The Ultimate Guide to Cobalt Wedding Bands
Many say that you have not lived until you are married. Your wedding day marks the first day of the rest of your life. With this, you will need a wedding band that will last as long as the love you have for your partner. Luckily, there are lots of wedding bands on the market today that are durable, scratch-resistant, and beautiful. Some of them you may already be familiar with, such as those made from titanium, silver, stainless steel, gold, and tungsten. But what do you know about cobalt wedding bands?
A lot of attention is given to the bride about her wedding band and engagement ring, but your wedding band is just as important and is a symbol of the undying love between the two of you. Men's cobalt wedding bands have become a popular alternative due to their affordability, durability and style.
Before committing to an amazing cobalt wedding ring, let's look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of cobalt-chrome rings.
What is a Cobalt Ring?
Cobalt is a transition metal similar to platinum and silver. Cobalt is generally alloyed with other metals to increase durability. Cobalt chrome (sometimes referred to as cobalt chromium) is an alloy of cobalt and chromium. This alloy has incredible strength and corrosion resistance. This along with its biocompatibility allows it to be used frequently in the orthopedic and dental industries. Cobalt chrome has an extremely shiny white polished finish similar to white gold and platinum while being much more affordable than its precious metal counterparts. This makes cobalt extremely popular as an alternative option in jewelry, specifically for wedding bands and engagement rings.
Cobalt is a transition metal similar to platinum and silver. Cobalt is generally alloyed with other metals to increase durability. Cobalt chrome (sometimes referred to as cobalt chromium) is an alloy of cobalt and chromium. This alloy has incredible strength and corrosion resistance. This along with its biocompatibility allows it to be used frequently in the orthopedic and dental industries. Cobalt chrome has an extremely shiny white polished finish similar to white gold and platinum while being much more affordable than its precious metal counterparts. This makes cobalt extremely popular as an alternative option in jewelry, specifically for wedding bands and engagement rings.
Advantages of Cobalt Wedding Bands
So why cobalt? There are so many other metals and alloys on the wedding ring market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Let's take a look at the advantages that come with a cobalt chrome ring.
The Look
Cobalt chrome, at first look, resembles white gold or even platinum. It's an expensive-looking metal that is incredibly affordable with a reflective quality. It's flattering on all skin tones.
Lightweight
For those who don't love the feel of jewelry on their finger, cobalt chrome is perfect. In terms of weight, cobalt wedding bands have a comfortable weight to them similar to titanium wedding bands but are much shinier and feel much more premium.
Affordability
Cobalt wedding rings on average are much cheaper than platinum rings. They are not as cheap as alternative metals such as titanium or tungsten carbide but are much more affordable than gold and platinum.
Durability
Cobalt chrome makes for a durable band that retains its shine and color even under extreme daily wear. It's so strong that it's now being used for hip replacements. Similar to tungsten carbide, with cobalt chrome you can feel confident that it will continue to be a wearable, outward sign of your love for the entirety of your life.
Hypoallergenic
The last thing you want to worry about is your wedding ring causing allergic reactions. Most cobalt alloys do not contain nickel or any extra additives. Its hypoallergenic nature makes a cobalt chrome wedding ring an excellent choice for those with metal/nickel allergies.
Will Cobalt Rings Turn Your Finger Green?
Since cobalt chrome is 100% hypoallergenic, it will also not oxidize or tarnish over time. This means you will never have to worry about cobalt rings turning your finger green or ever rusting. They are quite easy to maintain and can be touched up with a jewelry polishing wipe over time to keep shiny.
Since cobalt chrome is 100% hypoallergenic, it will also not oxidize or tarnish over time. This means you will never have to worry about cobalt rings turning your finger green or ever rusting. They are quite easy to maintain and can be touched up with a jewelry polishing wipe over time to keep shiny.
Are Cobalt Chrome Rings Safe?
One of the most common concerns with any wedding ring is being able to remove it in the event of an emergency. The last thing you want is a missing finger because your ring is
too durable. Cobalt is one of the safest metals you can have removed during an emergency. It may be durable, but it can still be cut with cutting tools should you need to escape your ring.
One of the most common concerns with any wedding ring is being able to remove it in the event of an emergency. The last thing you want is a missing finger because your ring is too durable. Cobalt is one of the safest metals you can have removed during an emergency. It may be durable, but it can still be cut with cutting tools should you need to escape your ring.
One of the most common concerns with any wedding ring is being able to remove it in the event of an emergency. The last thing you want is a missing finger because your ring is too durable. Cobalt is one of the safest metals you can have removed during an emergency. It may be durable, but it can still be cut with cutting tools should you need to escape your ring.
Caring For a Cobalt Wedding Band
To care for a cobalt chrome wedding band, try to limit wear during physical activity. They are highly scratch resistant but not entirely scratch-proof like tungsten rings. You can regularly wash your ring with a damp cloth and mild soap with water to keep its natural shine. Nothing more is needed. Alternatively, you can purchase jewelry metal polishing wipes to keep as shiny as possible.
To care for a cobalt chrome wedding band, try to limit wear during physical activity. They are highly scratch resistant but not entirely scratch-proof like tungsten rings. You can regularly wash your ring with a damp cloth and mild soap with water to keep its natural shine. Nothing more is needed. Alternatively, you can purchase jewelry metal polishing wipes to keep as shiny as possible.
Our Favorite Cobalt Ring Designs
Patrick Adair Designs offers a unique selection of cobalt wedding bands in the form of Glowstone Rings. These signature inlay rings are made up of cobalt bands and exotic inlays from opal inlays to gemstone inlays to meteorite inlays. Below are a few of our favorite cobalt wedding bands.
LAVA ROCK RING
Lava Rock Opal set in a shiny polished Cobalt Chrome band
STAR DUST RING
Diamond, Blue Opal, and Meteorite inlay on a Cobalt Chrome Band
EVERGREEN RING
Emerald, Malachite and Black Emerald Opal housed in Cobalt Chrome