Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding bands are traditionally made from precious metals such as gold, platinum, palladium, silver, titanium, tungsten or steel. Gold has always been the most popular choice due to its value, bright yellow colour, shine and the fact that it does not rust. Platinum is also a popular choice due to its value, durability and sophisticated look. In recent times, alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten have become popular due to their low cost, scratch resistance and durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver, Titanium, Tungsten, Steel, White Gold, Rose Gold, Green Gold, Yellow Gold |
| Hypoallergenic | Titanium, Tungsten |
| Colour | White, Gray, Black, Yellow, Rose, Green, Silver |
| Density | Platinum (highest), Titanium (lowest) |
| Malleability | Gold (most), Platinum (same as gold when pure) |
| Durability | Platinum, Titanium, Tungsten (high); Gold, Silver (low) |
| Cost | Platinum, Palladium, Gold (high); Titanium, Tungsten, Steel (low) |
| Weight | Tungsten (dense); Titanium (light) |
| Maintenance | Titanium, Tungsten, Steel (low) |
What You'll Learn
Gold wedding bands
Pure gold is too malleable to be used on its own to make jewellery, so it is combined with other metal alloys such as copper to increase its durability. The addition of copper to gold creates rose gold, which has a slight copper hue, while silver and small amounts of copper create yellow gold, which maintains the characteristic gold colour. White gold is made from an alloy of gold with palladium or platinum and often has rhodium plating, which adds hardness and a silvery shine.
The purity of gold is measured in carats, with 24-carat gold being 100% gold, which is too soft for use in jewellery. 18-carat gold is more common for wedding bands, containing 75% gold, while 14-carat gold, containing 58.5% gold, is cheaper.
Wedding Bands: Uncuttable Metal
You may want to see also
Platinum wedding bands
Platinum is one of the most durable metals available for jewellery, making it a fitting symbol of the strength and commitment in a relationship. Its malleability, similar to that of gold, allows for a comfortable fit. The value of platinum also makes it a desirable option, as its worth will never decrease over time.
California's Top Wedding Band Retailers
You may want to see also
Titanium wedding bands
Titanium rings are crafted from aircraft-grade titanium, an alloy with small amounts of vanadium and aluminium added. This combination results in a lightweight yet sturdy ring, with titanium known for its durability and strength. In fact, it is one of the hardest known materials, making it a practical choice for those who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands.
The metal's hypoallergenic quality further adds to its appeal, as it is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. Additionally, titanium's low density means the rings are particularly light, enhancing their comfort.
In terms of maintenance, titanium rings are relatively easy to care for. Their resilience means they can be simply wiped with a jewellery cloth to maintain their lustre.
Wedding Ring: Post-Divorce
You may want to see also
Tungsten wedding bands
Wedding bands are traditionally made of precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. However, tungsten wedding bands have gained popularity due to their durability, strength, and scratch resistance.
While tungsten wedding bands offer many advantages, their extreme hardness can make them prone to shattering. Resizing tungsten rings is also challenging, and in some cases, nearly impossible. Despite these considerations, tungsten wedding bands remain a popular choice due to their durability, strength, and affordability.
Buying Wedding Bands Wholesale: The Guide
You may want to see also
Silver wedding bands
In summary, silver wedding bands offer a beautiful, affordable, and durable option for couples looking to commemorate their special day with a timeless symbol of their love.
Wedding Band Engraving: To Do or Not to Do?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Wedding bands are typically made of gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, titanium, or sterling silver.
Some alternative metals that wedding bands can be made of include zirconium, steel, and cobalt.
Gold is the most popular metal for wedding bands due to its value, bright yellow colour, and shine. It is also dense, soft, malleable, and does not rust.
Platinum is a valuable, sophisticated, and durable metal with a silver-white colour. It is also malleable and heavier than gold.
Titanium is a durable, low-maintenance, and strong metal. It is also lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and hypoallergenic.
