinum naturally dulls slightly with age, but many actually enjoy the way this makes precious gems set in the metal appear sparklier by contrast. 10% Iridium & Platinum Diamond Ring | eBay Second quarter-20th, An Art Deco Ladies' Platinum and Diamonds, A Ladies' Platinum and Diamond Gruen Dress, Jabel solitaire diamond and platinum ring, *A Platinum and Diamond Ring containing one, An Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet, A Platinum and Diamond Ring containing one, A Platinum and Diamond Band containing five, A Platinum Aquamarine and Diamond Ring containing, A Platinum Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Tiffany, *A Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Floral Brooch, *A Platinum Emerald and Diamond Convertible, An Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Ring containing, *A Platinum and Diamond Spray Ring containing, A Vintage Platinum and Diamond Cluster Ring, A Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ring Oscar, An 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Ballerina, A Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Floral Motif, An Important Platinum Emerald and Diamond, A Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Toi et Moi, An Art Deco Star Ruby and Diamond Ring containing, A Platinum and Diamond Bypass Ring containing, * A Platinum and Diamond Ring Setting containing, A Platinum and Diamond Band containing six, Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Braceletcomprised. 18K YELLOW GOLD, PLATINUM AND DIAMOND RING. Iridium. 'Willow' Round Diamond and Emerald Platinum Diamond Wedding Ring Set by Brilliant Earth, 5mm Comfort Fit Men's Platinum Wedding Band by Blue Nile, Platinum Lab Created Round Diamond and Diamond Band Wedding Ring Set by Clean Origin, Oval Lab Created Alexandrite with Halo Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring (matching band available) by Gemvara, Men's Platinum Engagement Ring with Radiant-Cut Diamond by Brilliant Earth, Platinum Heart-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring with Milgrain Detail (matching band available) by Blue Nile. Over time, it will have a patina of sorts, which will make it even more desirable. Great! That said, redesigning it or resizing the ring might not be the easiest thing to do, and this will set you back a few bucks. 3 Ways to Identify Quality in Platinum Rings - wikiHow 11 April 1907, Jewelers Circular And Horological Review Vol. But the trends and the high demand for platinum is not the only reason behind the high price tag for platinum pieces. This type of mixture is not 100% precious, but it is considered Vintage Platinum 10% IRID Ring 2.9 Grams Wedding Engagement Ring Not .960 cost, availability, durability, and hypoallergenic qualities. In the U.S., the number given before or after these letters can be 850, 900, or 950. What are the alloys used in platinum jewelry? (Detailed Answer), Where Are Gucci Products Made? 81 No. A ring with 950 parts platinum and 50 parts ruthenium is very durable and almost scratch-resistant, so it is a very fine quality choice. The current platinum price is updated frequently during normal trading hours. 10 kt Opal ladies ring 3.1 grams size 10 ad vertisement by DonsEstateFinds. Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. 2. Vintage Hamilton Platinum and Diamond: Hamilton Platinum Diamond Watch: 18. .940 (displays a limited sampling of the millions of priced results in our database), many more examples with full details are available to our members - Learn more, A Collection of Platinum and Diamond "Seagull". .999 Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry | Consumer Advice You are using an out of date browser. Home; Categories. Platinum rings are extremely strong and durable. 10% irid platinum ring worthcapricorn and virgo flirting. In India, you will find a symbol created by an uppercase P and a lowercase t, followed by the number 950. Buy from jewelers that advertise low impact mining methods and fair trade labor practices for new platinum rings that contribute to slightly less negative impact. The Platinum Wedding Band: The Handy Guide Before You Buy I'm assuming the traditional mix is traditional for a reason, yet given the price of platinum you'd think a higher content of another alloy such as Iridium would be more cost effective, unless Iridium is even more expensive than platinum is. Platinum mining takes place underground, and miners have to use explosives into the drilled holes in the rocks to allow for blasting of the large platinum rock deposits into smaller pieces. The best platinum for wedding rings is PL950, anything less than PL950 does not last as long or wear as well with time.