Pt 950 refers to a platinum alloy containing 95% platinum by weight, with the remaining 5% composed of carefully selected alloying elements such as iridium, ruthenium, cobalt, or palladium. It is the most widely accepted platinum grade for high-end jewellery worldwide and is also used in precision industrial and medical components.
Pt 950 provides an ideal balance between high platinum content and improved mechanical strength, overcoming the excessive softness of pure platinum while preserving its natural whiteness and corrosion resistance.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Strengthening Mechanisms
✔ Solid-solution strengthening (Ir, Ru, Co, Pd)
✔ Work hardening during forming and fabrication
✔ Grain refinement (especially Pt–Ru and Pt–Co alloys)
Crystal Structure: FCC platinum-based matrix
❌ No precipitation hardening
❌ Limited heat-treatment strengthening (stress relief only)
Metallurgical Characteristics
• Single-phase FCC microstructure
• Uniform fine grains
• Low porosity
Casting & Fabrication Behavior
| Alloy System | Casting Quality | Polish |
|---|---|---|
| Pt–Ir | Excellent | Excellent |
| Pt–Ru | Excellent | Very High |
| Pt–Co | Very Good | High |
| Pt–Pd | Good | High |
Refining & Processing Properties
Manufacturing Steps
• Platinum sponge refining
• Controlled alloying under vacuum or inert atmosphere
• Induction or arc melting
• Precision casting or rolling
• Cold working and annealing
Processing Notes
• Annealing at 1,000–1,200 °C restores ductility
• Sensitive to oxygen contamination (Pt–Co alloys)
• Excellent weldability and repairability
Available Forms
✔ Jewellery castings
✔ Sheet & strip
✔ Wire
✔ Tubes
✔ Medical and dental components
✔ Precision industrial parts
Applications
Jewellery: Rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, luxury watch components
Medical & Dental: Surgical tools, dental restorations, implantable components
Industrial: Precision springs, electrical contacts, chemical processing parts
Key Characteristics
✔ High platinum purity
✔ Naturally white and non-tarnishing
✔ Excellent durability and wear resistance
✔ Outstanding corrosion resistance
✔ Long service life
Advantages of Pt 950
✔ Industry-standard jewellery grade
✔ Stronger than Pt 999
✔ Higher platinum value than Pt 900
✔ Easy to polish, repair, and resize
✔ Excellent long-term wear performance
Limitations
⚠ Higher cost than Pt 900
⚠ Slightly softer than Pt 900 alloys
⚠ Not accepted as bullion or investment-grade metal
⚠ Requires skilled processing and fabrication
Pt 950 vs Other Platinum Grades
| Grade | Platinum % | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pt 999 | 99.90% | Bullion, laboratory |
| Pt 950 | 95% | Fine jewellery |
| Pt 900 | 90% | Durable jewellery |
| Pt 850 | 85% | Industrial |
| Pt 800 | 80% | Budget alloys |
Why Choose Pt 950
Pt 950 is chosen when high platinum purity, long-term wear performance, and global hallmark acceptance are required. It is the benchmark alloy for fine jewellery, offering exceptional beauty, durability, and value retention without the need for plating or surface coatings.