Many people resell their platinum at the price of silver - without even realizing it. This discreet white metal looks like silver or white gold; yet it is rarer, denser, and often more precious. Confusing the two means risking leaving money on the table.
Do you have a wedding band, an engagement ring, or a platinum bracelet you no longer wear? That piece contains a precious metal whose value is calculated, as with gold, to the gram. You just need to know how to recognize it and the right habits to follow before selling.
At Jayma Or, we buy gold in Dakar every day, but also other precious metals. We test, we weigh in front of you, and we pay cash, the same day. Here, in full transparency, is how to evaluate and resell your platinum jewelry at a fair price.
In this guide, you will learn:
- how to recognize platinum and tell it apart from silver or white gold;
- why this metal is rare - and what really makes its value;
- the concrete steps to resell it without being taken advantage of;
- the safety precautions you should never overlook.
What platinum is, and why it is valuable
Platinum is a white-grey precious metal, naturally bright, that does not tarnish or rust. It is one of the rarest metals on the planet: far less of it is mined each year than gold. This rarity, combined with its strength, is why it has historically been reserved for high-end jewelry - wedding bands, engagement rings, settings for precious stones.
Two characteristics set it apart:
- Its density. Platinum is noticeably heavier than silver. At equal size, a platinum ring "weighs" more in the hand. This is often the first clue.
- Its purity. Platinum jewelry is generally very pure - often 95% platinum (hallmark 950), sometimes 90% (hallmark 900). Far more than 18- or 14-karat gold, for example.
Let's be honest: the resale value of a piece always depends on the world rate of the metal, which fluctuates. Platinum and gold do not even follow exactly the same rate. That is why a real estimate requires a test and a weighing - not a "by eye" guess.
How to recognize a platinum piece
Before selling, identify what you actually have in your hands. Here are the most reliable markers:
- Look for the hallmark. On the inside of the band or on the clasp, look for the markings PT, PLAT, PLATINE, or the numbers 950 / 900. This is the clearest sign.
- Weigh the piece in your hand. If it feels surprisingly heavy for its size, that is a good indication of platinum.
- Observe the color. Platinum keeps a cool, stable white over time. White gold, by contrast, is often covered with a thin layer (rhodium) that eventually wears off and reveals a slightly yellow tint.
Can't find any hallmark, or have a doubt? That is normal: many old or repaired pieces have lost their marking. The only way to be sure is a professional test. Try it: compare the weight of your piece to a silver object of similar size - you will often feel the difference.
How the value of your platinum is calculated
The logic is the same as for gold, and it rests on three elements:
- The purity of the metal (950, 900, etc.), which tells how much pure platinum the piece actually contains.
- The exact weight, measured to the tenth of a gram on a precise scale.
- The daily rate of platinum on the world market.
And mistake number one, here too: the buyback price has nothing to do with the price paid in a jewelry shop. In a shop, you paid for the metal + the craftsmanship + the brand. On resale, only the precious metal the item contains counts. Stones (diamonds, etc.) are evaluated separately; we explain every line of the calculation.
To go further into how a precious metal is appraised, read our article on expertise in gold, precious stones, and other precious metals.
The steps to resell your platinum at a fair price
- Identify the metal and its purity. Spot the hallmark (PT, 950, 900). If in doubt, a quick test settles the question.
- Have the piece weighed in front of you. Be wary of any estimate made without a scale. To understand a proper weighing, see how jewelers weigh gold.
- Insist on a transparent estimate. The test and the weighing should happen in front of you, and the price should be explained to you (purity + weight + rate).
- Compare against a reference. Look into the rate for the metal before deciding. A serious offer can always be explained.
- Sell where you are paid cash, safely. The right buyer pays you in full, immediately, in a professional setting.
Selling safely
Selling a precious metal means handling a valuable item. A few simple rules spare you any bad memories:
- Favor a professional, established place rather than an improvised meeting with a stranger.
- Bring an ID. A serious buyer verifies the seller's identity; we explain why in this article.
- Refuse any estimate made out of your sight.
- Insist on clear, immediate payment. At Jayma Or, it is cash, the same day.
Can't travel? We can send a trusted courier to your home or office to carry out the transaction safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is platinum worth more than gold?
It depends on the rate at the time, because the two metals do not follow the same market. Platinum is rarer and platinum jewelry is often very pure (950), which weighs into the value. The only way to know precisely is the test and the weighing.
My platinum piece has no hallmark, is that a problem?
No. Many old or repaired pieces have lost their marking. A professional test determines the nature and purity of the metal precisely, without needing the hallmark.
Do you buy platinum the same way you buy gold?
We are first and foremost gold buyers, but we also evaluate other precious metals. The simplest thing is to send us a photo: we'll tell you right away whether we can make you an offer.
What if my piece contains stones?
The metal and the stones are evaluated separately. We clearly explain how each element factors into the final estimate.
When do I get paid?
Immediately. Once the piece is tested, weighed, and the price accepted, you are paid cash the same day - usually within minutes.
Take action: get your platinum appraised for free
You now know how to recognize platinum, understand its value, and resell it safely. There is just one step left.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate: send a photo of your piece over WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or book an appointment. We test, weigh, and pay cash the same day - and if you would rather not travel, we send a courier to you.
Don't let a precious piece sit in a drawer when it can become cash today. Write to us: in a few minutes you will know what your platinum is really worth.