Gold and platinum are both highly coveted precious metals. Gold is synonymous with wealth, kingdoms, and dynasties — while platinum is renowned for its beauty, durability, and modern uses. Gold is unquestionably among civilization’s most popular elements evidenced by its early uses in art, adornment, and religious worship. Platinum, however, has also been around for thousands of years but was not recognized as a “precious metal” until the mid-18th century when it essentially rose from obscurity and was first used in fine jewelry.
Today, both precious metals are rare commodities with high economic value. They are powerful alternative assets used for portfolio diversification and can both be placed into a self-directed IRA in approved formats and coin denominations.
Gold Needs no Introduction
According to the American Numismatic Association, mankind could not help but be captivated by gold from the earliest encounters:
“Gold has been coveted since its discovery over 5000 years ago. Egyptian hieroglyphs describe gold as early as 2600 BC. Gold has been valued wherever it has been encountered – for its beauty, versatility, and resistance to change (gold does not rust, discolor or tarnish). Valued for its malleability (a single ounce can make a translucent sheet covering 300 square feet!), heat and electrical conductivity, resistance to chemical reactions, and – of course – its splendor, gold has captured the hearts and minds (and wallets) of mankind.”1https://www.money.org/money-museum/virtual-exhibits-americana-mystique-of-gold
It has been called “the king of metals,” “the ultimate safe haven,” and “the noblest metal of them all,” due to its lustrous appearance, rarity, durability, endless uses, and timeless perception as a store of value. It is considered a stable monetary asset that maintains its value amid economic volatility, high inflation, recession, market meltdowns and threats to the value of the dollar.
The Surprising history of Platinum
Unlike the rich amber and yellow shades of gold, platinum is a white metal with a highly reflective silver-like sheen. It is one of the world’s heaviest metals. According to the World Platinum Investment Council, a mere six-inch cube of platinum, weighs as much as an average human being.2https://platinuminvestment.com/about/platinum-facts But it is also a malleable and ductile metal that can be hammered into thin wires and has a connection to antiquity that is equally as compelling as gold.
According to Mineral Exchange:
“Platinum was a part of ancient cultures, even though it was christened in the 19th century. While archaeologists found platinum engraved in caskets of Thebes in Egyptian tombs, geologists found nose rings and necklaces from the ceremonies of Incas made of platinum alloys. Moreover, archaeologists found platinum with gold in the tomb of the daughter of Thebes.”3https://mineralexchange.com/pages/the-history-of-platinum-bullion
With gold garners headlines, platinum remains a well-kept secret within the monetary metals group. It is a multi-use metal with steady market demand from a variety of applications including industrial, automotive, investment, and jewelry. Not only is it instrumental in reducing vehicle emissions, platinum plays a crucial role in turning hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. This is raising its profile due to growing interest in the potential for a carbon-free energy system based on hydrogen.
What do Jewelers Think?
When it comes to jewelry, gold is the standard bearer for its durability and timeless appeal. Gold earrings and gold watches have long been a symbol of wealth and status and gold regalia continues to embody style and sophistication according to Estate Buyers National Rarities:
“From the gleaming treasures of ancient civilizations to the innovative designs of today, the history of gold jewelry is a testament to human creativity, ingenuity, and reverence for beauty. Across continents and centuries, gold has captivated our imagination, symbolizing wealth, power, and enduring elegance.”4https://www.nationalrarities.com/blogs/news/from-ancient-treasures-to-modern-elegance-a-journey-through-the-history-of-gold-jewelry
While platinum jewelry is not as popular as gold, it has gotten the attention of Hollywood. According to Platinum Guild International, leading jewelry brands like Tiffany, De Beers, Boucheron, Kwait, Cartier and Martin Katz are all outfitting A-List celebrities with white platinum as evidenced by red carpet pairings at last year’s Academy Awards:
“The glamour of Hollywood soared to new heights as movie stars wore exquisite jewellery designs set in platinum to the 96th Academy Awards. From drop earrings to line bracelets and colourful rings, platinum was the metal of choice for celebrities as they celebrated their achievements at the world’s most famous awards show.”5https://platinumguild.com/celebrities-sparkled-in-spectacular-platinum-jewellery-designs-at-the-96th-academy-awards
The Investment Opportunity
Both of these metals have high perceived value and are often acquired as an alternative asset and a portfolio diversifier. Gold hit an all-time high in 2024 and current projections are for gold prices to continue to rise based upon steady central bank demand, rising geopolitical tensions, and the uncertainty and disruption associated with a new U.S. administration. In addition, the persistent threat of stubborn inflation and unsustainable federal debt, are historic price triggers for gold.
Platinum is generally considered to be undervalued. The World Bank, LiteFinance, and Investing Haven all see platinum prices rising in 2025 based on increasing industrial demand, limited supply, and the emerging hydrogen economy. According to the CEO of the World Platinum Investment Council, platinum should not be overlooked in 2025, particularly in light of demand from the automotive sector based on the surprising shift in vehicle sentiment.
“The continued growth in automotive demand features as a demand growth driver for 2025. The slowdown in Battery Electric Vehicle sales – contrary to expectations – is leading to sustained automotive demand for platinum over a longer period. All the while, platinum demand is bolstered in this sector by stricter emissions legislation, an increase in hybrid vehicles that contain internal combustion engines, and the growth in annual platinum for palladium substitution.”6https://platinuminvestment.com/news
2025 is the year to grow and protect your wealth. Both gold and platinum are important physical assets that can help balance a financial portfolio and safeguard retirement savings.
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1 https://www.money.org/money-museum/virtual-exhibits-americana-mystique-of-gold
2 https://platinuminvestment.com/about/platinum-facts
3 https://mineralexchange.com/pages/the-history-of-platinum-bullion
