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Today we are going to highlight the benefits of purchasing platinum jewelry. Many people choose to purchase fine jewelry set in white gold, dismissing platinum as costly, but when you make the investment upfront for platinum it always ends up paying off in the long run.
While you may not want to spend extra money on trendy jewelry pieces made with platinum, there are a few instances where purchasing the latter is undoubtably worth considering. Platinum is far stronger than gold and as such, a more secure setting for diamond jewelry. Below are the features of platinum as well as a comparison chart of the differences between it and white gold, courtesy of Stuller.
THE FEATURES OF PLATINUM
- Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold.
- Platinum is the most pure precious metal — 95% pure platinum.
- Platinum holds diamonds more securely than gold.
- Platinum is a true white metal and requires no plating.
- Platinum feels significant and is heavier than gold.
METAL COMPARISON
Platinum and white gold are two very different metals. The biggest differences between platinum and white gold are that platinum is a naturally white metal, and is more dense and durable. The difference in cost is primarily due to platinum's rarity and higher level of purity in platinum jewelry. When comparing costs, keep in mind the maintenance required for white gold over a lifetime, such as rhodium plating to keep it white and reshanking and retipping the prongs. Platinum may be a higher investment initially, but its enduring nature makes it the best value in the long run.
| Metal |
Platinum |
White Gold |
| Color | Naturally white with cool undertone | White with a yellow undertone |
| Metal Purity | 90-95% | 14k - 58.5% 18k - 75% |
| Finish | Resistant to wear, shows scratches, satin finish as worn | Shows scratches, develops sheen as worn |
| Working Properties | Dense, malleable, strong safest setting for diamonds, retains embellishments (i.e engraving) | More brittle than platinum, wears over time, less secure for diamonds and precious stones |
| Cost Benefits | Higher initial investment. Lower maintenance costs. |
Lower initial investment. Higher maintenance costs. |
| Care and Maintenance |
Weekly - Clean at home with jewelry cleaning solution. Yearly - Bring to your jeweler for polishing. |
Weekly - Clean at home with jewelry cleaning solution. Yearly - Bring to your jeweler for polishing. As needed - Requires re-plating, possible re-shanking or prong re-tipping. |
| Plating Required | No | Yes |
| Hypo-Allergenic | Yes | Yes |
Credit: Stuller
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