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by Elle Kim

Created on: August 07, 2010

Platinum, as a general rule amongst most people, is regarded as being more luxurious than gold. If one thinks of the definition of the word "luxurious," if the first thing that comes into mind is "something expensive" (which is actually one of its definitions), then he/she would be correct, in that platinum is almost always more costly than gold. However, when one looks at the other definition of luxurious, "something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort," then gold would be the winner every time.

In order for something to be conducive to one's comfort, it would obviously not bother the person, correct? A disadvantage of having a ring made out of platinum, is that due to the brittle nature of platinum, it could crack and break. This isn't to say that gold will never crack, but it is much more ductile, and has a much greater chance of bending, which is an easier fix than to try to put a broken piece of platinum back onto a ring. (This is not by my own research, but that of the professional gemologists of the Certified Gems website).

Gold is also a bit more of a "classic" precious metal, although I hesitate to use that term because there are many strong arguments that could be used against that terminology. The color is easily recognizable as a wedding band/ring, or jewelry, whereas platinum could be mistaken for silver, white gold, or even titanium. To many, the coloring of a gold ring adds to one's outfit more than a platinum one. Gold will generally stand out more because of the contrast with the jewel in the ring (usually a diamond). Contrast is a big concept that goes unnoticed by many. Try looking up images of platinum rings, titanium rings, white gold rings, and silver rings. Then, search up gold rings. There's such a difference, with the addition of a beautiful color, that the gold will often be favored upon comparison. Platinum, with a white outfit, and diamonds, can easily go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Gold is also more versatile, in that there are the more yellow, paler golds, and the rich, darker golds with light brown undertones. Platinum has a narrower range, in that it will probably be either a pale silver, or a darker grey (which is rare).

Another reason that gold could be more convenient, is that many testimonials that attested to the fact that platinum rings lose their shine faster, and must be taken in to be re-shined, which actually takes a thin layer off in the process. After many polishing sessions, the metal will be much thinner, and a new mount might have to be created. The initial brilliance of gold, however, is usually maintained longer, in the case of 18ct white gold, for example. Reshining 18ct white gold will cost less in maintenance costs overall, and the mount will last longer. The lifespan of any piece of jewelry, though, varies greatly amongst most people.

This article is my attempt to emphasize that even though platinum is generally looked upon as better, for its rarity and price, people shouldn't be so quick to judge gold. After all, this article is not meant to highlight what is preferable for people, but to show clearly the positive details about gold that make it more comfortable and elegant than platinum.

Note: See www.certified-gems.c om for more information, as this was one of my main sources

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