Download our iOS app

Enjoy special offers in the app!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ .

Open
Skip to content
CUSTOMER SERVICE : +33 (0)1 84 60 50 35
CUSTOMER SERVICE : +33 (0)1 84 60 50 35
What is the difference between gold and platinum?

What is the difference between gold and platinum?


gold
  white and platinum are both from the same family of precious metals. Their first difference lies in their
Ingredients : white gold also called “palladium white gold” is an alloy composed of 75% yellow gold, 10% copper and 15% palladium and covered with a layer of rhodium called “rhodiing” , while platinum is a material naturally white, almost pure because the metal reaches 95% in the alloy.

Then the second difference is their wear. Indeed, over time, a white gold jewel will tend to yellow by losing its rhodium coating. Platinum, on the other hand, faces another form of discoloration: it is its shiny finish that will deteriorate and thus the jewel will display a more matte patina.

Finally, another difference which is not the least; their price. The price of a precious metal is set according to its weight. Platinum being a rarer and denser metal than gold, it is therefore generally more expensive than the latter for a jewel of equivalent volume. In addition, its cost is also explained by the longer working time spent in the workshop to work this metal when designing a jewel.

Indeed, their last difference is reflected in their properties. Gold's malleability makes it a metal that can be easily worked by artisan jewelers through techniques such as drawing or rolling, whereas platinum is more difficult to work with.
 

 

History of the use of platinum 

 Platinum was discovered in 1735 by Europeans, more precisely by Don Antonio de Ullon, a Spanish officer, who first mentioned platinum in his book “Historical relationship of the journey to Southern America”, that's why the name "platinum” comes from Spanish “platinum”, meaning "small money"It was later, in 1751, that it was designated as a metal in its own right by Teophil Scheffer, a Swedish scientist. 

In 1780, Louis XVI, passionate about platinum, decreed that it was the only metal worthy of kings. He then entrusted the goldsmith Marc-Étienne Janety with the creation of several platinum pieces, thus marking the beginning of the craze for this precious metal. During this period, platinum was mainly used for practical everyday objects: cutlery, services, watch chains.

The first use of platinum in jewelry dates back to 1854, by the house Mellerio dit Meller which he associates with gold and silver; at this time the use of platinum is mainly used for setting stones.

In the 19th century, the use of platinum gradually developed: Louis-François Cartier, a pioneer of fine jewelry, further popularized this material in the second half of the 19th century. This trend allowed the gradual abandonment of two-tone jewelry (with silver for the upper part and gold for the lower part), in favor of an exclusive use of platinum.

We also note the appearance of the garland style, born at the beginning of the 20th century, which coincides with the arrival of all-platinum jewelry, adorned with diamonds and pearls, which are characterized as “White jewelryA key piece from this period is the "Kokoschnik" tiara by Cartier, dating from 1908, so called because it was inspired by the headdresses of Russian peasant women of the time which had become very fashionable at the Court of the Tsar of Russia.

In addition to its uses in jewelry, platinum also became a strategic material in other sectors, particularly during the First World War, when it was used for military purposes. In England, its trade with individuals was even temporarily banned, which is when white gold appeared, when platinum was no longer available.  

From the beginning of the 1931th century until World War II, platinum gained popularity thanks to Hollywood productions, a phenomenon started in XNUMX by the film "Platinum Blonde" by Frank Capra, which launched the myth of the "platinum blonde" played by Jean Harlow. However, during World War II, platinum was once again requisitioned for military use. It was not until after the war that platinum made a triumphant return to jewelry, with geometric creations influenced by the Art Deco style of the 1920s-1935s.


Characteristics of platinum

Platinum is one of the densest precious metals, with a mass of 21,50 g / cm³, far surpassing the density of silver (10,50 g/cm³) and gold (19,30 g/cm³).

In addition to its density, platinum is extremely malleable and has a high resistance to heat. It is one of the most difficult metals to work with, due to its high melting point, located at around 1°C, which requires special attention from craftsmen and more working time.

To identify a platinum jewel, simply look for one of these two guarantee hallmarks: a dog's head for French jewels and a mascaron's head for those of foreign origin. Finally, regarding its maintenance, just like gold, platinum can be cleaned simply with soapy water. Although it is more resistant to wear than other metals, it is still more sensitive to shocks.

Platinum deposits

It is important to know that le Platinum is thirty times rarer than gold. It is extracted from alluvial sands and most often occurs in the form of steel-gray nuggets with small, rounded grains. Until 1825, it came only from South America. Today, its main deposits are located in South Africa and Russia.

 

You might like this selection of jewelry
On the same theme, you would also like to read
Previous Article Focus: the Reflet watch by Boucheron
star
star
star
star
star

4.7/5.0 — 1600+ reviews

A New Way

to find

Vintage jewelry

Discover the IOS application that revolutionizes the buying and selling of second-hand jewelry.

arrow-right

Download

Autumn 2024