When you're deciding between platinum and gold for jewellery, one important factor to consider is weight. You might be wondering how gold compares to platinum when it comes to density and how that affects the overall weight of your jewellery. It turns out that platinum is considerably heavier than gold, and this can impact both the feel and price of your pieces. Let’s break it down.
How Heavy is Platinum Compared to Gold?
When comparing platinum to gold, you'll find that platinum is heavier across the board. Here's a quick look at how they stack up:
- Platinum is about 88% heavier than 9ct Gold.
- Platinum is about 59% heavier than 14ct Gold.
- Platinum is about 34% heavier than 18ct Gold.
- Platinum is about 21% heavier than 22ct Gold.
- Platinum is about 11% heavier than Fine Gold.
As a general rule of thumb, platinum tends to be about one-third heavier than 18ct gold. So, if you're holding a platinum ring and a gold ring of the same size, you’ll definitely feel the difference.
Can You Feel the Weight Difference?
Yes! Platinum feels noticeably heavier in your hand than gold. The weight of platinum gives it a substantial, luxurious feel that many people love. If you ever get the chance to try on rings in both metals, you’ll see that platinum offers a sense of solidity that gold doesn’t quite match, despite being similar in appearance.
The Density of Gold vs Platinum
The density of a metal tells you how compact its atoms are. The more dense a metal is, the heavier it will be for the same volume. Here's how gold and platinum compare:
- Platinum Density: 21,400 kg/m³
- Gold Density: 19,320 kg/m³
- Palladium Density: 12,160 kg/m³
- Silver Density: 10,490 kg/m³
As you can see, platinum is denser than gold, which is why it's heavier. The difference might not seem huge, but when it comes to jewellery, especially larger pieces, the extra weight really adds up.
How Does Weight Affect the Price?
When it comes to price, platinum’s higher density is a factor. Even though gold might be more expensive per gram at times, platinum’s additional weight means it will still often cost more for the same size ring or jewellery piece. This is especially true when you’re comparing platinum to 18ct gold, where the price for platinum jewellery remains higher due to the increased weight.
Should You Buy Platinum or Gold?
It really depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for. If you love the feeling of weight and luxury, platinum could be the perfect choice. It’s also more durable than gold, making it a great option for jewellery that will be worn every day, like engagement rings. On the other hand, if you're after a more affordable option, gold might be the way to go, especially if the price of gold is lower at the time.
Platinum vs Palladium
Palladium, another precious metal, is almost identical in appearance to platinum, but it’s much lighter. In fact, palladium is nearly half the weight of platinum, making it a good alternative if you like the look of platinum but prefer something lighter.
Conclusion
In the end, whether you choose platinum or gold depends on your personal preference. Platinum will give you that heavier, more luxurious feel, while gold is lighter and can be more affordable. Both are beautiful and timeless choices for jewellery, but their weight differences could affect how the jewellery feels on your hand and its overall price. So, the next time you're choosing between the two, you’ll have a clearer idea of how weight comes into play.