We’re Gold Bank by name, and yes, gold by nature so of course gold does run through everything we do. However, as investors ourselves, we know the value of thinking bigger. A well-balanced portfolio doesn’t put all its eggs in one shiny basket.
Gold’s reputation as a safe haven is well earned; it’s brilliant for protecting your wealth, hedging against inflation and holding long-term value but what about the other metals in the mix? There’s a whole precious world out there which could be worth exploring.
From silver to platinum to palladium, let’s take a closer look at how gold might not be your only option.
As ever, before making any investment decisions, we always recommend speaking with a certified financial advisor to ensure investing fits within your long-term financial plan. Our blog does not constitute financial advice.
Why precious metals are popular among investors
Silver, platinum and palladium all have their own pros and cons. Silver’s much more affordable than gold, so it’s a great starting point if you’re new to investing. It’s also used in loads of everyday tech like solar panels and electronics which helps drive demand. Platinum and palladium might sound more niche, but they’re actually rarer than gold and play a big role in things like car manufacturing but because they’re tied to industry, their prices can move around a lot. This can mean more risk but also more reward if you get the timing right.
If you’re looking to switch it up, protect against inflation or just spread your bets, then these metals can add a different dimension to your portfolio.
Let’s go through them one by one.
Silver: The versatile underdog
Nickname: Gold’s cool younger sibling
Star quality: Does double duty – investment + industry
Price volatility: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
Liquidity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Industrial use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Huge in tech, solar and medicine)
Investor appeal: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Gaining ground)
Entry cost: 💰 (Super accessible)
Fun fact: Silver kills bacteria – it’s used in wound dressings and water filters.
Investor insight:
Silver’s lower cost makes it perfect for new investors or those looking to steadily accumulate. But don’t let the price tag fool you – it has serious industrial demand, particularly in fast-growing areas like clean energy. It means demand can push prices up fast. Silver tends to be more volatile than gold, so expect sharper swings.
Platinum: The rarity card
Nickname: The industrial secret weapon
Star quality: Rarer than gold, with big industrial muscle
Price volatility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Liquidity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
Industrial use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Cars, jewellery, fuel cells)
Investor appeal: ⭐⭐ (Still niche)
Entry cost: 💰💰💰 (Mid-high)
Fun fact: 80% of the world’s platinum production comes from South Africa
Investor insight:
Platinum has historically traded above gold but in recent years, that’s changed. Some investors see this as a buying opportunity, thinking it’s undervalued. As it’s heavily tied to car manufacturing and green energy tech, its value may rise again as those industries recover or evolve. It’s less widely traded than gold or silver, so it’s best suited to those who’re in for the long game.
Palladium: The pricey wildcard
Nickname: The sleeper hit
Star quality: Stealthy but valuable
Price volatility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Liquidity: ⭐⭐ (Trickier to trade)
Industrial use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Especially in catalytic converters)
Investor appeal: ⭐⭐ (Mainly for pros and risk-takers)
Entry cost: 💰💰💰💰💰 (Very high)
Fun fact: In 2020, palladium was more expensive than gold.
Investor insight:
Palladium is a favourite of experienced investors who understand the dynamics of supply and demand. Most of it comes from Russia and South Africa, which means prices can be affected by global politics, trade restrictions or mine closures. It’s highly volatile, harder to get hold of and best suited for investors who are comfortable riding short-term waves in search of long-term gains.
Gold: The timeless Titan
Nickname: The safe bet
Star quality: Trusted worldwide for centuries
Price volatility: ⭐ (Low)
Liquidity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Industrial use: ⭐ (Minimal – it’s all about wealth storage)
Investor appeal: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Always in demand)
Entry cost: 💰💰💰💰 (High)
Fun fact: Central banks hoard it like dragons – over 35,000 tonnes globally.
Investor insight:
As we know gold is the ultimate “peace of mind” metal. It performs best when uncertainty is high – economic crisis, inflation, political instability which is why so many investors keep it in their portfolio as a hedge. It may not spike dramatically in price, but it rarely crashes either. It’s also highly liquid, meaning it’s easy to sell if you ever need to cash out.
Reflections on buying precious metals
Gold might be the old favourite, but it’s not the only metal worth considering.
If you’re starting small or like the idea of investing in something with real-world utility, silver’s a strong option. You can buy more of it for less, and its price is influenced by growing industries like solar power and tech. It’s got a bit more bounce which means more risk, but also more reward if you catch it right.
Platinum and palladium are a bit more niche. They’re not for everyone, but they can be a smart play if you’re looking to diversify or want to speculate on trends in industry, automotive tech or even geopolitics. Just be aware they can swing wildly and aren’t always as easy to sell quickly.
Are you ready to go for gold? Or feeling more silver or platinum? Let us help. You can browse and buy directly on our site, or if you’d like a bit of guidance before diving in, we’re always happy to chat.
