Platinum vs Titanium
Platinum and titanium are a popular choice of metals in jewelry making specifically for young generation. Both of these metals come with their own set of properties and uniqueness for buyers. But people often find themselves confused in choosing one between the two.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of platinum vs titanium focusing on their unique characteristics, uses, and how to decide between them depending on your needs.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal known for its rarity, brilliance, and historical significance. It has been used in jewelry for centuries, symbolizing wealth and status due to its lustrous appearance and hefty weight.
Historically, platinum has been associated with wealth and luxury. In the early 20th century, it became the preferred metal for engagement rings and fine jewelry. Beyond luxury, Platinum also plays an essential role in industries like automotive (in catalytic converters) and medical (for surgical tools and implants).
Common Alloys of Platinum
Pure platinum is never used in jewelry making as it is soft and will make difficult for jewelers to work with it. That’s why different platinum alloys are used.
1. 950 Platinum
950 platinum is the purest form of platinum alloys used in jewelry. It is made of 95% platinum by weight. Other 5% is made of either iridium or ruthenium making it hypoallergenic.
2. 900 Platinum
900 platinum is another platinum alloy made of 90% platinum and 10% other metals. As it contains lower platinum content, it is more durable and resistant to scratches compared to the prior one.
3. 850 Platinum
Platinum is often found in 850 purity levels. Similar to 900, it is made of 85% platinum and 15% other metals. This variant is relatively less common than other ones due to low purity levels.
Properties of Platinum
Here are the common properties of platinum.
1. Density
Platinum is one of the densest metal used in jewelry making. The more denser a metal is, the heavier it will feel. For example, if a normal size ring made in titanium weighs about 4 grams, the same ring will weigh about 20 grams in platinum because it has 5 times the density of platinum.
This can be a pro as well as con for the metal. If you’re one who loves to wear heavier jewelry, platinum is an excellent choice of metal. But on the same time, you will be paying more money for the same ring as it has more weight.
2. Appearance
Platinum has a bright white color with lustrous shine. This shine can also be enhanced by using rhodium plating on it. Being a member of premium white metal family, it is used in high end jewelry like engagement and wedding rings. For daily uses, it is rarely used due to its expensive nature.
3. Durability
Platinum is a durable metal which can somewhat resistant daily wear and tear like scratches, falling on the floor etc. This durable nature makes it a good choice whenever you’re going tow ear high end jewelry on daily basis like in case of wedding or engagement rings.
Titanium
Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal widely used in both commercial and luxury applications. While not as expensive as platinum, it boasts impressive durability, corrosion resistance, and a modern aesthetic.
It is a rather newly discovered metal. In jewelry, titanium’s strength and lightweight nature makes it popular for men’s rings, watches, and other modern jewelry designs. It’s more affordable than Platinum but still offers a sleek, minimalist look.
Common Alloys of Titanium
Just like platinum, titanium is also can’t be used in jewelry in its purest form. That’s why it also has alloys.
1. 6 AL Titanium
This alloy of titanium is strong, lightweight and highly corrosion resistant metal. Consisting of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Its features make it ideal for rings.
2. 3 AL Titanium
It is composed of 94% titanium, 3% aluminum and 2.5% vanadium. Since it has lower aluminum content, it is a bit softer than 6 AL titanium and is used for complex designs only.
3. Titanium Grade 1
Grade 1 titanium is another great alloy being used in jewelry. It provides jewelers with features like high corrosion resistance and good ductility.
Apart from grade 1, titanium is also available in different grades going up to grade 9.
Properties of Titanium
The most important properties of titanium metal are:
1. Strength
Titanium is one of the strongest metals available, making it incredibly durable and resistant to damage. This strength is often the deciding factor for those who are going to use jewelry in their everyday life.
2. Light Weight
Titanium is a lightweight metal with a very low density of around 4.5 grams per cm3. It means that jewelries made of titanium weigh far less than what same item made of platinum weighs. This feature is particularly appealing to those who prefer light weight jewelries.
3. Scratch Resistance
Titanium is the strongest metal being used in jewelry in terms of corrosion and scratch resistance. It means that your titanium jewelry will get far less scratches and damages like dents.
Platinum vs. Titanium – A Full Comparison
Here is a full detailed comparison of platinum vs titanium.
1. Density
Platinum is a much denser metal than titanium. This means that a platinum ring will feel heavier on your finger compared to one made of titanium. This weight difference can be a deciding factor for those who prefer substantial, heavy jewelry.
2. Appearance
Platinum has a bright white color with a polished surface, giving it a luxurious, shiny finish. While platinum’s appearance is not as white as other metals of the same class, it does provide the premium feeling while wearing.
Titanium, on the other hand, is more matte with a greyish tone. Yes, titanium can also be polished but it will not be as smooth as platinum’s surface. It can also be customized with different colors like orange, blue or yellow depending on one’s choice where platinum can only be available in one color.
3. Premium Feeling
Platinum is generally the first choice for jewelry made for special occasions like engagement and wedding rings. Titanium, however, is a modern favorite for its strength, affordability, and lightweight comfort.
While platinum feels heavier on the hand, it is comfortable and has a luxurious feel. Titanium, being much lighter, might appeal more to those who prefer a barely-there feeling in their jewelry.
4. Customizability
Platinum is easier to work with for intricate designs and resizing, making it a better choice for custom jewelry. Titanium, due to its hardness, is much harder to resize or modify, meaning any adjustments might be limited or costly.
5. Hypoallergenic
Both titanium and platinum are hypoallergenic metals. People with sensitive skins can easily wear it in their everyday life.
6. Maintenance and Care
When it comes to maintenance, titanium wins the race. As it is highly corrosion and scratch resistant metal, you can expect to pay less frequent visits to your jeweler.
While platinum is also a maintenance friendly metal, but it requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its lustrous and bright appearance.
7. Cost
Platinum is one of the most expensive precious metals due to its rarity and high demand. This makes platinum jewelry significantly much more costly. Apart from this, due to its density factors, more platinum metal is going to be used for a ring compared to other metals increasing more cost. On the contrary, titanium is much more affordable than platinum, making it a popular choice for those seeking strength and style at a lower price point.
Conclusion
Both platinum an titanium have their own playing fields. Where platinum gives you a more premium and luxurious feeling, titanium comes with strength and affordability factors. In short, if you are going to get engagement or wedding rings, platinum is a better choice due to its resale value. On the other hand, if you are just going to wear it for fashion terms in everyday life, titanium is the best metal you can get.