Cost of a platinum wedding ring
Estimation of the price of metal and labor for a platinum ring.
At a glanceChoosing a 950 Platinum wedding band in Switzerland promises a lifelong heirloom that never tarnishes. Yet couples are often surprised that a platinum band costs more at retail than an 18k gold band, even when platinum spot prices are lower per gram. This guide breaks down the true craftsmanship and manufacturing costs.
Why Does a Platinum Ring Cost More Than Gold?
Three physical and workshop factors drive the retail price difference:
1. Higher Density (35%+ More Grams Needed)
Platinum 950 has a density of 21.45 g/cm³, compared to 15.50 g/cm³ for 18k gold. For two bands of identical dimensions (4mm width, 1.8mm depth):
- The 18k gold ring weighs approx. 5.50 grams.
- The 950 platinum ring weighs approx. 7.60 grams (+38% more noble metal!).
2. Higher Purity (95% vs 75%)
Jewelry platinum is 95% pure, whereas 18k gold contains 75% fine metal.
3. Demanding Workshop Fabrication
- High melting point (1,768 °C): Requires specialized furnaces and oxy-hydrogen torches.
- High tool wear: Platinum wears out carbide burs and sawblades twice as fast as gold.
- Labor-intensive polishing: Achieving a flawless mirror finish demands multi-stage polishing with proprietary alumina compounds.
Cost Breakdown for a 4mm Classic Wedding Band in Switzerland
| Cost Item | 18k Yellow Gold Band | 18k Rhodium White Gold Band | 950 Platinum Band (Pt950) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Metal Weight | 5.50 g | 5.50 g | 7.60 g (+38%) |
| Raw Metal Value (Spot) | CHF 345 | CHF 355 | CHF 250 |
| Machining, Casting & Forging | CHF 220 | CHF 240 | CHF 480 (High precision) |
| Polishing & Surface Treatment | CHF 80 (Standard) | CHF 140 (Inc. rhodium bath) | CHF 190 (Multi-stage) |
| Federal Hallmarking (BCMP) | CHF 50 | CHF 50 | CHF 60 (Capricorn mark) |
| Retailer Margin & 8.1% VAT | CHF 280 | CHF 315 | CHF 370 |
| Total Swiss Retail Price | CHF 975 – 1,150 | CHF 1,100 – 1,290 | CHF 1,350 – 1,650 |
20-Year Maintenance Costs
- Rhodium White Gold: Requires re-plating every 2 years (10 treatments × CHF 70 = CHF 700 in upkeep).
- 950 Platinum: Requires zero plating (CHF 0 in upkeep).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Platinum Ring Budget
Does platinum hold its resale value?
It retains its intrinsic spot metal value, though the initial labor premium paid at retail is not recovered when selling as scrap.
Can platinum bands be engraved?
Yes, laser engravings on platinum are crisp and exceptionally wear-resistant.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.