1. Composition: PT950 is a platinum alloy that contains 95% platinum and 5% other metals such as cobalt, nickel, or copper. On the other hand, PT990 has a higher purity level with 99% platinum and just 1% of other metals.
2. Price: Due to its higher platinum content, PT990 is more expensive than PT950. The manufacturing process requires more efforts to achieve higher purity levels, which makes the price difference noticeable.
3. Durability: Despite having just 5% of other metals, PT950 is known for its excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. The addition of other metals enhances the platinum's strength, making it ideal for creating jewelry that can withstand daily wear. PT990, being purer, may not have the same level of durability.
4. Color: Another subtle difference between PT950 and PT990 is their color. Pure platinum has a grayish-white color, and PT990 being purer has a slightly brighter white color. In contrast, PT950 has a slightly darker shade due to the added metals.
5. Design Flexibility: PT950 and PT990 offer designers with versatile options when it comes to designing jewelry. However due to its higher purity, PT990 might not be as malleable or easy to work with as PT950. For intricate designs, PT950 might be preferred over PT990 as it may offer better design flexibility.
6. Allergens: Nickel allergy is a common issue that many people suffer from. As PT950 may contain a small amount of this metal, people with nickel allergies must be careful while handling platinum jewelry made with the PT950 alloy. On the other hand, PT990 is less likely to cause allergic reactions as it has a much lower percentage of other metals.
