Amid the ongoing global market turmoil triggered by the US, Israel, and Iran conflict, investors are increasingly turning to metals as safe-haven assets. While gold has not surged as much as expected, silver and platinum have shown noticeable gains. These metals are driven not only by investor sentiment but also by industrial demand and supply constraints. The global push towards green energy and electric vehicles has boosted demand for both silver and platinum, as they are essential for renewable technologies and clean energy systems. From an investment perspective, comparing silver and platinum is crucial, as each has different demand drivers, volatility, and long-term potential.
How much is the increase in prices
Over the past year, white metals have seen a substantial surge. Silver, in particular, has outperformed many asset classes amid global market turbulence. Driven by demand from the solar panel industry, silver prices have jumped nearly 148% to 170% as of early 2026. Platinum has also performed strongly, with prices rising around 121% to 150%. While silver’s rally is fueled by the solar boom, platinum’s rise is linked to the automotive sector, where it is vital for internal combustion and hybrid engines.
What are the purity standards
Platinum is generally considered purer than silver. Investment-grade silver bars and coins in India typically have 99.9% purity. Most silver jewellery is made of 925 sterling silver. Platinum, being denser and stronger, requires minimal alloying. Standard platinum jewellery in India usually contains around 95% pure platinum (950 grade), making it one of the purest metals used in jewellery.
Resale value of silver
Silver is highly liquid in India. It can be easily bought and sold through local jewellers and dealers. Current silver prices range from around Rs 2.33 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per kg. Resale value of silver jewellery usually accounts for melting losses and deductions of 5% to 10%. Silver bars and coins, however, fetch prices closer to the market rate due to minimal processing loss and easier valuation.
Resale value of platinum
Platinum is much rarer than gold and silver, around 30 times rarer than gold. Despite this, its retail liquidity in India remains moderate. It is mainly bought back by high-end or specialized jewellers, who offer 80% to 90% of the market value. Selling platinum to local or small jewellers is difficult, as many cannot accurately test its purity or are not accustomed to trading it.
Usage
Silver has dual usage. Nearly half of its demand comes from industrial sectors like electronics, solar energy, and medicine. The rest is driven by investment demand. Platinum, in contrast, is largely industrial-driven. Its prices are closely linked to demand from automotive, green energy, and hydrogen sectors. Amid inflation fears in 2026 due to the US, Israel, and Iran conflict, silver is increasingly used as a monetary hedge, while platinum is mainly accumulated by industrial setups, pushing its prices higher.