Overwhelming endorsement was given to current international industry standards and practices that restrict the use of the unqualified word “Platinum” (or PT., Plat, or other national symbol) to describe platinum alloys that contain 850 parts per thousand, or more, of pure platinum.

The survey results were announced last week at a meeting of the CIBJO President’s Council, held at the Italian Trade Commission offices in New York.

CIBJO members had agreed to undertake the survey at the CIBJO Congress in Hong Kong in March 2005. Members were asked to survey their country’s views on platinum standards and industry practices related to platinum alloys, and the nomenclature used to describe and mark jewelry containing platinum. So far, 22 surveys have been completed and submitted, representing nations in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East,

“The current ISO standard 9202 for platinum’s purity not only ensures that consumers are buying a quality product when purchasing platinum jewelry, but it underscores the high level of purity that consumers worldwide have come to expect and understand when purchasing jewelry made of platinum,” said CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri. “Clearly, CIBJO members believe that changes in these areas could result in consumer confusion and dissatisfaction.”

Survey results also indicated that CIBJO members would support the creation of standards for nomenclature, thickness of coating, and grades of purity of metal for coating or plating for jewelry items coated or plated with platinum or other platinum group metals.

The proliferation of platinum plated or coated jewelry, and the introduction of new alloys of platinum in the U.S. market has led to increased interest among CIBJO members for industry practices and standards for the precious metal.

JCK