Is Platinum Better Than Gold? Price, Durability & Investment Guide

Looking to buy some jewellery and thinking of which material would be the best?

Many have the question lurking in their mind: is platinum better than gold?

There are several metal choices out there and platinum and gold are two of the most prominent ones. While both the choices have their plus points, which one is for you depends on your style, budget, and lifestyle!

We are here to make that decision easy for you by answering so many questions: is platinum more expensive than gold, does platinum tarnish, and is platinum a good investment? Let’s get started!

What is Platinum?

Rare and naturally white, Platinum is a highly durable metal that is resistant to tarnish. Gold is usually alloyed with other metals but platinum in jewellery is at 95%. Just like gold, it is hypoallergenic and many use it for high-end jewellery and engagement rings.

What is the colour of Platinum?

Naturally, it has a silvery-white hue and doesn’t require plating. Even though the colour doesn’t fade, over time, it can develop a patina that gives off a vintage vibe that is loved by many.

Key Features of Platinum:

Naturally white, has no plating

Heavy and dense

Resistant to corrosion and tarnish

Holds gemstones securely

What is Gold? 

Gold is a naturally occurring metal, shiny, soft, yellow, and found on Earth. It doesn’t rust, it’s easy to shape, and, well, it just looks good. That’s why you see it in jewellery, coins, electronics, and even space gear.

But here’s the thing: pure gold is actually really soft. Too soft for most jewellery or everyday wear. That’s where karats come in.

Different Karats of Gold

Karats measure how much pure gold is in a piece, out of 24.

24K gold = 100% gold. Super soft, super yellow, super fancy, but not practical.

22K gold = 91.6% gold, mixed with a bit of other metals like copper or silver. Rich looking, softer than lower karat golds but not too soft for all jewellery. 

18K gold = 75% gold. Very luxurious, but tougher.

14K gold = 58.3% gold. Strong, affordable, and popular for everyday jewellery.

10K gold = 41.7% gold. Less flashy, but very durable and budget-friendly.

Types of Gold

Yellow gold is the classic. It has a mix of pure gold and copper to keep that warm tone.

Rose gold is gold mixed with a higher composition of copper. That’s what gives it the pinkish, romantic hue. Green gold is less common, made with silver, and has a subtle green tint.

White gold looks the most similar to platinum out of all gold options. 

What is White Gold?

White gold is not a pure metal. It is an alloy of gold but don’t let that make you think it is not gold! It is. It typically contains 75% of pure gold. They are usually more durable than silver and act as a fantastic affordable alternative to platinum.

Like any other gold, they are also measured in karats to indicate the percentage of their purity. While gold is hypoallergenic, some people may be allergic to nickel.

Also Read: White Gold or Platinum: Which Suits You Best?

How is White Gold Made?

White gold is created when yellow gold is mixed with white metals such as palladium or nickel. After that, it has a slight yellowish tint which is removed with a rhodium plating. The end result is a beautiful finish of bright white. Over time, this plating can wear off. So it’s important to take care of your white gold and reapply every 1-2 years.

Also read: Daily Wear and Tear: How Durable is Solid Gold Jewellery?

Is Platinum and White Gold the Same?

White gold and platinum may look the same to many but they are very different materials. Their composition is different, their durability varies and you need different maintenance for each.

Feature                 Platinum                                    White Gold

Colour                  Naturally white                         Requires rhodium plating 

Weight                 Heavier                                      Lighter

Maintenance      Develops patina over time     Requires replating

Cost                      More expensive                        More affordable

 

Is Platinum Better Than Gold?

Durability

As a metal, platinum’s density and strength are pretty much unmatched. You will not have to worry about it wearing down. 

Gold’s karats are alloyed, which means it’s gold mixed with stronger metals. While you get the classic gold tone, 14K yellow gold is both durable and affordable. 

White gold is durable, but it gets its bright shine from a rhodium plating which can wear off.

Versatility

The silvery white shade is what makes platinum so beloved! But that’s about it; there are no more options with the precious metal.

Yellow gold is that classic, warm gold colour we’ve loved in jewellery for centuries. It pairs beautifully with diamonds or rich-colored stones.

What’s great about gold is the variety it offers: yellow, gold, rose, and white. Take white gold, for instance; it has a sleek, silvery look that’s similar to platinum.

Also Read: Which Gold Colour Matches Your Skin Tone

Price

Platinum is rarer and denser than gold. So you get much more metal in the same weight, so understandably it is more expensive, both per gram and overall. 

Gold’s price varies depending on the karat. 24K is pure gold, so it is the most expensive to purchase. But thanks to the availability of 14K, gold is now both affordable and has the luxury appeal.

Which Metal is Best for You?

For those of you who want easy care and something that’s a bit flashy, platinum is for you! Sure, it costs more, and that’s what makes it fun to wear. Plus point is no stressing over maintenance. 

However, if you don’t want to go broke over one single jewellery piece, white gold gives you the same silvery look at a much lower price. All you have to do is replate it over time.

And if you are not interested in the silvery look, yellow gold is still there with its classic, warm tone.  And if you’re after something soft, romantic, and a little different, rose gold brings a certain aesthetic.

Is Platinum Better Than White Gold?

If you don’t mind the occasional upkeep, white gold is a much better option due to its comparatively low prices. The maintenance would not cost you as much as a platinum would.

Key Differences:

Platinum is dense and heavy while white gold is light.

Platinum does not need rhodium plating, while white gold does.

White gold requires maintenance but is more budget-friendly.

Is Platinum More Expensive Than Gold?

Yes, platinum is more expensive than gold due to:

Its rarity

Higher density

Greater purity in jewelry (95% vs. 75% for 18K gold)

Price Differences

Platinum ring: £1,230 to £3,280 14k gold ring: £656 to £2,050

Pros and Cons of Platinum

Pros:

✔ Extremely durable and resistant to wear

 ✔ Naturally hypoallergenic

✔ Holds gemstones securely

Cons:

✘ More expensive than gold

✘ Heavier, which may feel uncomfortable in large designs

✘ Develops a patina over time

Pros and Cons of Gold

Pros:

✔ Available in multiple shades (yellow, rose, and white)

✔ More affordable than platinum

✔ Easier to craft into intricate designs

Cons:

✘ Allergic reactions possible due to Nickel or Copper

✘ White gold requires periodic rhodium plating

Why Choose Gold Over Platinum?

Gold is all in one package. You get platinum’s benefits of durability but it’s much more affordable and has so much variety. Plus, you can find stunning 14K gold personalised jewellery from Argent & Asher, including custom gold necklaces, elegant gold rings, and timeless bracelets. 

The best thing about white gold is that it gives you the appearance of platinum at a much more affordable price. 

Curious about gold jewellery? Discover essential tips on pricing, care, types, and the best buys in our Complete Gold Jewellery Handbook 

FAQs:

Is Platinum Harder Than White Gold?

Alloys are meant to be harder than metal. So while platinum is dense, it is not hard. So, does platinum scratch? Yes, but that said, platinum doesn’t lose metal as it just kind of moves around, creating a natural patina over time.

Does Platinum Tarnish?

Nope, platinum is actually super resistant to tarnish and corrosion, which makes it perfect for everyday wear.

How Long Does Platinum Last?

A lifetime! This is why many pass down platinum jewellery as heirlooms so it can stay in the family for years.

Why is Gold Cheaper Than Platinum?

Gold is usually sold as an alloy in different karats. As purity is lower, the price gets cheaper. Platinum is rarer so it’s pricier, and is tied to industrial demand. 

How Expensive is Platinum Compared to Gold?

Platinum is usually 40-50% more expensive than gold, especially when it comes to things like rings or heavier jewelry pieces.

Is Platinum Better Than Gold for Rings?

Gold gives you way more style options, and it’s easier to resize or engrave, which is a big plus if you like to switch things up.

Is Platinum a Good Investment?

Gold has always been a fantastic investment. Platinum is valuable but it is not a common investment as prices are unpredictable and while gold fluctuates, it offers more stability.

Final Verdict

So, is platinum better than gold? It really comes down to what matters most to you.

If you want something very luxurious, platinum jewellery is the perfect addition to your accessory box. But if you are looking for variety that doesn’t break your bank, go for gold. You will have more options and be able to choose from a diverse collection of jewellery designs. 

Take a look at Argent & Asher, we have beautiful custom-made gold designs that can lift any outfit and tell your story right. Place your order today!