Aging Wedding Bands: Techniques And Tricks

A wedding band is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery a person can wear. But how do you age a wedding band? Well, the ageing process depends on the type of metal used. Platinum, for example, is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its durability and natural white finish. Over time, platinum develops a patina, a satin sheen or lustre, that comes from everyday wear. If you prefer the original shiny finish, a jeweller can polish the ring to restore it to its original condition. On the other hand, white gold will eventually turn yellow, as gold is naturally yellow, and will need to be rhodium-plated to restore its bright white colour. 14K gold wedding bands are also a popular choice, offering the perfect balance of luxury and durability. However, they are relatively soft and prone to wear and tear, developing scratches and character over time. So, depending on your preference for a shiny or aged wedding band, you can either polish your ring regularly or embrace the natural ageing process.

Platinum wedding bands: Platinum is the finest quality metal for a wedding band. It is durable, attractive on all skin tones, and will never fade or change colour

Platinum is the finest quality metal for a wedding band. It is a naturally white metal that will never fade or change colour. Platinum wedding bands are also incredibly durable. In fact, platinum is often used to make luxury watches because small platinum parts will not wear down over time. This makes platinum the perfect symbol for your everlasting love and commitment.

Platinum is also hypoallergenic and highly resistant to tarnishing. It is also resistant to damage caused by chemical exposure, including sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

Platinum is a heavier and denser metal than gold, giving it a more substantial feel. It is also rarer than gold, which contributes to its higher price tag. While it is more expensive upfront, it is less costly to maintain than white gold, which needs to be replated every five to ten years to maintain its colour.

Platinum is also available in an almost limitless choice of styles, shapes, and intricate designs. It is highly malleable, which makes it perfect for intricate filigree work.

Over time, platinum will develop a patina, or a satin sheen, from everyday wear. If you prefer the original shiny finish, a jeweller can polish your ring to restore it to its original condition.

Gold wedding bands: Pure gold is too soft for a wedding ring, so it is mixed with alloy metals. Gold wedding bands can be yellow, white, or rose gold

Gold wedding bands are a timeless and classic choice for couples. Pure gold is too soft for use in a wedding ring, so it is mixed with alloy metals to give it the durability needed for everyday wear. The higher the karat of gold, the softer the ring, so consider your lifestyle when choosing the gold purity of your wedding band. 14K gold is more commonly recommended for daily wear over 18K gold because of its increased durability.

Gold wedding bands can be purchased in yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Yellow gold is created by combining pure yellow gold with other alloy metals such as zinc and copper. This process helps to emphasise the yellow colour and harden the soft metal. White gold is created by mixing naturally mined yellow gold with white metals like silver, palladium, nickel, or zinc. The ring is then rhodium-plated to give it a bright white colour. However, white gold will turn yellow over time as gold is naturally yellow. Rose gold has become an increasingly popular choice over the last decade and offers a timeless look with a vintage vibe.

Titanium wedding bands: Titanium is a lightweight, hypoallergenic, and tarnish-resistant metal. However, titanium rings cannot be resized

Titanium is an increasingly popular choice for wedding bands, thanks to its high strength, lustrous and luxurious look, lightweight properties, and affordable prices. It is the lightest metal option for a wedding band and is also hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant.

However, titanium rings cannot be resized in the same way that traditional metals like silver can be. Titanium rings are usually crafted from a solid piece of titanium, so resizing is not a matter of melting the metal to make adjustments. Instead, resizing is achieved using different mechanisms.

If a titanium ring is too tight, the most effective way to enlarge it is by carefully shaving off the inside surface of the ring to create some wiggle room. Most jewellers can increase the size by up to half a ring size using this method. If the ring needs to be increased by more than that, it will need to be re-crafted.

When a titanium ring is too loose, the best solution is to add material to the inside of the band to reduce its size. Jewellers often use tightening rods to help the ring fit more snugly. However, this method may alter any engraving on the inside of the band.

Therefore, to ensure your titanium ring fits perfectly, it is best to have your finger sized by a professional jeweller before purchasing.

Ceramic wedding bands: Ceramic is a durable and hypoallergenic material. It is also an affordable option for a wedding band

When you hear the word "ceramic", you might think of crockery or home decor, not wedding bands. But ceramic wedding rings are growing in popularity, and for good reason.

Ceramic wedding bands are made from a sophisticated, high-tech ceramic called titanium carbide. This material is crafted under extreme heat, giving it incredible hardness and resilience. It is also used in medical implants and aerospace technology, so it's definitely sturdy enough for a wedding ring!

Durability and Hypoallergenic Properties

Ceramic is an incredibly durable material, making it an ideal choice for those seeking longevity in their symbolic piece of jewellery. Its exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to scratches, scrapes, and general wear and tear. Ceramic is also completely hypoallergenic, so it's perfect for those with sensitive skin or serious skin conditions.

Affordability

Ceramic wedding bands are significantly less expensive than most other quality materials. A high-quality ceramic wedding band can cost anywhere from $70 to $200, or even as little as $100. Making them accessible and budget-friendly.

Variety of Colours and Styles

Ceramic rings offer a wide range of colours and styles, so you can find the perfect ring to match your personal taste. They are commonly found in white, black, or brown, as well as bright colours. The colour is not just on the surface, so you don't have to worry about it rubbing off over time.

Heat Resistance and Easy Maintenance

Ceramic rings are heat-resistant, which can be beneficial for preventing accidents when the ring is off or if you choose to wash it with hot water. They are also very easy to keep clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and some water is usually all it takes to keep your ceramic ring looking as good as new.

While ceramic wedding bands have many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider as well. Ceramic rings cannot be resized, so you would need to buy a new ring if your finger size changes. The extreme hardness of the material also makes it prone to shattering or chipping if dropped, and it doesn't work well with intricate designs or gemstone settings.

Overall, ceramic wedding bands offer a modern, affordable, and stylish alternative to traditional metal rings. They are a great choice for those seeking a durable, hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance wedding band.

Tungsten wedding bands: A tungsten wedding band is durable, scratch-resistant, and tarnish-resistant. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin

When choosing a wedding band, it's important to select a metal that suits your lifestyle and preferences. If you're considering a tungsten wedding band, here's everything you need to know about its unique properties:

Durability and Scratch Resistance:

Tungsten wedding bands are known for their exceptional durability and scratch resistance. Crafted from tungsten carbide, a material that boasts extreme hardness, these rings are perfect for individuals with active lifestyles or those who work with their hands. The scratch-resistant properties of tungsten carbide ensure that your ring maintains its sleek appearance even with everyday wear.

Tarnish Resistance:

In addition to its durability, tungsten is also tarnish-resistant. This means that, unlike some other metals, tungsten wedding bands will not require regular polishing or maintenance to prevent tarnishing. This low-maintenance quality makes tungsten an appealing choice for those who want a ring that retains its lustre with minimal effort.

Suitability for Sensitive Skin:

Tungsten is a hypoallergenic metal, making it suitable even for individuals with sensitive skin. Its hypoallergenic properties eliminate concerns about skin irritation or discomfort, ensuring that you can wear your ring with ease and confidence. This feature also sets tungsten apart from metals that might cause allergic reactions or skin allergies.

Design Options:

Tungsten wedding bands offer a variety of design options to suit different tastes. From classic brushed finishes to bold black tungsten styles, you can find a ring that aligns with your sense of style. Whether you prefer understated elegance or a statement-making design, tungsten provides a diverse range of choices.

Lifetime Warranty:

Given the exceptional durability of tungsten carbide, many jewellers offer lifetime warranties for their tungsten wedding bands. This includes coverage for accidental breaks and damages, as well as lifetime size exchanges, providing peace of mind and assurance that your ring is built to last.

In summary, tungsten wedding bands offer a combination of durability, scratch and tarnish resistance, and hypoallergenic properties, making them an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin or active lifestyles. With their sleek designs and low-maintenance qualities, tungsten wedding bands are a modern and practical option for those seeking enduring symbols of their love and commitment.

Frequently asked questions