Durability. The difference in durability is really no contest between platinum and silver. Silver is a soft metal that wears down quickly and tarnishes easily. One of the biggest advantages of platinum is its high melting point, making it hard enough to not require any alloys.
If the jewelry is stamped with the number 925 or the letter S, it is made of sterling silver. If it's stamped with the letters PLAT, PT, or the word Platinum, it is platinum jewelry.
Silver (Ag) is the cheapest of the 3 metals. Currently Silver is around 2.5% the price of Gold & just 1.67% the price of Platinum. At Jewelove™ we make jewelry in silver only on order.
Platinum jewelry won't corrode or tarnish, so it requires minimal maintenance, aside from regular cleaning with a diluted solution of mild detergent and water. However, platinum can still get scratched despite its higher hardness rating compared to silver.
While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it's not good. Sterling silver is a high-quality material that's both durable and beautiful to wear.
- .999 fine silver is made up of 99.9% pure silver and less than .1% copper or other ingredients. Here are my Top 5 reasons why I feel .999 is better than .925 and the differences between the two: 1. .
Durability. The difference in durability is really no contest between platinum and silver. Silver is a soft metal that wears down quickly and tarnishes easily. One of the biggest advantages of platinum is its high melting point, making it hard enough to not require any alloys.
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.
As we explained earlier, “925” means that 92.5% of the metal in the item you are looking at is gold, silver or platinum. That means that 7.5% of its content is made up of other metals. In other words, you are looking at an alloy.
Silver is a metal that tarnishes (oxidizes) quickly. It is also soft and easily scratched. Platinum is just the opposite – it is extremely resistant to oxidation and so hard that it resists wear. So plating a layer of platinum onto silver produces an item of jewelry that is both tarnish-resistant and durable.
Platinum jewelry doesn't tarnish like silver, but it does take on a signature patina over time.
Ultimately, both gold and platinum have their unique advantages as investment options. While gold is a traditional safe haven asset with a long history of stability, platinum offers exposure to unique industries and potentially greater returns due to its volatility.
Why is sterling silver so cheap? Sterling silver is inexpensive compared to other precious metals like gold and platinum. It is an alloy made up of a mixture of metals, with silver being the main component. The other metals typically used to make sterling silver, such as copper, are much less expensive than silver.
Real silver, which has a higher purity than sterling silver, is generally more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular alternative due to its relative affordability. Despite being less pure than real silver, silver 925 retains its beauty and lustrous appearance.
925 silver, often referred to as sterling silver, is, in fact, real silver though it is an alloy rather than pure silver. 925 silver means your item is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal, such as copper. This means that your 925 silver is valuable and can be sold.
Platinum is a very dense metal which means it has excellent resistance to wearing away. A wedding ring made in Platinum could be worn for decades and barely lose any thickness at all. The downside of Platinum is that it tends to lose its high polish and sharp edges fairly quickly.
One disadvantage associated with platinum jewelry is its high cost relative to other types of metals, such as Gold and Silver.
Platinum's cool white sheen is perfect for accentuating the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds as it doesn't cause any colour to be reflected in the stone. Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis.
The gold quality is determined by the amount of pure gold in the piece. While white gold may seem like a cheaper option for the same look, it is actually a less strong metal than platinum. Platinum will scratch easier as it is a movable metal, but Platinum is stronger against breakage.
Additionally, this natural density and weight of Platinum – as Platinum is 25% heavier than gold – are characteristics that make it more durable than other jewelry metals. Platinum does not wear away and holds precious stones firmly and securely. In short, Platinum prongs are better protection for diamonds.
Platinum Tends to Have a Poor Resale Value
The main reason is because a relatively small number of people are willing to buy it. This doesn't mean you can't find a reputable buyer, but you'll need to do some searching as you explore your options.
Our fashion jewellery ranges are made of alloy and then plated for colour. We advise you not to wear your fashion jewellery in water, when using cleaning products, lotions or perfumes. These chemicals can cause tarnishing. We also offer polishing cloths in store and online.
Sterling silver normally lasts 20 to 30 years if the owner cares well for it. However, your sterling silver can last forever if you care for it properly. Made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, sterling silver requires some special care. If you own any sterling silver jewelry, you should know how to care for it well.
It can take anywhere between 2 months and 3 years for sterling silver rings, necklaces, and bracelets to tarnish depending on various factors.