- 950 is a purity number: 95.0% pure metal, the rest alloy.
- Three metals can carry it: platinum, palladium and (rarely) silver. The number alone does not say which.
- Platinum is far denser than palladium, so weight is the quickest clue after the letters.
- 950 is not gold. Gold stamps are numbers like 375, 417, 585 and 750.
- Gold plated pieces do not carry a 950 purity mark. If yours does, a jeweler can confirm it.
Found a tiny 950 inside a ring band, on a clasp or on the back of a pendant and not sure what it is? You are in good company: it is one of the most searched stamps because the number is shared by several metals. This guide explains what it means, how to tell the metals apart, and what the stamp does and does not prove. If you are new to reading marks, start with our jewelry hallmarks guide, then come back here.
What does a 950 stamp mean?
A 950 stamp is a fineness mark: it says 950 parts in every 1,000 are the named pure metal, which is 95.0% purity. The remaining 5% is an alloy that makes the metal workable and durable. The same system gives us 925 for sterling silver (92.5%) and 750 for 18K gold (75%), so reading 950 is no different from reading those; only the metal changes. Our guides to 925, 750 and 585 work the same way.
The key point is that purity numbers describe a proportion, not a metal. Without a letter prefix, a maker's mark or a hallmark symbol next to it, a bare 950 has to be identified by other clues.
Which metal is a 950 stamp: platinum, palladium or silver?
Most of the time a 950 stamp on a ring, wedding band or setting is platinum, because 950 is the most common purity used for platinum jewelry. Palladium is also sold at 950 purity, and 950 silver exists as a historic and regional standard. Here is how the three compare.
| Metal | How a 950 mark often looks | Weight | What else to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Pt950 or PT950, often with a maker's mark | Very heavy (about 21.45 g/cmΒ³) | Most likely on rings, bands and settings |
| Palladium | Pd950 or 950 Pd | Much lighter (about 12 g/cmΒ³) | Looks like platinum but feels noticeably lighter |
| Silver (950) | Bare 950, sometimes with older or foreign marks | Lighter than both | Not sterling: sterling is 925, not 950 |
The densities above come from jeweler and metal reference guides and are rounded; treat them as approximate. The practical takeaway is that a platinum ring of a given size weighs roughly twice what the same ring in palladium does, which is why people often say platinum "feels heavy" (more on that in our platinum jewelry guide).
Is 950 silver or platinum?
If it is a ring or setting that feels heavy for its size and sits next to a Pt or PT, it is platinum; if the piece is a silver colored chain, bracelet or flatware style item with no letters, it could be a 950 silver standard. Historically, a general reference on metal purity lists 950 as the first standard for French silver, and England used a slightly purer 958 "Britannia" grade (95.8%) in certain periods. Neither is the same as sterling, which is 925.
That matters if you are comparing value. A 950 silver piece is slightly richer in silver than sterling, but the difference is small, and the stamp does not make it worth more by itself. We cover the 925 versus 999 spectrum in 925 vs 999 silver and the sterling naming debate in sterling silver vs 925 silver.
Is 950 real gold?
No. A 950 stamp is never a gold purity mark. Gold uses the numbers 375 (9K), 417 (10K), 585 (14K), 750 (18K) and 916 (22K), or the karat form such as 14K. Our gold purity numbers guide lays out each one, and how to tell if jewelry is real gold shows what to do if you are unsure.
The confusion is understandable, because platinum and white gold look alike. A white gold ring will be stamped 585 or 750 (or 14K or 18K). A platinum ring will be stamped 950 or Pt950. They are different metals with different weight, price and care needs, compared in white gold vs platinum.
How to tell what your 950 piece is made of
The fastest reliable route is to look for the letters, then compare weight, then ask a jeweler to test it. Work through these steps in order.
- Read the whole stamp. Use a loupe or phone camera zoom. Look for Pt, PT, Pd or a maker's mark beside the number. Letters that sit right next to 950 almost always settle the question.
- Look for hallmark symbols. In countries with official hallmarking, platinum and palladium each have their own symbol. Under an international convention, platinum uses a diamond shaped common control mark, and palladium has been covered by UK hallmarking law since 2010. Pieces from countries without a hallmark system rely on the maker's mark instead.
- Compare weight. If you own a ring of known metal in a similar size, platinum will feel much heavier than palladium or silver. This is a clue, not proof.
- Do not rely on a magnet. A magnet cannot separate these metals reliably, and passing or failing it proves little. See the magnet test by metal for what it can and cannot do.
- Ask a jeweler to confirm. A jeweler can run a specific gravity test or an X-ray fluorescence scan quickly and non-destructively. It is the only step that gives a firm answer.
Quick decision guide: what your 950 mark probably means
| If you see | It is probably | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Pt950, PT950 on a heavy ring or band | Platinum | Insure it and keep the receipt |
| Pd950 or 950 Pd | Palladium | Do not assume platinum value |
| Bare 950 on a light silver colored item | A high grade of silver | Have it tested if value matters |
| 950 plus 585 or 750 together | A mixed piece, such as a gold setting with a platinum part | Ask a jeweler to read each mark |
| 950 on a very light, thin or brittle piece | Unclear, possibly a mismarked item | Get it tested before buying or selling |
What is a 950 stamped piece worth?
A 950 mark alone does not set a price, because the value depends on which metal it is, how much it weighs, its condition and whether it has gemstones or a maker's reputation. Platinum, palladium and silver all trade at very different prices per gram, so the same stamp can mean very different money. We cannot value pieces for you, and we do not buy back or appraise jewelry. If you are thinking of selling, get more than one written quote and, for anything significant, ask a qualified appraiser; our guides to getting jewelry appraised and estate jewelry explain the process.
An honest note on what we do
AJLuxe does not sell platinum, palladium or 950 silver. Our pieces are 925 sterling silver or 316L stainless steel, finished with 18K gold plating or rhodium style plating, and set with cubic zirconia rather than diamonds. Plating wears gradually with daily wear, and none of our plated pieces carry a 950 purity mark. If you want an affordable everyday option rather than a precious metal, browse gold plated jewelry or stud earrings, such as our 925 sterling silver CZ stud earrings. For a personal gift, the Heart Initial Necklace is on a 316L stainless steel base with 18K gold plating. US orders ship free and returns are free.
Other stamps people mix up with 950
Several marks look similar at a glance. 925 is sterling silver, 999 is fine silver, 900 and 850 are lower platinum grades, and letters such as GP, GF or HGE mean a gold layer over another metal, not solid gold. Our explainers on GP and whether 925 is real silver cover the most common mix-ups, and how to tell if silver is real adds simple at-home checks.
More in this guide
Related reading: jewelry hallmarks guide, platinum jewelry guide, white gold vs platinum which should you choose 2026 guide, what is estate jewelry and how to tell if silver is real.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 950 mean on a ring?
On a ring it most often means platinum at 95.0% purity, especially if it appears as Pt950 or PT950. A bare 950 could also be palladium, so check for letters and weight, or ask a jeweler.
Is 950 real gold?
No. Gold purity is stamped 375, 417, 585, 750 or 916, or as a karat such as 14K or 18K. A 950 stamp refers to platinum, palladium or silver.
Is 950 silver better than 925 sterling silver?
It is slightly purer, at 95.0% versus 92.5% silver, but purer silver is also softer, which is one reason sterling became the common standard. Neither is "better" in every way; it depends on what the piece is for.
How do I know if my 950 is silver or platinum?
Look for Pt or Pd letters, compare the weight with a similar piece, and have a jeweler run a specific gravity or X-ray fluorescence test. Platinum is much heavier for its size than silver or palladium.
What is the 950 mark on jewelry worth?
The stamp alone does not tell you. The value depends on the metal, the weight, any stones and the condition, so get more than one written quote from jewelers or a qualified appraiser before you sell.
Can a plated piece be stamped 950?
A genuine 950 purity mark describes the solid metal, not a thin layer on top. A plated piece stamped 950 should be tested, because the mark may be wrong, decorative or applied to only part of the item.
Is palladium the same as platinum?
No. They are related white metals that look alike, but palladium is much lighter, and the two are priced separately even when both are 95.0% pure, so one should never be sold or insured as the other.
Does AJLuxe sell 950 jewelry?
No. Our line is 925 sterling silver and 316L stainless steel with gold or rhodium style plating, and we do not sell platinum, palladium or solid gold.
Written by AJLuxe Team. Last updated: October 2026
All third-party trademarks, brand names and product names are the property of their respective owners. AJLuxe is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise connected to any third-party brand referenced in this article. Brand names are used solely for accurate comparative reference, and material descriptions reflect each brand's own published product specifications at the time of writing.
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