Is Your Platinum Ring Genuine? Understanding Hallmarks & 18K Gold

Question
hi,
im wondering if you could help me.i have recently just purchased a platinum diamond ring,however now that i have it home i am unsure if it is platinum.it has been specially made to order for myself therefore metals an diamonds were chosen by myself.
i am just wondering if you could tell me if this is correct,it has a 18k hallmark inside amongst other marks,surely this means it is white gold and not platinum.please could you tell me if this is correct,thank you for your time.
julie  

Answer
Hi, Julie.  Thanks for this question.  

First, take a look at the web page of the link below.  This is a page from the Birmingham assay office with the proper accepted U.K. hallmarks. The only difference in these and from other assay offices in England are the assay office, this one showing Birmingham.  Scotland may have a slightly different mark or two but the metal marks will be the same to show the kind and quality of the metal.

http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/current_hallmark_symbols.html

While the numerical marks are generally used, the 18k or PLAT or PT may be used as in some samples I have seen. However, Karat is generally considered Carat in the U.K., such as 18c instead of 18k.

Was the item made in the U.K.? If so, I would expect the marks to adhere to the normal standards.
If made in the USA, 18k would certainly mean 18 karat gold.  Unless there is a platinum mark showing platinum, I say your ring is gold and not platinum.  This needs certainly to be clarified with the maker of the ring with some sort of certification of the metal type and quality.

A local jeweler who has the acids or electronic tester can tell you if this is gold.  Where platinum may not react to acids, 18 karat gold will.  The testing is non-destructive.

Julie,I do hope this answer will help you.  If you need more information please use the follow-up option, understanding there is likely little more I can say about the ring unless it is in my hands.  The ring will not be in my hands and for this reason please check with a local jeweler to see if the testing may be done and right away contact the maker of the ring for confirmation of the metal and explanation of why the 18k stamp. Fair enough?

God Bless and Peace. Best Wishes in all.     Thomas.