Go For the Gold Shopping for Jewelry? |
Posted: June 28, 2023 |
They say all that glitters isn’t gold, but when it comes to shopping for fine jewelry, it’s hard to beat gold’s beauty, versatility and lasting value. If you’re in the market for an important piece of fine jewelry and can’t choose between gold and platinum, here are a few things to consider when trying to make a decision between the two precious metals.
Price
When it comes to gold jewelry, there is a common misconception that gold is generally less expensive than platinum. But the truth is, it really depends on a few factors. Firstly, the cost of both metals can be affected by market fluctuations and supply and demand.
Additionally, the purity of the metal will also play a role in determining its price point. For example, 24-karat gold will typically be more expensive than 14-karat gold due to its higher purity level. However, platinum has a naturally occurring white color that requires no additional alloying like gold does for white varieties which makes it pricier as well.
Variety
When it comes to gold jewelry, there are actually quite a few different varieties of the precious metal. It's not just your standard yellow gold that you probably think of when you hear the word “gold,” although that is certainly one of the most popular options out there. Other types include white gold, rose gold, and even green gold! These variations can be achieved through different alloy combinations or by adding other metals such as copper or silver to the mix.
On the other hand, platinum does not come in colors. It is naturally a pale grayish-white color. However, platinum jewelry can be coated with other metals, such as rhodium, to give it a bright, silver-white color. Rhodium is a white metal that is often used to coat platinum jewelry to make it look brighter and more shiny. It can also be used to coat platinum jewelry to protect it from tarnishing. Regardless of whether platinum jewelry is coated with rhodium or other metals, its color doesn’t vary much beyond a whitish silver gleam.
Weight
Did you know that gold jewelry weighs less than platinum? It all comes down to the atomic structure of both metals. Gold has an atomic number of 79 and is much lighter compared to platinum's atomic number of 78. This means that gold atoms are smaller and more compact, which ultimately results in lower density. Platinum, on the other hand, has a higher density as its atoms are larger and more closely packed together. As a result, even though both metals have similar volumes of weight when it comes to grams or ounces, platinum takes up less space because of its denser composition. Depending on how you or the person you’re buying the piece of jewelry for feels about heavy necklaces, bracelets, earrings or rings, this might be something you want to take into consideration.
Value
Although gold can be less expensive than platinum, its resale value is typically greater. This is because gold is more popular and in higher demand than platinum. Gold is also more widely available, which makes it easier to sell gold in Denver. If you’re in the market for an investment piece either for yourself or as a gift, this can be something to think about.
Ultimately, the choice between gold and platinum jewelry comes down to which metal you or the gift recipient prefers; however, for a number of reasons including greater variety, lighter weight, more affordable pricing and higher resale value, going for gold can be the smarter decision
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