950
950 (PT950 / PD950) · 95% pure
Platinum · Silver · Palladium
950 is the fine-jewellery standard for the white metals. On platinum it's PT950 — 95% pure platinum, the usual grade for rings and the densest, most durable of the three. On palladium it's PD950. And on silver, 950 is a higher standard than sterling, favoured in France and parts of Asia. All mean 95% pure.
Hallmark Translator
Translate a purity you know into how any country marks it — gold, silver, platinum, palladium — or compare two countries side by side.
Why 95%?
For platinum and palladium, 950 is the everyday fine grade — 95% pure, the rest usually ruthenium or cobalt for workability. Platinum at 950 is prized because it holds stones securely and is naturally white, so it never needs the rhodium re-plating that white gold does.
For silver, 950 sits above sterling — a little purer and softer. France's premier titre is 950, and you'll see it on higher-end or regional silver.
950, metal by metal
The same number means the same purity on every metal — but what it's called, and the mark struck beside it, changes with both the metal and the country.
On platinum
PT950 — 95% pure platinum, the standard for fine platinum jewellery: dense, naturally white and hypoallergenic.
Independent assay
Mandatory maker's mark
On silver
95% silver — higher than sterling (925); the French premier standard, also seen in Switzerland, Japan and Brazil.
Independent assay
On palladium
PD950 — 95% palladium, the standard grade of this light, naturally white platinum-group metal.
Independent assay
Mandatory maker's mark
Voluntary marking
What people actually ask
What is PT950?
95% pure platinum — the standard grade for fine platinum jewellery. Dense, naturally white and hypoallergenic.
Is platinum (PT950) better than white gold?
Platinum is naturally white, denser and never needs rhodium re-plating, but it's heavier and costs more. White gold is lighter and cheaper but its rhodium plating wears and needs renewing.
What is PD950?
95% pure palladium — a lighter, more affordable naturally-white alternative to platinum.
Is 950 silver better than 925?
It's purer (95% vs 92.5%) and a little softer — the French premier standard. 925 (sterling) remains the global jewellery standard.
What is 950 metal worth?
It depends on the metal: platinum and palladium track their own spot prices, at about 95% of the weight.
A reference guide, not an authentication service. The same number can appear on different metals, and the mark beside it varies by country, date and maker — consult the relevant assay office or standards body for definitive identification.