What Can You Use to Make Wedding Rings?

Select the wedding rings that best fit your lifestyle.

With a wedding ring for every price range, there are now more options than the traditional platinum and gold. When searching for an engagement ring however, few options past these precious metals exist. Therefore, wedding bands give couples a chance to be creative in their selection; with everything from tungsten to wooden bands available.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the hardest and rarest metals, making it an ideal choice for wedding rings. It is also free from the risk of tarnishing over the life of the ring. However, it is the most expensive material on the wedding ring market. As a less expensive alternative, palladium offers the strength and color of platinum, without the price tag. Though it is still strong and from the same metallic family, it is not as heavy or dense as platinum.

Gold

Gold has been the most traditional metal for wedding rings for centuries. It is available in several different karats, each possessing its own merits. Nine-karat gold is prone to tarnishing; But it is resistant to scratching and bending. On the other hand, 14, 18 and 24 karat gold have higher gold content -- but these are softer. Keep in mind, that if you select white gold, it will be easily tarnished. The rhodium plating, which gives white gold its distinctive color, wears-off easily, and will need to be replaced every few years.

Semi-Precious Metals

Though titanium is not as indestructible as it is commonly thought to be, this inexpensive metal is very durable and scratch-resistant. Its gray color is slightly darker than silver, but it still coordinates with silver and titanium watches and jewelry. Silver, on the other hand, is a more traditional metal, and its price places it beneath most metals. However, silver is quite soft, making it prone to scratches and wear. Steel may be a newcomer to the wedding ring market, but experts predict that it will take a strong-hold, when sources of other metals deplete. Steel is a weighty metal with a high resistance to bending and deformation.

Non-Traditional Materials

Tungsten is no longer just for light bulbs; this hard-wearing metal has proved itself to be a scratch-resistant material for wedding rings. Zirconium is also working its way into the wedding ring scene, as this metal is inexpensive, light and durable. It can also be fired or heat-treated, making it turn black -- for a contemporary look. Additionally, metal is no longer the only material used to create wedding rings. Some eco-conscious consumers are selecting wood rings, although these are difficult to maintain and size.

References

• White Flash: A Groom's Guide to Wedding Rings
• The Jewelry Company: Wedding RIng Materials Top Ten
• "Wedding Ideas Magazine"; Wedding Rings, Groom Style - What Materials to Use?; James Payne; 10 June 2010
• Wedding Ring Review: Choosing a Wedding Ring - Which Material?
• "UK Jewellers' Collective"; The Durability of Wedding Ring Materials; Alan Hadley; 31 December 2009
• Pebbles Jewellery: Alternative Materials Used in Wedding Rings