Pt 56.032 Pd 43.632 Rh 297.394 Au 139.569 Ag 2.04

Platinum Is Back: A Surprising Surge in Demand from the Jewelry Industry

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Ami Gur

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Platinum Is Back: A Surprising Surge in Demand from the Jewelry Industry

Hi friends,

I’ve just returned from a visit to my colleagues at 8853 S.p.A. near Milan, Italy — a well-established and respected company, also known in the trade as Banco Villa. During our meeting, one particular topic caught my attention: a sharp rise in demand for platinum sheets, wires, and tubes, typically in the 950 alloy, used by the jewelry industry.

For years, platinum has been seen as more prestigious than gold. Not only because of its rarity and higher density, but also symbolically — think of “platinum credit cards” outranking gold ones. Historically, this prestige came at a price: platinum was more expensive than gold, and its heavier weight made it more costly to manufacture high-end jewelry and watches.

But the tables have turned.

Today, gold is trading at over $100 per gram, while platinum hovers around $30 per gram. This dramatic shift in relative pricing has opened new doors for platinum as a luxury material that is more affordable than ever — without compromising exclusivity or prestige.

I was genuinely surprised to hear from my Italian colleagues that they’ve seen a several-hundred-percent increase in demand for platinum semi-finished products over the past months. It seems the jewelry world is re-discovering platinum — not only as a status symbol but also as a smart choice from both design and economic perspectives.

Whether this trend will stabilize or accelerate is yet to be seen, but it certainly marks a fascinating chapter in the precious metals market.

More updates soon from the world of platinum, gold, and beyond!

Platinum Is Back – Update 27/09/2025

Only a few months ago we published “Platinum Is Back” — and today the market has validated that call. Platinum is trading at around $50 per gram, marking a sharp 66% increase in a very short time.

The surge highlights how quickly momentum can build in precious metals when supply pressures meet renewed demand. And it’s not just platinum — all prices are moving higher, signaling a broader rally across the market.

Stay tuned, because the precious metals story is far from over.

Best regards,
Ami Gur
Precious Metals Mechanics – by A.G. Metals

CATALYST OF THE WEEK & TIP OF THE WEEK – 55

August 6, 2026 No Comments

CAR CATALYST OF THE WEEK & TIP OF THE WEEK

In this newsletter, we feature the KIA Hyundai catalytic converter Serial #U04AD0
and Tip of the Week — Your XRF Is Only as Good as the Surface You Measure

DATE 08.08.26 ISSUE #55

Data

  • Car Private
  • Brand KIA Hyundai
  • Ref U04AD0
 
Monolith A
Monolith B
Metal Price $/g – ($/tOz)
Type
Monolith A
Monolith B
Monolith C
Ceramic
 
 
Weight
Monolith A
Monolith B
Monolith C
239 gram 0.52 lb
 
 
Palladium
Monolith A
Monolith B
Metal Price
925 PPM (0.925 g/kg)
 
$40
Platinum
Monolith A
Monolith B
Metal Price
0
 
$50
Rhodium
Monolith A
Monolith B
Metal Price
93 PPM (0.093 g/kg)
 
$250
$ Value of the Monolith.
Monolith A
Monolith B
Monolith C
$14.4
 
 
Total Value of the cat.
$14.4
 

Note:
1.Please Use This calculator is designed for calculating catalytic converters.
2. Please consider that the PGM (Pt, Pd, Rh) content might change from one catalytic to another (with the same serial #) due to its condition affected by mileage, weather conditions, etc. *Assay made with Niton XLT3GOLDD+

 

THE BEST VERIFIER FOR GOLD AND SILVER BULIONS Sigma Metalytics PMV PRO w Small, Large, Refiners Wands & Bridge FULL KIT SM2701

 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Your XRF Is Only as Good as the Surface You Measure

An XRF analyzer only analyzes the surface it “sees.” If that surface is plated, oxidized, painted, contaminated, or affected by casting segregation, the results may be misleading.
A small cordless rotary tool has become one of the most valuable accessories in my field kit. A few seconds of polishing often expose fresh metal and provide much more representative XRF results.
Of course, the preferred method is always to drill or machine the sample and analyze chips or freshly exposed bulk material. However, during field inspections, high-volume sorting, or when the customer does not want significant damage to the part, surface polishing is an excellent practical compromise.
Another advantage is when dealing with thick coatings. Measure the surface, polish, measure again, and repeat if necessary. Watching the XRF composition change after each polishing step often reveals whether you are analyzing a coating or the base metal underneath.
Remember: Never assume the surface represents the material beneath it. A few-second polish can prevent costly mistakes. 

Ami Gur, Materials Engineer
Precious Metals Recycling Experts