Platinum has a hardness of 4 – 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Basically, this means it can be scratched by any harder material. By comparison, diamond, the hardest substance, measures 10 on the same scale.
Even platinum which is naturally a heavier and harder metal than gold will be prone to scratches and scuffs.
Only polishing will remove scratches from gold and platinum. However, the patina of fine scratches that develops over time can add beauty to the jewelry and can reflect the journey a piece has taken. The polishing process removes metal and is only recommended to be carried out a few times over the life of the piece.
The downside of Platinum is that it tends to lose its high polish and sharp edges fairly quickly. This is not because they are being worn away but, more accurately, they are being moulded like clay around the surface of the ring.
Although platinum and gold are both strong precious metals, platinum is the more durable of the two. The prongs holding the center gemstone of a platinum ring are much less likely to break compared to those of a gold engagement ring. Despite being more durable, however, platinum will get scratched easier than gold.
The only disadvantages to platinum are the higher cost and heavier weight. For example, platinum is a great metal for necklaces, bracelets and rings but not earrings, because the heavy weight may pull down more on your ears and cause discomfort.
Experts posit that platinum is about 15–20 times scarcer than gold and approximately 60–100 times scarcer than silver, on the basis of annual mine production. Since 2014, platinum prices have fallen lower than gold. Approximately 75% of global platinum is mined in South Africa.
Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat and extreme cold, which means platinum jewellery will retain its good looks better than any other metal.
More Durable Than Other Metals: Platinum is an incredibly durable metal, ranking 20% denser than white gold and 60% denser than yellow gold. While not immune to the damages of everyday wear and tear, platinum's durability is a big appeal for engagement ring shoppers with active lifestyles.
Platinum would never fade or change color over time. All precious metals eventually show wear, including platinum. However, platinum is one of the most durable precious metals you can choose for a ring because of its enduring nature, and it'll wear the best out of any precious metal.
The appearance of small scratches on platinum
It is the nature of the material to show signs of wear and tear. Small scratches and wear contrast with the brand-new look of a ring. Over time, wear will gradually build on the surface of the ring. Owing to the density of Platinum, scratches tend not to wear through it.
Regular cleaning at home can preserve the shine and remove the patina from your platinum jewelry pieces. However, professional cleaning by a professional jeweler is essential at least once a year for your jewelry.
Your jeweler can polish your platinum back to a high shine if you like (platinum's natural patina, a soft, lustrous finish that develops over time, is preferred by many). Your jeweler should also check your setting, to make sure everything is safe and secure.
Platinum is very durable. When scratched, the scratch actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch. This is where durability comes in. Whereas other precious metals, if scratched, lose metal, and thus wear down, Platinum does so at a much slower rate.
Believe it or not, the chemicals present in everyday products like cleaning supplies, perfumes, hairsprays, etc. can be quite harsh. They can weaken the structure of your precious metal over a period of time. Also, the chlorine present in swimming pools can ruin the platinum's shine and cause discoloration.
Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.
Some investors may want to prioritize stability and long-term investing. In that case, gold is likely the better option. The precious metal has a longstanding history of reliable demand which often spikes during economic downturns. On the other hand, platinum usually performs better during times of economic growth.
Platinum is now the more affordable choice, and comes with a lot of benefits. Historically, it has always been the most expensive out of all the white metals used in jewellery, but now white gold comes at the highest premium. In terms of durability, platinum also is a great choice.
Can you wear platinum in the shower? A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.
If your jewelry is made completely from platinum or palladium, you have nothing to fear from chlorine. But a word of caution! Make sure your jewelry is completely made from platinum or palladium. If it contains any silver or karat gold, you must take it off or risk damage.
These alloy metals get corroded when exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine. You should thus avoid wearing your engagement band into the pool or hot tub if it contains any of these alloy metals. However, if your ring is made out of pure gold, platinum, or palladium then you need not worry about chlorine.
If you look at the material value of precious metals, platinum sits at the top. The shiny white metal is considered a strong symbol of value and quality. The supply of platinum is much lower vs that of gold. It's also far more difficult to extract than the yellow metal.
Platinum Coins
Platinum bullion in the form of coins is fairly easy to sell. This is because the quality and purity of officially minted coins is often guaranteed or clearly documented, especially if you made your purchase from a reputable source.
Platinum is rarer than gold, and its demand is strong across several industries. However, platinum is a highly volatile precious metal that tends to see sharp swings in its prices. Its volatility can create opportunities for profit, but there's always the chance of losing a lot of money.