QuestionHello Mr. Thomas,
I have an engagement given to me by my fiancee & would like to am understand what the markings inside mean. It reads: CTW .59 PL 8 & 18K. We both thought PL stood for platinum but after reading one of your responses I saw that it wasnt. Is it also possible for platinum to have karats to it? Thank You
AnswerRhidi, thanks so very much for the fine rating. Since we do this totally as volunteer work, for our own person and not a penney made, your words encourage me to keep it up.
There is one thing I did not mention or think of until the answer was sent. There is an outside possibility the ring is entirely 18k and the PL mark has to do with the makers of the item. A good jeweler should be able to tell you readily with a simple test if the ring is all 18k. And, keep in mind, 18k is a good thing. God Bless. Thomas.
----------------------------------------------------
Rhudi, I really cannot be certain without seeing the ring. But, I will tell you what the marks mean to me.
The CTW is the total carat weight of the stones, Carat Total Weight. That is 0.59 carats. I suspect the PL mark and the 8 might mean the ring is 80% platinum or perhaps palladium alloy with 18k gold accents or parts. Then again, without seeing the marks and the actual ring, the PL could be for Platinum or palladium and that leaves the 8 out in the cold, not understood.
Markings for mixed metals jewelry require that both metals be accounted. Generally, if a lower grade platinum such as 0.800 platinum the mark is 800, not 8 and the same would hold true for palladium. The PL mark is not standard for either metal, with PD accepted for palladium and PT or PLAT for platinum.
The only way to tell for certain is to have a jeweler who is able to check metals test the ring. Then again, if using basic testing methods, there might not be a way to determine the differences between a "possible 800 platinum" and a higher platinum alloy, such as 900 or 950.(the mark should be PT 800 or Plat 800 for 80% platinum.) Or, for that matter, to distinguish this ring from either platinum or palladium is not possible from the markings, at least not using North American marking standards. Sorry, that is the best I can offer.
This one bothers me...I want to tell more but cannot in this rare case.
Get back if you need to with the follow-up option.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. October 15,2007 9:32pm
