When choosing an engagement or wedding ring, most people focus on the diamond. But the metal band is just as important.
It affects everything from durability and comfort to maintenance and long-term value.
Here are 5 quick takeaways if you’re short on time:
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Platinum is naturally white and doesn’t require rhodium plating.
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Jens Hansen’s white gold is unplated and avoids the need for regular maintenance.
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Platinum is hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
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Platinum has a heavier, denser feel than gold.
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Both metals are durable but age differently over time.
Can You Tell the Difference Between Platinum and White Gold?
At a glance, platinum and white gold look very similar, especially when freshly crafted. But beneath the surface, they age differently and have unique maintenance needs.
Platinum is naturally white, with a cool-toned finish that does not rely on any plating.
Jens Hansen’s white gold is unplated by design. Unlike most commercial white gold that requires rhodium plating to appear bright white, our alloys maintain a warm, gunmetal or quicksilver tone that reflects the underlying gold content.
Here’s what that means in practice:
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Platinum maintains its color permanently. Its white appearance will not fade or shift over time.
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Jens Hansen’s white gold does not require rhodium re-plating but will naturally appear less bright and more organic in tone.
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Platinum develops a soft patina with wear, giving it a subtle matte finish that some people prefer. It can be polished back to a shinier surface if desired.
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White gold retains a more polished look and is naturally resistant to wear, though its warmer tone becomes more noticeable over time.
These differences affect not just aesthetics but also long-term maintenance:
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If you want a ring that stays white without regular upkeep, platinum is the more practical option.
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If you’re drawn to a softer, more natural white metal with lower maintenance requirements and distinct character, Jens Hansen’s white gold may be the better choice.
Bonus: Explore our Petite Elvish Love Ring White Gold and Platinum
Is Platinum or White Gold More Durable for Everyday Wear?
Platinum is a dense, strong metal that holds its shape well and retains its volume over time.
It does not lose metal when scratched, but instead develops surface texture. This makes it ideal for heirloom pieces that are worn daily.
White gold is harder on the surface due to its alloy composition.
It resists visible scratching and keeps its polished finish longer in the short term.
Over decades of wear, especially on the underside of rings or prongs, small amounts of metal may wear away.
Here’s how that plays out for daily wear:
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Platinum resists deformation and is excellent for securing gemstones over time.
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White gold holds its shape well initially and maintains its shine longer but may require structural touch-ups after many years.
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Platinum can be refinished with minimal material loss, restoring its surface easily.
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White gold may slowly thin in areas of high friction and can require re-tipping or reshaping with age.
Bonus: Here is our durable Möbius Twist Ring, White Gold & Platinum
Why Is Platinum More Expensive Than White Gold?
Traditionally, platinum rings have a higher upfront price, but this is influenced by several factors beyond rarity.
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Platinum is denser, so more material is needed to make the same design. This increases both weight and metal cost.
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Platinum used in jewelry is typically 95 percent pure, while 18ct white gold contains 75 percent gold. You are paying for a higher concentration of precious metal with platinum.
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Platinum is more difficult to work with and takes more time to craft, which raises labor costs.
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However, due to recent market shifts, the final price of platinum rings can now be similar to or even lower than 18ct white gold. Pricing also depends on whether 9ct or 14ct white gold is used.
Consider this:
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White gold offers a more affordable entry point, especially in 9ct or 14ct alloys.
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Platinum may be comparable in price to 14ct or 18ct white gold and offers long-term value due to its low-maintenance nature.
Bonus: Explore classic Jens Hansen rings for every budget!
Which Ring Metal Is Better for Sensitive Skin?
The metal composition of a ring is crucial if you have allergies or skin sensitivities.
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Platinum is hypoallergenic. With up to 95 percent purity and alloyed only with non-reactive metals like iridium or ruthenium, it is ideal for sensitive skin.
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White gold may contain nickel or other metals that can cause reactions. Even though some designs are plated with rhodium to create a protective barrier, that layer eventually wears off.
Here’s what to consider:
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Platinum is the safest choice if you have metal sensitivities, especially to nickel.
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Jens Hansen’s white gold is often well-tolerated but is not classified as hypoallergenic. It is best for those without known allergies or for occasional wear.
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For long-term comfort and peace of mind, platinum is the most skin-safe option.
How Do Platinum and Gold Rings Feel to Wear?
The feel of a ring matters more than many people expect, especially for something worn every day.
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Platinum is heavier than gold. The same ring design in platinum can weigh approximately 60 percent more than its gold counterpart.
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Some people love the substantial feel of platinum, while others prefer the lighter presence of gold.
Comfort preferences vary:
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Choose platinum if you enjoy a weighty, luxurious feel that signals quality and permanence.
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Choose white gold if you prefer a ring that feels light, subtle, and comfortable for daily wear.
Bonus: Discover the most authentic and unique Elvish Wedding Bands
Which Metal Keeps Diamonds More Secure Over Time?
The metal you choose plays a key role in how securely your stones stay set over the years.
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Platinum does not wear away when scratched. Instead, it shifts slightly, keeping its volume. This means prongs and settings tend to stay thick and secure over time.
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White gold holds diamonds well, but over decades of daily wear, small amounts of metal can be lost from pressure points. Prongs may need occasional re-tipping.
Here’s how the two compare:
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Platinum offers long-term peace of mind for securing gemstones with minimal intervention.
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White gold provides strong initial security but may require periodic reinforcement to maintain its integrity.
Final Thoughts: Gold vs. Platinum for Engagement and Wedding Rings
Choosing between platinum and white gold comes down to your lifestyle, design preferences, and how much upkeep you are comfortable with.
You might prefer platinum if you:
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Want a naturally white metal with no coatings or plating
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Value long-term durability and minimal maintenance
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Have sensitive skin or allergies
You might prefer white gold if you:
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Like a polished, lighter-weight ring
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Appreciate natural warmth and character in your metal
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Want a lower starting price with a timeless look
Design Your Own Ring with Jens Hansen’s Custom Builder
Still unsure which metal fits your needs? Try designing your ring using the Jens Hansen Custom Ring Builder. You can explore different styles, compare metal options, and see how each choice impacts the look and feel of your piece.
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Compare platinum and gold side by side
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Preview designs with various settings and gemstones
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Tailor your ring to your budget and aesthetic preferences