Platinum is almost always more valuable than gold. It's a rarer metal, and platinum rings have higher densities and purities than gold rings. You also need more platinum to make a ring, so they often cost 40-50% more than gold. Platinum also has a sense of prestige.
More than 1,000 tons of gold are mined every year, but only a little over 150 tons of platinum are mined in a year. This scarcity makes platinum more expensive than gold most of the time.
Platinum: Despite being nearly identical in appearance, platinum is more valuable than gold. Platinum's high price point can be attributed to its rarity and density as precious metals are often priced by their weight.
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.
Platinum also ranks 60% denser than gold, making it a more durable option. Over time, platinum's surface texture can change, resulting in a frosted look referred to as patina which some may find appealing or easily removed if preferred.
When it comes to investments platinum is not necessarily better than gold, though neither is it worse. Each has a price that moves independently to the other, depending on the economic conditions at the time. As such, sometimes platinum will perform better than gold, and other times gold will make more gains.
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 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.
To be considered platinum, a piece must contain 95% or more of the metal, making it one of the purest precious metals you can buy. Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit).
It is extremely resistant to tarnishing and corrosion (which makes it known as a “noble metal”) and is very soft and malleable, making it easy to shape. It is also ductile, making it easy to stretch into wire, and unreactive, which means it doesn't oxidize and is unaffected by common acids.
For starters, gold is far more abundant in the earth's crust, making platinum rarer. Whilst 1,500 tons of gold are mined annually, only 160 tons of platinum are extracted. Platinum is also denser than gold, thus heavier.
Platinum is More Durable
This is a result of platinum's extreme density and chemical structure. For example, the prongs holding the center stone of a platinum engagement ring are less likely to break then those of a gold engagement ring.
Platinum rings are also usually 95% pure platinum, while 18k gold is only 75% gold. Therefore, platinum rings are usually more expensive. Since platinum is the densest and most durable metal, it shouldn't be too surprising that it is also the most expensive.
Palladium was the most expensive of the four major precious metals - gold, silver, platinum and palladium. It is scarcer than platinum, and is being used in great quantities for catalytic converters in cars.
Titanium is stronger and lighter than platinum, making it an ideal choice for pieces that need extra durability, like rings or bracelets; however, due to its rarity, platinum tends to be more expensive than titanium but can still be used in smaller pieces like pendants or earrings without sacrificing comfort or style.
Cons: Platinum Scratches - Being the premier choice for jewellery you would think it does not scratch, however just like all other precious metals, Platinum does scratch.
One disadvantage associated with platinum jewelry is its high cost relative to other types of metals, such as Gold and Silver.
Similarly, diamonds are porous and can absorb water, which can cause the stone to become discolored or cloudy. On the other hand, platinum is a strong, durable metal that is less likely to be damaged by water.
Because of its rarity, platinum is valuable and will hold its value as the years pass. We now know that platinum is a naturally white metal. Because of its pure white color that won't change over time, you never have to worry about any unwanted color reflecting into the diamond.
– Low Maintenance – Platinum's high durability makes it one of the rare few precious metals that don't require much maintenance. In fact, you could continue wearing it for decades without doing anything. The least of your concern will be about any damages to this sturdy metal.
Platinum alloys are a bit softer than most white gold alloys. With daily wear, a well-loved platinum ring sustains small scratches more easily, and may start to take on a matte appearance more quickly than for instance a rhodium plated white gold ring.
In one study of 446 people, only two had any reaction to platinum. Because most platinum jewelry alloy metals are 95% pure, and the other metals commonly used in them are also hypoallergenic, you shouldn't have any problems wearing platinum, even if you have sensitive skin.
Platinum is a quiet luxury, not flashy or obvious. The weight of it makes it feel substantial, but it's preciousness can be your own little secret. Its color, the most neutral of the precious metals, makes it perfect to set off both diamonds and color gemstones.
Platinum selling works very similar to any other precious metal. A personal seller needs to have a bit of understanding what's going on with the given metal market before getting started. Like gold or silver, platinum has an investment value as well as an industrial use noted above.
Platinum Tends to Have a Poor Resale Value
According to The Economic Times, platinum, in general, has a poor resale value. The main reason is because a relatively small number of people are willing to buy it.