Platinum and Palladium: Precious Metals for the Highest Demands
Everyone knows about gold and silver – but platinum and palladium are the lesser-known precious metals that stand for special demands. Both whiter than white gold, both more robust than silver, both with unique properties. This guide explains both fully.
Platinum: The rarest of all jewelry precious metals
What is platinum?
Platinum (Pt) is the densest and rarest of all precious metals used in jewelry making. It is about 30 times rarer than gold. To process a single troy ounce of platinum, about 10 tons of ore must be processed. Main occurrences: South Africa (80% of world production), Russia, Canada.
Properties
- Color: Silvery-white, natural – does not require rhodium plating like white gold
- Density: Very heavy – platinum jewelry is noticeably heavier than gold of the same size
- Durability: Platinum does not "lose" material when scratched – the metal merely shifts. Platinum rings patinate, but do not get thinner.
- Purity: Platinum jewelry is almost always 950‰ (95% pure platinum) – higher than standard gold alloys
- Hypoallergenic: Completely nickel-free, ideal for all allergy sufferers
Price
Platinum in jewelry is usually more expensive than 18-karat gold – due to rarity, higher purity, and more complex processing. Platinum jewelry is a clear luxury statement.
Palladium: The modern alternative
What is palladium?
Palladium (Pd) is a member of the platinum group metals – lighter than platinum, but with a similar white luster. It gained importance as a substitute for nickel in white gold alloys – and has established itself as a standalone jewelry metal.
Properties
- Color: Similar to platinum – silvery-white, natural
- Weight: Significantly lighter than platinum – for people who don't like heavy rings
- Hypoallergenic: Like platinum, nickel-free
- Price: Cheaper than platinum – often on par with gold
Platinum vs. White Gold: The most important comparison
- White Gold: Yellow gold + palladium or nickel + rhodium plating. Costs less, looks identical, needs re-polishing (rhodium plating every 1-3 years).
- Platinum: Stays white without treatment, more durable, heavier, more expensive, no allergens.
Rule of thumb: White gold for jewelry worn occasionally. Platinum for wedding rings and pieces meant to be worn daily for life.
When is platinum jewelry worth it?
- Wedding rings and engagement rings – jewelry intended "forever"
- People with nickel allergies (both metals absolutely safe)
- For pieces with very small stone settings – platinum holds stones better than gold
Precious Metal Jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
From fashion jewelry to high-quality base materials – at Corelune Jewellery, quality is the foundation.
