The basic worth of a metal. Prices of all metals fluctuate according to market supply and demand. Scarcity drives demand, making platinum more likely to maintain its intrinsic value over time.
The metal’s ability to withstand wear and tear over its life span. Platinum is highly durable and can last for generations. Tungsten is also highly durable, however, it’s not considered a precious metal, and tungsten rings cannot be resized.
The actual precious metal content. 14K gold is a mix of 58% gold and 42% non-precious metal. 18K gold is 75% pure. Platinum and palladium are at least 90-95% pure. Tungsten and titanium are also considered pure, but are not precious metals.
The metal’s potential of an allergic response, due to the use of potentially irritating substances. Platinum is the only hypoallergenic precious metal.
The way a metal responds to scratching and denting. All metals scratch, but with gold a scratch actually removes a sliver of metal. With platinum, scratching just ripples the surface, and the displaced metal can be moved back into place by a jeweler.
The metal’s ability to be made to look new again; easily refinished, re-sized or re-conditioned. Platinum performs beautifully in each case.
The scarcity and demand for the metal for uses other than jewelry. While supplies of platinum and palladium are very limited, platinum is utilized in far more ways than palladium. Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold. And the greater demand for medical and industrial purposes, on an already smaller supply, makes platinum more highly prized.
The feeling a metal has on one’s finger. Platinum is twice as heavy as palladium, 60% heavier than 14k gold, and 40% heavier than 18k gold. This weight is also part of what makes platinum an extremely durable metal.