You’ve heard the phrase, “all that glitters is not gold” before. Shakespeare may not have been talking about jewelry, but it’s certainly something to think about when considering platinum vs gold pieces.
Both platinum and gold are precious metals valued for their lustrous appearance. They also both make for potential investments and beguiling gifts. So how do you choose between the two when purchasing timeless and valuable jewelry pieces?
This guide discusses the main differences between these two stunning metals and how these differences may affect your jewelry investments. Keep reading to learn how platinum vs gold jewelry compares and which is suitable for you.
The bottom line: Choosing between platinum and gold is not just a matter of aesthetics; it's also about lifestyle, comfort, and long-term value. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. So, let's delve into the captivating world of platinum and gold to discover which metal truly resonates with you.
Contents:
- Color
- Comfort
- Appearance
- Durability and strength
- Maintenance
- Price
- Investment opportunities
- Rarity
- Weight
- Is platinum better than gold for a wedding ring?
- Is platinum better than gold?
Color
When comparing gold versus platinum, color is the first and most obvious difference. Platinum jewelry is exclusively white, while gold jewelry can come in a range of colors.
In recent years, both white and rose gold have become popular jewelry choices. White gold is pure gold mixed with paler alloys, such as silver and nickel. Rose gold, on the other hand, is created by combining pure gold with copper.
Although we understand why you may be considering choosing one of these different shades of gold, it's important to know that 24-karat gold jewelry is only ever yellow in color. The purity of 24-karat gold gives it a unique warm richness.
Both gold and platinum complement all complexions and have an inimitable glow. They look beautiful against the skin, whether that's in the form of a ring, bracelet or pair of earrings.
Summary: When deciding between gold and platinum in terms of color, consider your style preferences. If you're a fan of cooler tones, opt for platinum. This metal maintains its lustrous shine for years, making it a superior choice to white gold. For those who gravitate towards warm shades, 24-karat gold jewelry is your calling card. Regardless of your choice, both precious metals guarantee a lasting impression.
Comfort
Your fine jewelry should also feel great to wear. After all, you always look your best when feeling comfortable and confident. The good news is that both pure platinum and gold are more pleasant to wear than lower-quality metals.
The comfort of gold and platinum stems from their purity. Most jewelry is a mix of a precious metal and an alloy. For instance, 18k gold can be gold mixed with silver, copper, nickel or zinc. Whilst these other metals help to create new colors and effects; they can trigger skin reactions.
If you have sensitive skin or metal allergies, you need to find hypoallergenic jewelry options. Luckily, as well as being stunning, both pure platinum and gold are hypoallergenic as they’re not mixed with anything else.
Besides skin reactions, comfort also comes down to the weight of your piece. Gold is generally lighter than platinum, depending on the design. You may find a lighter piece more comfortable, or you might love the heaviness of a statement piece.
Summary: When it comes to comfort, both platinum and gold offer hypoallergenic properties due to their purity, making them ideal choices for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies. The weight of the metal can also influence comfort; gold is generally lighter, while platinum offers a more substantial feel. Your choice between platinum and gold should align with your comfort preferences, whether you're drawn to the light elegance of gold or the solid presence of platinum.
Appearance
As mentioned, platinum and gold both boast unique qualities when it comes to color. However, as we want you to love your 7879 jewelry for years to come, we encourage you to consider how it will fit with your lifestyle and personal style too.
Many of our customers ask about white gold vs. platinum. While they look similar and do complement each other, platinum retains its captivating appearance for longer due to its purity and strength.
In contrast, white gold usually needs to be re-plated after a few years. If you want something timeless, therefore, we suggest opting for platinum over white gold. It’s worth noting that 24k yellow gold also requires less maintenance than other shades of gold, making it another perfect choice for lasting luxury.
When it comes to 24k gold vs. platinum, the aesthetic choice is yours. Both metals create vibrant jewelry that stands the test of time. If you want something a little less conspicuous, choose platinum.
If you really want to make a statement, however, the rare yellow shade of 24k gold might be for you. Remember, 24k yellow gold also contrasts well against diamonds.
Summary: When weighing the aesthetic merits of platinum versus 24k gold, consider both your lifestyle and personal style. Platinum offers lasting brilliance with minimal upkeep, while 24k gold provides a luxurious, eye-catching hue that pairs beautifully with diamonds. Both metals are designed for longevity, but your choice should align with how you want to express yourself and how much maintenance you're willing to commit to.
Durability and strength
Whether you’re buying jewelry to wear or as an investment, you’ll want to make sure it stays in the best condition possible. At 7879, we’re often asked, “Is platinum better than gold in terms of durability?”
In short, yes. Platinum is stronger than gold and more resistant. Platinum has a high-density chemical composition which makes it less likely to take on damage. What’s more, platinum’s unique chemical structure means that when platinum jewelry is scratched, you don’t lose any of the metal.
Let’s get scientific for a minute. The chemical compounds in platinum mean that the metal displaces on the surface when disturbed. So, if you scratch your platinum ring, for example, you can get it rebuffed and your jewelry will still weigh the same. Ergo, your investment won’t lose any value.
In contrast, when 24k gold jewelry is scratched, metal does come off the surface. That said, it’s very unlikely that your gold will lose significant value, and there’s plenty you can do to keep it safe.
To answer the question, “Is platinum better than gold?”; it’s completely subjective. You may find other qualities in this guide more appealing. We wouldn’t place too much importance on durability, especially if you follow our care tips.
Summary: When it comes to durability and strength, platinum has a slight edge over 24k gold. Its chemical structure allows it to resist scratches without losing any material, maintaining its value. While 24k gold is also durable, it's more susceptible to surface loss when scratched. Ultimately, the choice between platinum and gold depends on your personal preferences and how you prioritize durability in your jewelry. Following proper care guidelines can extend the lifespan of both materials.
Maintenance
We believe that marks in your precious jewelry add character and tell your personal story. We also want to reassure you that superficial damage won’t affect your investment’s value. However, if you’re purchasing one of our special gold or platinum investment pieces, it’s still important to think about how to maintain the piece.
You don’t want to impact the look and luster of your jewelry, nor do you want to spend extra time and money on upkeep. Luckily, 24k gold or platinum jewelry is quite easy to take care of compared to lower-quality items.
The purity of 24k gold and platinum means you needn’t worry about polishing and replating. Instead, you can simply take care of your pieces at home to ensure they maintain their shine. This includes avoiding abrasion by removing rings and bracelets when doing housework or exercise, a regular cleaning with gentle solutions, and storing your pieces in the suede pouch they come in.
If low-maintenance jewelry is high on your list of priorities, we recommend opting for platinum. As mentioned in the previous section, platinum is the most durable of the precious metals and therefore requires less aftercare.
In any case, consider wearing gold or platinum pieces on rotation. Although it might be tempting to wear your favorite jewelry all the time, you can make sure it’s always ready to shine by giving it a little time off now and then.
Summary: Maintenance for your 24k gold or platinum jewelry is relatively hassle-free, thanks to their purity. While both metals are easy to care for, platinum takes the lead in durability and requires less aftercare. Simple at-home practices like regular cleaning and proper storage can go a long way in preserving the shine and value of your pieces. If you're looking for low-maintenance luxury, platinum is a strong contender. Rotating your favorite pieces can also help keep them in optimal condition.
Price
Although we always tell our customers to trust their hearts when choosing a piece of our jewelry, we also fully believe in investing in the enduring value of gold or platinum. It’s one of our founding principles.
With that in mind, it’s perfectly reasonable to question which of the two metals is worth more and which retains its value better. Most people think platinum is the more expensive of the two, but that isn’t always correct.
Platinum has a higher value than the likes of 18k and 22k gold. However, gram for gram, 24k gold is more expensive. Luckily, at 7879, our prices follow the current market value of these precious metals. This means you can rely on us to give you honest prices for the weight of your jewelry, and you can also buy when the price is right for you.
Summary: When it comes to price, both gold and platinum offer enduring value, but they differ in cost per gram. While platinum generally holds a higher value than 18k or 22k gold, 24k gold takes the crown for being more expensive gram for gram. At 7879, our pricing aligns with the current market value, ensuring you get an honest deal based on the weight of your chosen piece. Whether you opt for gold or platinum, you're making a sound investment.
Investment opportunities
When it comes to investing in precious metals, the question often arises: "Is it better to invest in gold or platinum?" Both options have their merits, and your choice may ultimately depend on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook.
Platinum, often considered the "rich man's gold," is not just a symbol of luxury; it's also a critical component in various industries, most notably the automotive sector. Its rarity and high demand make it a potentially lucrative but volatile investment. Platinum prices can experience significant fluctuations based on industrial demand, geopolitical stability, and technological advancements. If you're an investor who's comfortable with higher volatility and wants to capitalize on industrial trends, platinum could be an exciting option for you.
Gold, on the other hand, has been a store of value and a symbol of wealth for thousands of years. It's the classic safe-haven asset that investors flock to in times of economic uncertainty. Unlike platinum, gold is less influenced by industrial demand and more by investor sentiment, geopolitical events, and inflation rates. Its price tends to be more stable over time, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a less volatile investment. Gold also has broader uses, including in jewelry, electronics, and even dentistry, which adds to its demand and stability.
Both platinum and gold are rare and valuable, but they serve different roles in an investment portfolio. Platinum's value is more tied to its industrial applications and can offer higher returns, albeit with more risk. Gold is the go-to asset for preserving wealth and offers a more stable, albeit often less spectacular, return on investment.
Summary: The question of whether it's better to invest in gold or platinum doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Platinum is more volatile but offers the allure of higher returns due to its industrial applications. Gold provides a stable and time-tested avenue for preserving wealth, especially in uncertain economic times. Both metals offer unique investment opportunities, and your choice should align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Rarity
When it comes to the rarity of precious metals, both gold and platinum are considered rare, but they exist in different abundances and are mined at different rates, which contributes to their value and investment potential.
Platinum is significantly rarer than gold. In fact, it's estimated that if all the platinum ever mined were melted and poured into an Olympic-sized swimming pool, it would scarcely be deep enough to cover your ankles. Gold, meanwhile, would fill more than three pools. Platinum's rarity is part of its allure and value. It's mined far less than gold, primarily in South Africa and Russia, and its scarcity makes it a highly sought-after metal for both industrial applications and investment portfolios.
Gold, although more abundant than platinum, is still a rare metal. It's been mined for thousands of years and is found in various parts of the world, from Africa to Asia. Its broader distribution and longer history of mining make it more available than platinum but don't mistake its relative abundance for a lack of value. Gold's enduring appeal, both culturally and financially, ensures its status as a precious metal and a sound investment.
Summary: When it comes to rarity, platinum takes the crown. It's far less abundant than gold and is mined at a much smaller scale, making it a more scarce resource. However, gold's broader availability doesn't diminish its value or desirability as an investment. Both metals are rare in their own right, but platinum's scarcity gives it a unique edge in the world of precious metals.
Weight
Comparing the weight of the two, platinum is notably denser and heavier than gold at the same volume. This characteristic is often considered a mark of luxury and durability, but it's also something to consider when choosing the type of jewelry you'll be wearing. For example, if you're in the market for earrings and prefer something lightweight, platinum might not be your first choice due to its heft. In such cases, you might want to explore our collection of gold earrings, which offer the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
The density of platinum can be both a pro and a con. On one hand, the weightiness of platinum jewelry can give it a substantial, luxurious feel. On the other hand, some people find the weight to be a bit much for everyday wear, especially for pieces like earrings or delicate necklaces. Gold, being lighter, offers more versatility in this regard, allowing for intricate designs that won't weigh you down.
Summary: Platinum is denser and heavier than gold by volume, which can be a luxury for some but a drawback for others, especially those who prefer lightweight jewelry. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, you might find gold more to your liking. The choice between gold and platinum often comes down to personal preference for weight and how you plan to wear your pieces.
Is platinum better than gold for a wedding ring?
When choosing a wedding ring, is platinum better than gold? The answer isn't straightforward, as both metals have their advantages and drawbacks. Platinum is renowned for its durability and strength, making it an excellent choice for a ring that you'll wear every day. Its natural white sheen doesn't fade over time, which means you won't have to worry about re-plating it, as you would with white gold.
Gold, on the other hand, offers a timeless allure and a variety of colors, including the classic yellow, sophisticated white, and romantic rose. Gold rings are generally lighter than platinum rings and can be more comfortable for some people. Additionally, 24-karat gold has the advantage of being hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
However, it's essential to consider lifestyle factors. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, platinum's durability might be more suitable for you. On the flip side, if you're drawn to the warm hues of gold and are looking for something a bit lighter, a gold ring could be your perfect match.
The choice between platinum and gold for a wedding ring boils down to personal preference, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires. For a more in-depth comparison to help you make this significant decision, check out our blog on how to choose the perfect wedding ring.
In conclusion: is platinum better than gold?
The answer is as unique as you are. Both metals offer distinct advantages, whether it's the enduring strength and luster of platinum or the timeless elegance and versatility of gold. At 7879, we celebrate the unique qualities of each, offering meticulously crafted pieces that let the natural beauty of these metals take center stage.
Whether you're investing, gifting, or simply treating yourself, our collections offer something for everyone. If you're drawn to the resilience and sheen of platinum, explore our platinum jewelry collection. For those who are captivated by the classic allure of gold, our gold jewelry collection awaits your discovery.