Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum – Plat. or Pt. – also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.

The most commonly used silver alloy in jewelry is Sterling silver. This consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. When these two elements are combined, these create a mixture that is durable enough for everyday use and at the same time, maintains the desired shine. In some cases, rhodium is incorporated in silver to provide a tarnish-resistant finish.

Aside from Sterling silver, there are other jewelries that are composed of silver and other metals. These silver jewelries include silver 800, an 80/20 mix of silver and other metals. There are also silver-plated jewelries. However, these are not good long-term investments because the silver wears off after some time. This is also true of nickel silver jewelry. This type does not actually contain silver; it is a combination of several other metals.

No matter what type of silver is used in silver jewelry, it is important to take care of it since it has the tendency to scratch and tarnish after a period of time. Although silver can make a fine piece of jewelry, silver requires high maintenance compared to gold.