Gold and silver are undoubtedly the most well-known precious metals among investors, but they aren’t the only options for those looking to diversify their portfolios. If you’re seeking an alternative with strong potential, platinum definitely deserves your attention. Rare, in demand across many industrial sectors, and more volatile than gold, platinum represents an interesting mix of practical use and strategic value. In this beginner's guide to platinum, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions to help you understand this metal better: What is platinum?What is it used for and why is it so in demand?What factors influence its market price?In what forms can you buy platinum for investment? Let’s begin!

A Beginner's Guide to Platinum

Gold and silver are undoubtedly the most well-known precious metals among investors, but they aren’t the only options for those looking to diversify their portfolios. If you’re seeking an alternative with strong potential, platinum definitely deserves your attention.
Rare, in demand across many industrial sectors, and more volatile than gold, platinum represents an interesting mix of practical use and strategic value.
In this beginner's guide to <a href="https://www.goldavenue.com/en/buy/platinum" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="link">platinum</a>, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions to help you understand this metal better:
<ul><li>What is platinum?</li><li>What is it used for and why is it so in demand?</li><li>What factors influence its market price?</li><li>In what forms can you buy platinum for investment?</li></ul>
Let’s begin!

Precious Metals Guide

Discover how to invest in platinum with our beginner’s guide. Learn about platinum prices, uses, bars vs coins, and how to buy safely

Beginner’s guide to investing in platinum | Price, uses & buying tips | GOLD AVENUE

A beginner's guide to gold 

A beginner's Guide to Palladium

<h2>What is Platinum?</h2>

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Platinum is a rare precious metal and it is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs), which also includes palladium, rhodium, and iridium. Its chemical symbol is Pt and its atomic number is 78. It’s one of the four precious metals sold on GOLD AVENUE, along with gold, silver, and palladium.
It stands out for its high resistance to corrosion, chemical stability, and excellent electrical conductivity – features that make it valuable both in industry and as an investment.
Often compared to other precious metals, platinum has unique characteristics. The difference between platinum and gold isn’t just in colour or price – while gold is more stable and mainly used as a store of value, platinum is rarer and often used in industry.
Both platinum and palladium are PGMs and are used in the automotive industry, but palladium is often more expensive and lighter, while platinum is preferred for its higher resistance in high-temperature contexts.
<div class="highlighted-blue-bg">Did you know? Platinum is so rare that all the platinum ever mined could fit into an average-sized living room!</div>
 <h2>What is Platinum Used For?</h2>

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<a href="https://www.goldavenue.com/en/buy/platinum" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="link">Platinum</a> is an extremely versatile precious metal, used in strategic sectors ranging from automotive to high-tech. Its strong industrial component is what sets it apart from other metals like gold.
Here are some of the main uses of platinum:
<h3>Automotive Sector</h3>
Platinum is a key element in the production of catalytic converters, especially for diesel vehicles. In this context, the metal acts as a catalyst and helps convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.
For example, a single gram of platinum can convert up to 1,000 liters of toxic gas into less harmful emissions. As emissions regulations become stricter, demand for platinum in the automotive industry remains high, although the rise of electric vehicles could impact this in the future.
<h3>Jewellery</h3>
Thanks to its resistance to corosion and wear, platinum is widely used to create high-end jewellery like engagement rings, wedding bands, and bracelets.
It’s considered ideal for setting diamonds and precious stones due to its durability and ability to maintain its shape over time. Platinum doesn’t tarnish easily and retains its natural shine for years.
<h3>Medical Sector</h3>
Platinum’s uses also include the medical field: due to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, it’s used in various devices and treatments.
Platinum is found in pacemakers, heart stents, surgical instruments, and some cancer treatments. Its use is crucial in producing safe and long-lasting implantable devices.
<h3>Electronics and Chemical Industry</h3>
In technology, platinum is used to make sensors, electrical contacts, and hard drives.
Its excellent conductivity and stability make it essential for reliable performance even under extreme conditions. In chemistry, platinum is an excellent catalyst used in complex industrial processes such as the production of nitric acid, fertilisers, silicone, and oil refining.
This wide range of applications makes platinum a fundamental raw material for many supply chains. However, this strong industrial reliance also makes it more exposed to:
Geopolitical crises in producing countries
Economic downturns in key sectors (e.g., automotive)
Technological developments that reduce its usage (e.g., electric vehicles)
As a result, platinum's price tends to be more volatile than that of more stable metals like gold, and can vary significantly based on global events. Anyone looking to invest in platinum should consider these factors.

<h2>What Influences the Price of Platinum?</h2>

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Like all precious metals, platinum’s price is influenced by various factors. The main ones include:
<ul><li>Supply and demand: Production is concentrated in five countries (South Africa, Russia, the US, Canada, and Zimbabwe), making supply vulnerable to geopolitical or economic disruptions.</li><li>Automotive industry: Since it's a major area of use, regulatory or technological changes can dramatically impact demand and therefore price.</li><li>Price of gold and other metals: Platinum is often compared with gold or substituted with palladium in certain applications, affecting its competitiveness.</li><li>Interest rates, inflation, and global crises: Like other precious metals, platinum can act as a safe haven, but it’s typically more volatile.</li></ul>
If you've decided to invest in platinum, you can follow real-time price changes here!

<h2>What Platinum Products Can You Buy?</h2>

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If you’re thinking about investing in platinum, you have two main options: buy physical platinum in the form of bars or coins, or opt for financial instruments like ETFs or futures contracts.
At GOLD AVENUE, we focus on physical platinum products, a popular choice for those who want to directly own the metal and store it securely or keep it accessible.
Here are different ways to invest in physical platinum:
<h3>Platinum Bars</h3>
<a href="https://www.goldavenue.com/en/buy/platinum/buy-platinum-bars-switzerland">Platinum bars</a> are ideal for those looking to buy larger quantities of this precious metal. They come in various sizes and are the most cost-efficient option per gram, since they generally carry lower premiums compared to coins.
Examples include:
<ul><li>1 g platinum bar</li><li>5 g platinum bar</li><li>1 g platinum bar</li></ul>
The bars sold by GOLD AVENUE are made of certified pure platinum, available in classic designs or artistic editions like the renowned Lady Fortuna bars, symbols of elegance and quality.
All our bars are LBMA-certified (London Bullion Market Association), ensuring some of the highest quality standards in the precious metals market.
If you're wondering where to safely buy investment platinum, GOLD AVENUE is a reliable choice, offering traceable products, transparent prices, and the option of free secure storage in Switzerland.
<h3>Platinum Coins</h3>
Coins offer more flexibility: being smaller, they can be sold individually, making them perfect for investors who want partial liquidity.
Some coins are also collectibles and can gain numismatic value over time. Many also have legal tender status and are minted by official government mints.
<a href="https://www.goldavenue.com/en/buy/platinum/platinum-coins">Popular platinum coins</a> include:
<ul><li>1 oz Maple Leaf</li><li>1 oz Britannia</li><li>1 oz Philharmonic</li></ul>
Choosing platinum coins can be a strategic way to diversify and maintain flexibility over time. For safe investment purchases, rely on certified dealers like GOLD AVENUE, offering genuine, guaranteed, and securely stored products.

<h2>Is It Better to Buy Platinum Bars or Coins?</h2>

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The choice between platinum bars and coins depends mainly on your investment goals and the type of flexibility you want.
👉 If your goal is to buy a larger quantity of platinum at the best price per gram, bars are usually the most suitable option. They have lower premiums (margins) than coins, especially in larger sizes, and are ideal for medium-to-long-term investments.
👉 If you want more flexibility, platinum coins might be a better fit. Their smaller size makes them easier to sell individually, allowing you to liquidate part of your investment when needed. Many coins also have legal tender value and may appreciate in collectible value over time thanks to special designs or limited mintages.
👉 If you’re interested in aesthetics or collectible aspects, you might consider both artistic coins and iconic bar designs, such as the Lady Fortuna series, also available in platinum.
In summary, if you're asking whether it’s better to buy platinum bars or coins, the answer depends on your goals:
🔹 Bars are ideal for optimising investment value, letting you buy more platinum at a lower price per gram due to generally lower premiums. 🔹 Coins offer more flexibility: they’re easier to sell individually and may gain collector value over time.
Evaluate both options carefully – each has specific advantages that suit different strategies.

<h2>Conclusion: Is Platinum a Good Investment?</h2>

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As we’ve seen in this beginner’s guide, platinum is a strong alternative to more well-known precious metals like gold and silver. Though less popular among the general public, it offers unique features that make it appealing for those looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into evolving markets.
Unlike gold, platinum is closely tied to the real economy, especially industrial and technological sectors. This means its value can fluctuate more quickly, but also opens up interesting growth opportunities, particularly in times of innovation and high industrial demand.
✅ Main advantages:
<ul><li>Rarity: One of the rarest metals in nature, even rarer than gold</li><li>Broad industrial use: In key sectors such as automotive, medicine, chemistry, and technology</li><li>Lower price than gold, with potential for appreciation</li><li>Volatility that can benefit active and dynamic investment strategies</li><li>Diversification tool, helping to balance stable or speculative assets</li></ul>
⚠️ Risks to consider:
<ul><li>High price volatility, linked to industrial demand</li><li>Dependence on a few producing countries (e.g., South Africa and Russia), making supply vulnerable</li><li>Competition with other PGMs (like palladium) and new technologies that might reduce demand</li></ul>
If you’re looking for a tangible asset with intrinsic value, then platinum could be a very serious option to consider!
<a href="https://www.goldavenue.com/en/buy/platinum" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="link">Check out our wide range of platinum bars and coins on the GOLD AVENUE website</a>.