Which Metal Should I Choose for My Wedding Band?

Patrick Adair Designs

Choosing a wedding ring is one of the biggest decisions you can make when planning your big day. It can be a pretty daunting task if you have no idea what type of design/material is best suited for you. There is a lot of pressure to pick out a wedding ring because it will be a piece you'll wear for the rest of your life.

There are many important factors when it comes to choosing the right wedding band. You have a lot of options when choosing this all-too-important ring One of the most important aspects is the metal your ring is made of. Below is your guide to some of the most common wedding ring metals.

GOLD

One of the most traditional metals for wedding rings, gold is a very popular choice for wedding bands, even for contemporary couples. Gold wedding bands have roots in Ancient Greece and Rome and still prevail today.

Pure gold is too soft and malleable so instead, it is combined with other metals to create an alloy that is a durable metal. Most often, these other metals are copper and zinc. Gold can come in many different forms with yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. When most couples choose gold wedding rings, they choose them for the classic yellow gold color. Yellow gold is easy to maintain though it does require some occasional cleaning and polishing to maintain the look.

Gold looks great on every skin tone, but especially darker and olive shades. One of the biggest reasons to choose a gold wedding band is its value. It doesn't tarnish over time and provides a real sustainable store of value, which makes us emotionally and physically attracted to it. Societies and economies have placed a intrinsic value on gold, thus perpetuating its worth.

TUNGSTEN

One alternative metal growing in popularity for wedding bands is tungsten-carbide. Tungsten-carbide is a metal alloy created from combining tungsten with carbon, titanium, or nickel. Tungsten is one of the strongest metals a wedding ring can be created from, ranking extremely high on the Moh's scale of hardness. These rings are hypoallergenic, scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant and are perfect for anyone who has an active lifestyle. Tungsten also provides a heftiness that many are attracted to.

Although its hardness makes it virtually impossible to scratch, tungsten wedding bands can crack. They would really only crack if an extreme amount of force was applied to the ring. In addition, since tungsten is so hard, a tungsten ring cannot be resized.

Tungsten-carbide has become one of the most popular metals for a men's wedding band due to its affordability and looks. It is considerably cheaper than a gold ring and provides a beautiful luster and shine that can be easily maintained for a lifetime.

TITANIUM

Titanium is another favorite for those picking out their symbol of marriage. Titanium rings are a great alternative to more traditional metals like gold and platinum.

Titanium is revered for its durability and ease of maintenance. It's a strong metal that is hypoallergenic, resistant to heat, bends, cracks, and scratches. And it's easy to care for with only soap and water.

Unlike tungsten, titanium rings can be resized since they are a bit softer. They provide a contemporary and masculine ring style. This affordable metal comes in a shade of light gray and can come in a polished or matte finish.

Titanium is another favorite for those picking out their symbol of marriage. Titanium rings are a great alternative to more traditional metals like gold and platinum.

METEORITE

Growing in popularity, meteorite wedding bands are making a name for themselves in the fashion and wedding industry. One of the reasons this style has become popular is because they're extremely unique and rare. Nowadays, gold is a more abundant material than meteorite, which makes meteorite rings scarcer and more valuable.

At more than 4.5 billion years old, the Muonionalusta Meteorite is the oldest known meteorite. If you're looking for a truly unique option, you must consider a meteorite ring. After all, who doesn't want a piece of space wrapped around their finger? Because of meteorite's natural properties, each ring will have unique markings known as Widmanstätten patterns, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

This material requires more careful maintenance than others. But it's worth it for such a unique piece of jewelry. Patrick Adair Designs handcrafts each meteorite ring and customizes it to the wearer.

This material requires more careful maintenance than others. But it's worth it for such a unique piece of jewelry. Patrick Adair Designs handcrafts each meteorite ring and customizes it to the wearer.

This material requires more careful maintenancethan others. But it's worth it for such a unique piece of jewelry. Patrick Adair Designs handcrafts each meteorite ring and customizes it to the wearer.

DAMASCUS STEEL

Made by forging two kinds of stainless steel, Damascus steel is created through a unique process. The two stainless steel metals are folded and twisted around each other until a unique, wood grain-like pattern emerges.

Besides creating a one-of-a-kind design, the process of making Damascus steel also makes it an extremely durable material. Along with being scratch-resistant, this material also will not tarnish over time.

Damascus Steel is one of the more low maintenance materials and its stunning looks provide both simplicity and something unique with its silver color and wood-grain patterns.

COBALT CHROME

Cobalt Chrome, or Cobalt Chromium, is an unconventional choice for a men's wedding ring but has become more and more popular in recent years. It is a super-alloy often found in jet turbines and medical implants. It will never oxidize and has a scratch-resistant similar to Tungsten but is much more resistant to cracks.

Cobalt has an exceptionally white color when polished and is modern and affordable alternative to white metals such as white gold and platinum rings.

MOKUME GANE

Similar to Damascus Steel, Mokume Gane has a unique process that creates a one of a kind design. Originating in Japan, this is a type of metalworking using different metals to create layers.

Jewelers forge together precious metals such as copper, brass, nickel, silver, and palladium before twisting and hand-working the metal into stunning patterns.

This material is ideal for a wedding band because it requires little upkeep. Mokume Gane makes for wedding bands that stand out from the crowd of traditional metals. Anyone looking to infuse personality into their wedding band should consider this material.

Similar to Damascus Steel, Mokume Gane has a unique process that creates a one of a kind design. Originating in Japan, this is a type of metalworking using different metals to create layers.

Jewelers forge together precious metals such as copper, brass, nickel, silver, and palladium before twisting and hand-working the metal into stunning patterns.

BEST METALS FOR MEN'S WEDDING BANDS

You may have agonized over the decision for your spouse-to-be's engagement ring, but that was only the start. Now it's time to figure out what wedding band you'll be using to seal your vows.

One benefit to modern jewelry is that there are so many options. Choose a metal for your wedding band that fits your personality and style. From there, discuss with your jeweler the customization options that they can offer you. Patrick Adair Designs specializes in custom handmade rings in many different styles/designs. If you're looking to add your favorite gemstone or a unique inlay ring, look no further!

Every metal has its unique look and benefits. It's worth it to do your research and choose the metal that will be best for you. Looking for a ring with style and personality? Our collection features unique designs that stand out from the crowd. Allow our experts to assist you in finding a once in a lifetime ring to match your once in a lifetime love.

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