Don’t Get Played by “Old Gold” – And Why Platinum’s Having a Moment
1. Platinum and Gold Are (Almost) the Same Price?!
Yes, you read that right. For the first time ever, platinum and 18K gold are trading at nearly identical wholesale prices.
So if you’ve always assumed platinum was much more expensive—it’s time to rethink that. Platinum may be heavier and trickier to work with (meaning slightly higher labor costs), but the material itself? Nearly equal to gold in cost right now.
In fact, on the wholesale side, 14K gold is barely less than platinum, and 18K gold and platinum are nearly neck-and-neck. That means your platinum ring should not be costing significantly more than its gold counterpart—unless there's a very good reason.
So go ahead. Get the platinum.
2. "Old Gold Pricing" Might Be a Red Flag
We’ve seen some jewelers advertising pieces at “old gold prices,” and while that sounds like a good deal… it’s worth pausing before jumping in.
Here’s why:
Most reputable jewelers price based on replacement cost—not what they paid last year, or the year before. Because once they sell that ring, it’s going to cost more to replace it.
Some less-than-trustworthy sellers might be trying to offload pieces made with incorrectly marked metals, or simply cash in on the uncertainty.
So what can you do?
Buy from brands with a reputation to protect. Look for transparency, craftsmanship, and accountability. If someone’s just trying to make a quick buck off chaos... they probably don’t deserve your trust—or your money.
Other Things Worth Thinking About?
– Ask about timelines. Anyone promising a 1-week turnaround on a custom platinum piece might not be doing it from scratch—or might not be doing it well.
– Know what you're buying. Always ask for clarity on whether your piece is 14K vs. 18K, lab vs. natural, etc.
– Heirlooms are long-term decisions. Trends come and go. Your ring (hopefully) won’t. Buy with longevity in mind.
Have more questions or want us to fact-check a suspicious deal you saw online? We're always happy to help. Reach out at bespoke@roen.nyc.
With love and logic,
Sherry & The ROEN Team
