QuestionGood morning,
I just got a ring and I the markings on the inside, say "PLT" and "ODU". Everywhere I see that platinum would say "plat" or "pt", but never "PLT", so does this still mean platinum? Also is the ODU talk about cut and clarity of the diamond inside the ring, because most of the websites talk about numerical markings, but there are no numbers inside the ring. If it is a makers mark, I don't need to know anything more about it.
Thanks so much,
Shelly
AnswerShelly, I have not seen PLT used as a abbreviation for platinum in marking jewelry. According to the Federal Trade Commission in the USA, either "Plat" or "Pt" may be used. This quote below is from the FTC website shown below the quote:
"...950 parts or more per thousand of pure platinum can be marked "platinum" without the use of any qualifying statements;
850 to 950 parts per thousand can be marked in accordance with international standards of "950 Plat." or "950 Pt.," "900 Plat." or "900 Pt.," "850 Plat." or "850 Pt." (the revised guide permits the use of a two or four-letter abbreviation for platinum);..."
This website will show the entire paragraph:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/04/platguid.shtm
Note that either the two or four letter abbreviation is permitted.
What would I do? I would consider where the ring came from and the price paid for it. Platinum is going to be costly compared to similar rings of lesser quality. Then, I would have a jeweler check the ring to see what it really is. This means a metal test and since all jewelers do not do that, it is best to call around to find the right jeweler first.
As for the ODU mark, I honestly have no clue what this one might be.
Best wishes in finding out for certain what you might have. Keep in mind, the plat could easily stand for plated. However, only some plated jewelry has a heavy enough plated layer to qualify for a legal mark of plated or show an abbreviation for plated. Plated is easily detected by the metals test.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
