Precious metals, gold, silver, and platinum are some of the most well-known and popular options. They are often used in jewelry, investment, and even in industry. While they may all look similar, these metals have some significant differences. In this blog, we’ll explore those differences, what makes each metal unique, and which ones we prefer.
Gold
Gold is a popular choice for jewelry, investment, and even currency. It has been treasured for centuries, and its value has remained relatively stable. Gold is very dense and malleable, making it easy to work with and shape into various forms. It is also highly corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent option for crafting long-lasting jewelry.
One of the defining characteristics of gold is its color. It has a warm, yellow hue that is unmistakable. While pure gold is a soft metal, it is often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. The karat system indicates the purity of gold, with 24 karats being pure gold and lower karat values indicating the number of other metals that have been added.
Silver
Silver is another popular precious metal that has been used for centuries. It is also highly malleable and ductile, making it easy to work with. However, silver is not as dense as gold, which means it is not as heavy or durable. It is also more prone to tarnishing and corrosion concerning jewelry and other applications.
Silver has a bright white color compared to gold’s yellow hue. Like gold, it is often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. The purity of silver is usually indicated by a millesimal fineness number, which represents the proportion of pure silver in a given piece.
Platinum
Platinum is a much rarer and more expensive metal than gold or silver. It is also denser and heavier than both metals, making it extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. Platinum is also highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which makes it an excellent choice for jewelry and other applications.
Platinum has a unique, silvery-white color similar to silver or white gold. It is also a solid and durable metal, so we love using it in our engagement rings. Platinum is often alloyed with other metals like copper and cobalt to improve its strength and durability.
The Difference between platinum, gold, and silver
Gold, silver, and platinum are unique and valuable precious metals with distinct properties and characteristics. While gold is known for its warmth and stability, silver is prized for its brightness and affordability, and platinum is revered for its rarity and durability. Each of these metals has strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different applications. Whether you are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry or a long-term investment, these precious metals will hold their value for years.
At Adeler Jewelers, we primarily work in Gold and Platinum in our workshop for our custom designs and pieces displayed in the showroom. Platinum’s durability makes it an excellent option for the long-term wear an engagement ring will receive. Gold holds incredible value and is perfect for making one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. But ultimately, it always comes down to what you want and what works best for you! If you’re interested in booking a free consultation, please visit our Custom Jewelry Design Page or call us.