Which Is The Harder Metal: Platinum or Gold?

If you are looking for an engagement or wedding ring, chances are you've heard a thing or two about the different types of metals you can choose from. Platinum, yellow gold, white gold, palladium - the choices seem endless.

But, when it comes to choosing the right metal for you, it can be a bit confusing to figure out which metal is the best fit. Platinum is often recommended because it is one of the most durable metals. You won't have to maintain it as much as other metals in the future. Yellow and white gold are also very popular choices for both engagement and wedding rings that are often because they are both precious and traditional.

If you are deciding between a gold or platinum ring, however, it's important to understand some of the major differences. One of the most asked questions we receive is which metal, platinum or gold, is harder.

Well, the quick answer is that platinum is harder because it is denser and more durable than gold, which is actually a soft metal by nature. However, you might be surprised to hear that platinum actually scratches easier than 14k gold. When platinum is often advertised as the best and most durable metal, how could it be if it scratches more easily? It doesn't always make sense at first, so let's dive in a little deeper.

Think of it, like a piece of glass... it's easy to scratch, but it is hard to bend or break. Despite being stronger and more durable than gold, platinum can get scratched easily on the surface.

Here's something fascinating though! When gold is scratched, the gold is scratched away and is lost. When platinum is scratched, the platinum gets moved from one place on the ring to another, and it develops something called a "patina finish." This type of finish will look like an antique or worn ring. A lot of people love and desire the patina finish (featured in the image to the left).

The good thing is that re-polishing your ring will help restore the ring to near its original look for both platinum and gold. In the end, it's up to you what you want your ring to look like in the future and how much you are going to have to maintain it in the future to keep it looking new.