Gold and Platinum Prices Are Going Crazy – What It Really Means for Bespoke Rings in Singapore
Over the past year, both gold and platinum prices have shown sharp swings that clients in Singapore are starting to notice. Headlines talk about record highs, supply constraints, and global uncertainty — but what does that actually mean when you’re designing a bespoke engagement ring?
At Diamond Ateliers, we work with gold and platinum daily. We don’t trade metals; we turn them into precision-engineered rings through a fully considered bespoke engagement ring process. Price volatility doesn’t just affect the final invoice — it changes how informed clients think about design, value, and timing.
This guide breaks down what’s happening to gold and platinum prices, how it impacts bespoke rings in Singapore, and how to make smart decisions without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.
Why Gold and Platinum Prices Are So Volatile Right Now
Gold: Hedging, Inflation, and Global Uncertainty
Gold prices typically rise during periods of inflation, currency pressure, and geopolitical uncertainty. Central bank buying and investor demand have pushed prices upward, which directly affects 18K and 14K gold commonly used in engagement rings.
For bespoke jewellery, this translates into:
- Higher raw material costs per gram
- Greater price sensitivity for heavier or chunky designs
- More noticeable cost differences between yellow, white, and rose gold alloys
Platinum: Scarcity and Supply Constraints
Platinum behaves very differently from gold. It is significantly rarer, harder to mine, and heavily tied to industrial demand. When supply is disrupted, prices can spike quickly. Unlike gold jewellery, platinum rings are typically made at very high purity (around 95%), amplifying the impact of price changes.
How Metal Prices Actually Affect Bespoke Ring Costs
A common misconception is that if gold or platinum prices rise by 20%, a bespoke ring will automatically cost 20% more. In reality, that’s rarely the case.
What Changes
- Metal-heavy designs: Thick bands, wide profiles, and dense settings feel price shifts more
- Material choice discussions: Clients reassess gold versus platinum based on long-term value and wear, not trends
What Does Not Change
- Design and CAD engineering time
- Stone setting, finishing, and quality control
- The skill and precision required to execute the ring
In bespoke jewellery, metal is only one component of cost — and often not the dominant one.
Gold vs Platinum for Bespoke Engagement Rings in Singapore
When Gold Makes More Sense
- You want flexibility in colour: yellow, white, or rose
- You prefer a lighter ring for daily wear
- You want tighter control over total budget allocation
When Platinum Still Wins
- You prioritise density, strength, and long-term durability
- You prefer a naturally white metal without rhodium plating
- Your design uses fine claws or high-security settings
Despite market volatility, platinum hasn’t stopped making sense — but it now requires more intentional design planning.
Smart Bespoke Strategies During Volatile Metal Markets
1. Lock the Design Early
By finalising the design and metal weight upfront using CAD and 3D printing, uncertainty is removed. You pay only for the metal you actually need — not excess weight.
2. Allocate Budget Strategically
Many clients choose to redirect savings from metal into areas that create visible value, such as:
- Higher-clarity or better-cut lab grown diamonds
- Improved proportions or refined setting details informed by our ring design education
3. Focus on Long-Term Wear, Not Short-Term Prices
Metal prices fluctuate. Craftsmanship and comfort do not. A well-designed bespoke ring should be worn for decades — short-term market noise should never dictate poor design choices.
What This Means for Clients Designing Now
Rising gold and platinum prices don’t mean bespoke rings are becoming unaffordable. They mean clients need better guidance, clearer design decisions, and transparent breakdowns of where money is actually going.
When done properly, bespoke allows you to control metal usage, optimise design efficiency, and achieve better value than off-the-shelf jewellery — even in volatile markets.
Considering a bespoke engagement ring in Singapore? Speak with our design team to understand how metal choices, pricing, and design work together — without guesswork or sales pressure.
— Diamond Ateliers
