If you are thinking about how to sell platinum jewelry in Burbank, you are probably holding something with more value than you expect. An old engagement ring, a parent’s wedding band or a box of estate jewelry may contain platinum, one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals in the world. Paul Albanian and Associates LLC has been buying precious metals, coins and fine jewelry in the San Fernando Valley for more than 30 years, and questions about platinum come up more often than you might think. This guide explains what platinum is worth, how to recognize it and how to get a fair price.
What Is Platinum Worth Today?
As of October 4, 2026, Kitco’s live platinum chart showed platinum at $1,691 per troy ounce, down $23 on the day. That is roughly $54.37 per gram for pure platinum. Most jewelry is not pure, though. The standard jewelry alloy, Pt950, is 95 percent platinum, which puts the metal in a typical ring at about $51.65 per gram at today’s spot price.
Platinum is driven by automotive demand, jewelry and industrial use, so its price can swing quickly, and it has drifted lower over the past month. The figure on the day you sell may be different from the one you read today. That is one more reason to get a current, in-person evaluation rather than relying on an old number you saw online.
How to Tell If Your Jewelry Is Platinum
The quickest check is the hallmark. Look inside the band, or on the clasp or setting, for stamps such as Pt950, 950 Plat, Plat or Pt900. These marks tell you how much of the piece is platinum. A few other clues can help:
- Weight: Platinum is about 60 percent denser than gold, so a platinum ring usually feels noticeably heavier than a white gold ring of the same size.
- Magnet test: Platinum is not magnetic. If a strong magnet grabs your ring, it is not solid platinum.
- Color: Do not rely on color alone. White gold and platinum can look nearly identical, and older platinum often has a soft gray patina.
Avoid scratching, filing or using acids on a piece at home. A professional can test it quickly and safely.
How Platinum Jewelry Is Valued
The basic formula for scrap value is weight times purity times spot price. For example, a 10-gram Pt950 band contains 9.5 grams of pure platinum. At $54.37 per gram, that is about $516 in melt value. A buyer who melts and refines the metal cannot pay the full melt value, because refining costs money, but the math shows why even small pieces matter. Three things can push a piece above its metal value:
- Gemstones: A diamond or sapphire in a platinum setting may be worth more than the metal itself and should be evaluated separately.
- Age and craftsmanship: Platinum was a favorite for fine jewelry in the early twentieth century, and genuine Art Deco and Edwardian pieces can carry collector value.
- Signature names: Pieces from well-known jewelers can sell for far more than their metal content.
Condition matters less than people think. Bent, broken or outdated platinum still has value, because the metal itself is what is being purchased.
Platinum Hiding in Estates and Inherited Collections
Anyone settling an estate or planning an estate sale should look carefully before donating or discarding anything. Platinum is easy to miss. It does not tarnish like silver, but older pieces can look dull or gray, and a plain band does not announce its value.
Gather every ring, watch, loose stone, single earring and broken chain, and keep the original boxes and paperwork if you have them. If a loved one also left behind a coin collection, gold or silver, bring everything in together so each item can be evaluated for what it is truly worth. Selling to one dealer in a single visit is far simpler than splitting an inheritance across several buyers.
Why a Burbank Precious Metals Dealer Beats a Generic Pawn Shop
Pawn shops are built around short-term loans and general merchandise. A dealer that specializes in precious metals looks at your piece differently: the metal, the stones and any collectible value are each assessed on their own merits. If you have been searching for a pawn shop near me hoping for quick cash, it is worth asking whether a specialist could serve you better.
A local platinum jewelry buyer in Burbank also lets you sit across the counter from the person making the offer, ask how the number was calculated and decide without pressure. Paul Albanian and Associates LLC has served Burbank and the San Fernando Valley for over three decades, and owner Paul Albanian works with precious metals and coins every day.
What to Expect When You Sell
A good dealer will weigh your items, test the metal, examine any stones and explain how the offer was reached based on the current spot price. You are free to accept the offer or walk away. Knowing the basics ahead of time helps you feel confident in the conversation.
Tips for Getting a Fair Offer
- Gather everything first, including pieces you assume are costume jewelry.
- Check for hallmarks and note any you find.
- Look up the current platinum spot price so you know where the market stands.
- Ask the buyer to explain how the offer was calculated.
- Bring a valid photo ID, which licensed dealers generally require.
Platinum vs. White Gold: A Quick Visual Guide
Not sure whether your white-metal ring is platinum or white gold? This short video explains the difference between the two.
Ready to Sell Platinum Jewelry in Burbank?
If you have platinum rings, estate jewelry or an inherited coin collection, Paul Albanian and Associates LLC would be glad to take a look. Call 818-200-8816 to ask about selling platinum, gold, silver, coins or fine jewelry in Burbank. Prices change daily, so the best time to find out what your platinum is worth is today.