How to Choose the Perfect Metal for Your Wedding Band
The symbolism and custom of wearing wedding rings dates back centuries. T
he first recorded evidence of it was in Ancient Egypt where couples would present each other with braided rings made out of hemp or reeds, to symbolize eternal love and commitment (as the circle has no beginning or end).
(I wish I could give my girl this baby instead of a diamond that costs thousands)
These materials did not last long and were soon replaced with bands made from more durable materials such as leather, bone, ivory and iron. The value of the ring was a symbol of the net worth of the giver and it was thought that the more expensive the material, the more love was being shown.
Whilst in modern society we may not measure the depth of our love and commitment by the amount we spend on our rings, it IS wise to spend some time choosing the perfect metal for your wedding band.
No longer are we limited to gold or silver. Today, materials such as Platinum, Titanium, Tungsten and even Stainless Steel are becoming increasingly popular.
Unless you’re a metal smith, choosing the right metal for your wedding band can get a bit confusing (and you may spend a lot of time Googling and going down the rabbit hole that is the internet).
We’ve compiled an easy, no-fuss guide that will help you in your search – the focus is on bands for males because that’s what we’re all about (and nope, there’s no rule which states that couples have to get their wedding bands from the same place or even have them made out of the same material).
Things to Think About
When it comes to choosing the perfect metal for your wedding band, it comes down to what you’re looking for in a wedding ring. Here are some factors that may come into play:
Once you’ve considered what’s important to you and your partner in choosing a wedding band, you may wish to compare your list against the main advantages and disadvantages for each type of metal.
Below is a great summary of the popular rings metals.
Key:
Cost: more bags equals a higher cost.
Scratch proof: more knives equals more scratch proof.
Ring styles: the more styles the more flexible with shape and color.
Weight: more anvils means the metal is heavier.
Although Platinum has been around for a long time, its use in jewelry is relatively recent. Its extremely high melting point and resistance to corrosion means it was incredibly difficult to refine until technology caught up.
Overview:
Cost: $500-$1000
Durability: Very strong and will not lose it's shape
Scratch: Easy to scratch but can be buffed nicely
Colors: Only comes in Platinum color
Weight: In the middle of the spectrum for weight
Allergies: it is hypoallergenic so it will not cause a skin reaction
PROS:
CONS:
Yellow gold is a very traditional choice for wedding rings. White gold comes in a beautiful white sheen similar to Platinum. Pink or Rose Gold is often used in colored rings to offset the more traditional white or yellow gold color.
Overview:
Cost: $300-$600
Durability: Very soft and will lose shape over time
Scratch: Easy to scratch but can be buffed nicely
Colors: Naturally it's yellow gold, can be plated to white or rose
Weight: It's pretty light and comfortable
Allergies: Depending on the mix to make it stronger it can cause allergies but is rare
PROS:
Silver is a popular choice for wedding rings because of its high shine and relatively low price. It's always been thought of as Golds stepbrother.
Overview:
Cost: $150-$250
Durability: Silver will lose shape over time
Scratch: It is very easy to scratch but can be buffed
Colors: Only comes in silver
Weight: Middle of the spectrum for weight not heavy but not light
Allergies: it is hypoallergenic so it will not cause a skin reaction
PROS:
CONS:
Titanium is a more modern wedding band metal. It is incredibly light, as Titanium has the strongest strength to weight ratio of any element on our planet.
Overview:
Cost: $150-$250
Durability: Will not lose shape with normal wear
Scratch: It's nicely scratch resistant, it's harder to scratch than Gold/Platinum
Colors: Comes in many different colors because it can be plated
Weight: It is unbelievable light making it very comfortable to wear
Allergies: it is hypoallergenic so it will not cause a skin reaction
PROS:
CONS:
**Titanium is our favorite metal and what we carry in at Simple Bands.
Tungsten is one of the lesser known metals to be used in wedding rings. It has become increasingly popular in recent times, particularly for those with hardwearing jobs because of its scratch resistant nature. Tungsten gives a lustrous color that polishes to a unique and attractive mirror finish.
Overview:
Cost: $175-$300
Durability: It is the strongest metal and will not lose shape
Scratch: It's very hard to scratch
Colors: Comes in many different colors because it can be plated
Weight: Very heavy compared to all other rings, it can be uncomfortable
Allergies: it is hypoallergenic so it will not cause a skin reaction
PROS:
CONS:
This metal is a popular choice for those with a small budget (aka those who wish to spend more on their holidays than on their rings!) It’s also a very easy metal for jewelers to work with.
Overview:
Cost: $100-$200
Durability: It's pretty durable but can lose shape eventually
Scratch: Easy to scratch but can be buffed
Colors: Comes in many different colors because it can be plated
Weight: One of the heavier metals, just behind Tungsten in weight
Allergies: it is hypoallergenic so it will not cause a skin reaction
PROS:
CONS:
Hopefully our guide has highlighted some of the most important considerations to take into account when choosing the metal for your wedding band. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We hope you find a wedding band that suits your needs and will be a symbol of your love and commitment to each other for years to come!