The variety of metals being used for men’s wedding bands has greatly increased over the years. While traditional metals are still around and here to stay, some alternative materials are being turned into beautiful rings that can stand the test of time and are becoming more and more attractive to today’s couples. Scroll down below to read about each of the materials.
While looking for your wedding band there are a few key things you should keep in mind:
Lifestyle: How you spend your days can have a big impact on the type of ring you should get. If you are working with your hands most of the day, look for a metal that is strong and also comfortable. If you are not as active, you can opt for a softer or heavier material.
Matching: Discuss with your bride to be if you want to have matching wedding bands. Find out what material she wants and you can easily find something made from the same or visually similar.
Wedding band Materials
Platinum
Considered the cream of the crop for many, platinum gives off a bright, shiny appearance while also being extremely durable and resistant to tarnishing and oxidation. Platinum is a good choice for anyone, especially if you have an active lifestyle. The one downside to platinum is the price. It is 30 times more rare than gold so you can expect to pay a nice premium to get a band in this high quality material. If you are looking for a band that will last a lifetime with minimal care, ultimately, platinum is worth the investment.
Gold
Gold has always been a traditional choice for wedding jewelry and although there is a rise in platinum, gold still remains more common. Because pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, it is mixed with other alloys to strengthen it. These alloys also affect the color; there are typically three gold colors to choose from: Yellow, Rose and White. The purity of gold is measured in Karats. The higher the Karat, the purer the gold. It’s easy to see why gold has been a standard for so long. There are a wide variety of options in gold and with a little care, it can last a long time.
Sterling Silver
Silver is the most affordable of the precious metals, but also the softest and is prone to scratches. A silver wedding band tarnishes just like any other piece of silver, so upkeep is a little more involved than with other metals. While we don’t recommend getting a sterling silver band for the long term, it is a good option if you want to buy something affordable now and save up for a higher quality ring in a few years.
Cobalt
Alternative metals have become increasing popular in men’s wedding bands as they offer more lightweight and durable options. Cobalt is a great alternative to platinum as it naturally gives off a bright white hue and is even four times harder. It is heavier than other alternative materials, giving the ring some weight which could be good or bad depending on your comfort. If you are looking for something a little different, cobalt rings are also commonly found in black, and because of its malleability, you can find cobalt rings in a variety of designs.
Titanium
Titanium is a great option if you aren’t used to wearing jewelry. It is lightweight but also one of the strongest metals and is practically scratch resistant. The downside to titanium is that it cannot be resized, so if your size changes, you would have to get a new ring.
Tungsten
If you are looking for a ring that can withstand anything, tungsten is a good bet. It is four times harder than titanium and provide a nice shine that won’t scratch. Because it is so hard, tungsten rings cannot be resized, so be very careful when choosing your ring size.
Check out our selection of wedding bands here!
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