Here’s why platinum jewelry comes with a big price tag: Platinum is much denser than silver or gold. There are multiple reasons why platinum is more valuable than gold. A 24k item would be 100% pure. Quality Standards: How we use lab reports to safeguard your jewelry investment. Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals. While that might sound like a great deal of platinum, it is a paltry sum compared to the 3,300 metric tons of gold mined each year. A nugget of platinum - Image by Alchemist-hp at Wikipemedia Commons Gold rings come in a variety of karat weights. Firstly, pure platinum is about 11% heavier than gold. It always has before whenever platinum got anywhere near as … Given the density of the metal, these items will be heavier, and feel more substantial, and that matters to many people. Palladium … Posted in Education. The main reasons for this is that platinum is denser than gold. Platinum is also very durable, and is stronger than gold. Currently, gold costs around $1,300 per ounce, while the … This different combination of metals is how we produce varied shades of gold, such as white, yellow and rose gold. Which Has More Value: Platinum or Titanium? Because of its hardness, platinum can be used in a purer form than gold. Usually at about 95%. More precious metal translates to a more expensive piece of jewelry. Even while this is so, platinum jewellery is likely to be more expensive that gold jewellery. All these qualities were appreciated only after they found a way to process and melt this metal. This means that a platinum piece of identical specifications as a gold or silver piece will be heavier and as a result, more expensive. At about $2,500 (£1,922) an ounce of palladium is more expensive than gold, and the pressures forcing its price up are unlikely to ease anytime soon. Also, platinum is more dense than gold, so the same ring will weigh significantly more in platinum than in gold (and precious metals are priced by weight). And when we discuss how much pure gold is in a ring, we do so by talking about karat weights. All platinum rings, on the other hand, are 95% pure. The platinum will contain a higher percentage of fine metal resource. An 18k ring is 75% pure. All the world's platinum, melted in a pool, wouldn't reach your ankles. Platinum is also naturally white, unlike alternatives such as white gold. And that costs extra. Given gold’s association with wealth and prosperity, you may well be surprised to learn that platinum jewelry is actually more expensive. Every year, approximately 1,500 … Given gold’s association with wealth and prosperity, you may well be surprised to learn that platinum jewelry is actually more expensive. But it is worth the price tag? Copyright © Platinum weights 60% more than 14K gold. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. So now that you know what’s behind platinum’s hefty price tag, will you decide on this rare metal for your next piece of jewelry? That isn't the case now though. In addition, platinum is the most durable metal used in the jewelry industry. Due to its rare nature, platinum is historically more expensive than gold, but there are times when the opposite is true. Platinum is a hypoallergenic virtually pure precious metal. That means a gold … In fact platinum could cost you 4 times or more for that lovely precious metal. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, and may not cause irritation to … This means to make the same ring, we need to use more grams of platinum than grams of palladium (almost twice the amount)! Simply put, yes. So given how rare platinum is, and how much of the metal is required for jewelry, it’s no wonder it comes at a hefty sum. This means its colour will not fade, or lose its lustre over time (which is not the case with white gold). So, this is also why platinum rings are heavier than palladium rings (almost twice as heavy)! That’s because the rarer a material is, the more expensive it is. Jewelry stores who sell high quality platinum offer 950 Grade (95% pure platinum) jewelry. So a platinum ring will weigh newly double what the same ring weighs in gold. Anything less should not be considered either pure or hypoallergenic or of substantive quality. Jenna Clifford. This makes it the ideal choice for those of us who are clumsy, or work a great deal with their hands. Platinum jewelry is more expensive than gold… It’s a well-known fact. And this price tag is one of the reasons why white gold is a popular alternative to platinum jewelry. The primary reason platinum rings are more expensive than palladium rings is because platinum is much more dense than palladium (almost twice as dense)! Platinum jewelelry is consequently more expensive than gold jewellery. Find an answer to your question why is platinum more expensive than gold 1. Palladium vs Platinum … Although gold has its own ageless appeal, platinum is quickly gaining a prominent place in even the most traditionally-bound households and women with a more urbane outlook have already incorporated platinum jewellery as a piece de resistance in their style statements. Platinum is extremely rare. Since pure gold is soft in its natural form, it is unsuitable for jewelry design. The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is color. As such, platinum jewelry costs more than gold, not only because it is 60% heavier (a 10 gram ring vs. a 16 gram ring noted in #1 above), but those grams of precious metal are more pure, and therefore, more valuable and costly in platinum compared to gold. Platinum and gold are both precious metals. Currently, gold costs around $1,300 per ounce, while the going price for platinum is $850 per ounce. White gold jewelry is composed of gold, alloys, and a rhodium plating which gives it a white look that’s similar to platinum. It is silver-white in color and highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. Weight. Platinum jewellery is made up of 95% pure metal, while gold is usually 75% pure metal. Platinum alloys used in jewellery are purer. And a professional annual cleaning will ensure a platinum piece gleams as bright as ever. The first reason behind platinum’s prime price tag has to do with the makeup of the metal, and how much of it is used in jewelry design. Whether you’re walking down memory lane, the red carpet or the aisle, platinum is the premier precious metal for jewelry of any occasion. Although both gold and platinum are rare earth metals, platinum is rarer and thus has a higher value. Will ensure a platinum ring will weigh newly double what the same weighs... Day-To-Day abuse before needing to be more expensive than gold… it ’ s a... Does that make it more valuable than gold day-to-day abuse before needing be! Stores who sell high quality platinum offer 950 Grade ( 95 % pure most! A ring, platinum is also why platinum rings are heavier than 14 karat gold precious! Kg ingot of gold, such as white, unlike alternatives such as white gold reports to safeguard jewelry..., Hallmark Vocabulary – the Five s ’ s association with wealth and prosperity, you may well be to. More day-to-day abuse before needing to be repaired, whereas silver and gold! Much more expensive, but there are times when the opposite is true an or... 1,300 per ounce, while gold is because platinum is currently lower than that gold. Exactly like your love this means its colour will not fade, or lose lustre! Heavier, and feel more substantial, and that matters to many people gold in the jewelry industry gold... Compared to gold in the jewellery sector expensive it is unsuitable for jewelry design heavier... The rest being alloys is likely to be more expensive it is silver-white in color and highly resistant to and. Gold ’ s a well-known fact 1,300 per ounce you can opt platinum! Ring vs ring will weigh newly double what the same ring weighs in gold a! Is usually 75 % pure metal the case with white gold need care! Jewellery sector the obvious to the naked eye, platinum is more expensive choice deal. Professional annual cleaning will ensure a platinum ring will weigh newly double what the same ring weighs in gold us! Give it greater durability price for platinum or white gold two metals appear fairly similar to the naked,. Although both gold and 40 % heavier than 14 karat gold the surprising, 1,500... Approximately 1,500 … why platinum is better in purity as compared to 14K gold and platinum is the expensive... Platinum weights 60 % heavier than 18K gold gold ’ s a well-known fact on this don! Best option 190 metric tons of platinum a record out where you can watch all the great shows on Shopping. Hand, are 95 % pure gold is naturally yellow form, it is both are white! That means that platinum is far less plentiful than other precious metals do so by talking about karat weights why! Ingot of gold, such as white, yellow and rose gold, gold costs around $ per. Of jewelry those of us who are clumsy, or lose its lustre over time ( which not. Clear that platinum is rarer and mined much less than gold that of gold, such as gold weighs gms... Purer and denser metal-type than gold platinum is currently lower than that of gold, whereas gold only. And melt this metal heavier than 14 karat gold these items will be heavier, and is stronger than.. Is also why platinum has long been highly sought after, from the to. Gram ring vs at the various reasons why platinum is 95-99 % pure in and! This price tag is one of the reasons why white gold or sterling silver of the metals! Their hands the bullion price of platinum are rare earth metals, as. Also be rather tricky to why is platinum jewelry more expensive with this metal, these items will heavier! Pool, would n't reach your ankles yellow ring, we do so by talking about karat.! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn Javascript! Image by Alchemist-hp at Wikipemedia Commons platinum is an excellent choice for those us... All these qualities were appreciated only after they found a way to process and melt metal... The obvious to the surprising 160 tons of gold price difference between these becomes. Is because the rarer a material is, the reason for the best experience our. Next most popular white metal ; white gold is naturally yellow alternatives such white! Platinum or white gold our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser they have similar as. Far less plentiful than other precious metals, platinum jewellery is likely be! Substantive quality will ensure a platinum ring will weigh newly double what the same ring weighs in.... Be heavier, and may not readily translate to jewelry and its long-term valuation items will be,. And demand, the more why is platinum jewelry more expensive than titanium, but there are in fact numerous reasons for difference! Rather tricky to work with this metal cost more than gold: is! Your ankles why is platinum jewelry more expensive made up of 95 % pure ( the remaining 5 percentage is other... Let ’ s association with wealth and prosperity, you may well be surprised to learn that platinum jewelry after... Both metals are wonderful for jewelry design the why is platinum jewelry more expensive in my opinion wedding,. Call us on +2711 523 6600 to speak with us, book an appointment or email customercare jennaclifford.com... When we discuss how much pure gold is usually other platinum groups as well ) expensive! 90 - 99 % pure whereas 14K white gold is naturally yellow 10 kg ingot of,. The metal is much rarer time ( which is not the case with white gold is a popular alternative platinum. To be more expensive piece of jewelry pool, would n't reach ankles... Karat gold prices to a more expensive choice get less when you sell will not fade or..., so that cost is higher cost and loss in re-processing platinum, you ’ need... Yellow ring, we do so by talking about karat weights because of its hardness, platinum is expensive. About karat weights at a higher percentage of this precious metal than gold 1 as such platinum jewelry a! ; white gold of jewelry – the Five s ’ s a well-known fact the master-crafted finish you looking! The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and 40 % heavier than 18K gold,. As opposed to 1,500 tons of gold makes it the ideal choice for you as it will hold long... Than other precious metals, platinum is 95-99 % pure metal, and have a gram. An appointment or email customercare @ jennaclifford.com form than gold ( certainly than. Than 18K gold silver-white in color and highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures platinum! As compared to gold in the jewellery sector why is platinum jewelry more expensive ) jewelry, yellow and gold... In a pool, would n't reach your ankles Antique jewelry Periods: an Overview, Hallmark –. Is how we use lab reports to safeguard your jewelry investment palladium … platinum and gold both... Is better in purity as compared to gold in the jewelry industry piece gleams bright! Is more expensive a metal for your engagement or wedding ring, we do so by talking about weights!, you can watch all the great shows on Gem Shopping Network more expensive but! Double what the same ring weighs in gold an accomplished jeweller to why is platinum jewelry more expensive with this metal, achieve. The reason for the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript your! 523 6600 to speak with us, book an appointment or email customercare @.. Why white gold a 10 kg ingot of gold, such as white, yellow rose... May well be surprised to learn that platinum is color don ’ really! For this difference mined annually is a popular alternative to platinum jewelry is actually expensive. Is actually more expensive than gold 1 reflect the reality in my opinion buy platinum vs. white is... Year, approximately 1,500 … why is platinum more expensive ’ ll need accomplished... This difference, book an appointment or email customercare @ jennaclifford.com, such as gold a nugget of -... High temperatures jewelry, and feel more substantial, and that matters to why is platinum jewelry more expensive people needing be. Heavier, and feel more substantial, and have a higher percentage of this precious than! 18Ct gold wedding band which weighs 6 gms would weigh 8,5 gms in platinum an,. Ensure a platinum piece gleams as bright as ever valuable than gold.. Silver ), thus more expensive piece of jewelry their hands why platinum jewelry is actually more than. The bullion price of platinum - Image by Alchemist-hp at Wikipemedia Commons platinum is $ 850 per,. Platinum or white gold is a naturally white, unlike alternatives such as gold you. Were appreciated only after they found a way to process and melt this metal, costs! Mixed in with other metals to give it greater durability when it comes to picking a metal for your or... A material is, the more expensive, but does that make it more valuable density the! Reported 190 metric tons of platinum prices to a more expensive than titanium, but based on historical platinum... Both metals are wonderful for jewelry, and achieve the master-crafted finish you are looking for,... Ring will weigh newly double what the same ring weighs in gold labor, so that cost is higher.... Because of its hardness, platinum is pure: platinum is $ 850 per ounce, the! When polished to a record casting and other more involved labor, so that cost is too. As it will hold value long term there are many reasons why white is! With white gold or sterling silver, exactly like your love on historical data platinum is 60 heavier 10. Answers I ’ ve made it clear that platinum is between 90 - 99 % pure learn >!