When it comes to expressing love, which precious metal reigns supreme?
Valentine's Day is here again, and at Áurica we can't let it pass us by. It's the season of grand gestures, red roses, and debates about the perfect gift. Jewelry, coins, and precious metal bars are a favorite choice, and engagement rings, bracelets, and necklaces are timeless symbols of love.
But when it comes to choosing the quintessential metal of romance, is gold the champion or does platinum reign supreme?
Both metals have a long history of adorning royalty, marking milestones, and symbolizing love, but they offer very different qualities, from durability and symbolism to price and prestige. If you're thinking of giving (or receiving) a piece of jewelry this Valentine's Day, here's everything you need to know about the real heavyweight battle: gold versus platinum.
Round 1: Strength and Durability
Love is supposed to last forever, and your jewelry should too. Here, platinum strikes first. It is one of the most durable precious metals, allowing it to resist wear and tear and retain its mass over time. That means an engagement ring or wedding band made of platinum will remain nearly the same for decades, even with daily wear. Plus, it's naturally white and never discolors.
Gold, on the other hand, is softer. Pure 24-karat gold is too malleable for jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to create 18- or 14-karat gold. Even so, it's still prone to scratching and thinning over the years, especially in rings that are worn daily. White gold, which competes directly with platinum in color, requires a rhodium plating to maintain its bright shine, and that plating can wear off, meaning it will need occasional reapplication to maintain its fresh appearance.