Does Platinum Break Easily?

Engagement rings are typically made from precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver. Historically, metals like gold and silver were used as currencies. However, these precious metals are used as gifts for special occasions in modern times. Unlike gold and silver, platinum had a different historic use. It was mostly used in military equipment. Hence, the precious metal industry had to substitute platinum with another metal.

That metal was white gold. It’s a combination of gold and other alloys, which gives it a white sheen. White gold is comparatively cheaper than platinum, but it’s not as durable. However, white gold is stronger than yellow gold.

Despite the tremendous strength of platinum, most people always wonder, “does platinum break easily?” In short, no.

Platinum is one of the strongest metals in the world, and it doesn’t break easily. Still, it doesn’t mean platinum is indestructible. It can get scratched very quickly. When buying a platinum ring, you might start noticing scratches on it the first day you take it out of the box.

Platinum Rings Durability

On a scale of 1 to 10, platinum is a straight 9 in terms of durability. However, it’s not indestructible. It’s one of the rarest metals on the planet, and it’s 90% pure. Perhaps that’s why people believe platinum is indestructible.

The myth that platinum cannot be bent started as an urban legend. This legend was derived from the varied usage of this metal. However, in reality, platinum is equally malleable as gold. However, its durability rating is much higher. Moreover, platinum is highly resistant to corrosion. However, it can get scratched easily. That’s one of the reasons people don’t prefer platinum rings.

Platinum Can Break

Platinum isn’t indestructible, and objects made from it can break. Even though platinum rings are much heavier than gold, it doesn’t make them indestructible. Platinum rings can bend like gold ones, and you need to take good care of them.

Moreover, platinum doesn’t require rhodium coating to give it a white gold shine. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about its maintenance and re-applying rhodium coating. However, you might need to take it to your local jeweler to remove scratches.

How Fragile Is Platinum?

Fragile isn’t the right word for platinum because it doesn’t bend or break by falling. Many people don’t understand the two properties of metal, hard and malleable, and how much they matter. ‘Hard’ means the ability to resist damage, while ‘malleable’ means a piece of metal can bend easily.

Platinum isn’t as hard as other metals. It’s more brittle than white gold. Therefore, platinum won’t bend as easily as white gold. In comparison, platinum will become old diamond and other precious gemstones better than white gold. This is because it won’t break as easily as other metals.

Do Platinum Rings Get Dull?

One of the biggest disappointments for newlywed couples is to see their platinum rings get dull before their wedding anniversary. This happens because platinum is a soft metal, prone to scratches and dents. Though platinum won’t break so easily, it will garner scratches like a piece of glass. This is one of the reasons most people don’t buy platinum rings.

Platinum is a 4 to 4.5 on the MOH hardness scale, which means it can easily get scratched with anything harder. For instance, the MOH hardness level of our fingernails is 2.5, which means it won’t scratch platinum. But wire nails, knife blade, nickel, and glass can easily scratch the surface of your gorgeous platinum ring.

Can You Shower With a Platinum Ring?

Similar to other precious metals like gold and white gold, showering with your platinum ring isn’t a good idea. Although water won’t directly harm your platinum ring, it’ll remove your ring’s shine down the road. As a result, your ring will harbor scratches and dents and look dull.

Does Platinum Turn Your Fingers Green?

Most people witness their skin turning green after wearing their metal rings for long periods. This isn’t something to worry about, but it’s definitely not pretty. However, metals like silver, gold, and platinum are less likely to turn your skin green because they don’t have alloys you might be allergic to. In contrast, cheap metal rings and other alloys might trigger an allergic reaction that might turn your skin green.

Does Platinum Change Its Color?

Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white; so, it won’t change its color. However, a platinum ring or piece of jewelry might change color if it also contains other metals besides platinum. However, even the purest and most expensive platinum rings eventually lose their color and a patina – a unique sheen from daily wear. Some people prefer this distinct color and consider this as an added advantage of buying platinum rings. However, others prefer having their rings polished.

Do Platinum Rings Have Good Resale?

Contrary to popular belief, platinum rings have poor resale value. Compared to gold jewelry, platinum has less demand. Therefore, you won’t find the price you are looking for. Moreover, polished platinum loses its weight, and scratches can lower the resale value of your platinum ring. As a result, platinum is not a good investment because you might have difficulty attaining the cost price of your platinum ring 2 years after you have bought it.

The Bottom Line

Platinum is a soft but brittle metal prone to scratches but doesn’t break so easily. It can secure precious gemstones like diamond and ruby, and you don’t have to worry about them falling off. However, platinum has a low resale value, and you won’t recover the cost price if you sell it 2 years after you have bought it.

Platinum is prone to scratches, and polishing this metal will decrease its weight. As a result, platinum isn’t a valuable investment. However, if you are looking for a unique metal that doesn’t ruin the sparkle of your gemstone with contrast, platinum is your best choice.