Cobalt Wedding Bands: Pros And Cons

Cobalt wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional wedding bands made from gold, silver or platinum. They are crafted from a super-strong metal that combines a high level of durability with the bright reflective look of white gold. They are also hypoallergenic, scratch-resistant, and lightweight. However, they are difficult to resize and engrave due to their toughness.

Cobalt wedding bands are highly scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof

Cobalt wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional wedding bands made from gold, silver or platinum. They are crafted from a super-strong metal that combines a high level of durability with the bright reflective look of white gold.

Cobalt wedding bands are highly scratch-resistant. They are made from a metal alloy that is harder than standard gold or silver rings. The alloy used to make cobalt rings is also used in the medical equipment industry due to its scratch and corrosion resistance. The hardness of the metal means that a cobalt ring will not only be highly scratch-resistant but will also not bend, chip or break easily.

However, it is important to note that cobalt rings are not entirely scratch-proof. While they are harder than gold or silver, they are still softer than some other alternative metals used for wedding bands, such as black ceramic and tungsten. Therefore, if you are particularly active or prone to dropping things, you may end up with a scratched cobalt ring. That being said, cobalt does still have good scratch resistance and it would take a hefty blow to dent or scratch the metal.

Cobalt rings are also difficult to resize due to their toughness, and they cannot be engraved due to their hardness.

They are hypoallergenic, but not if they contain nickel

Cobalt wedding bands are hypoallergenic, but only when they are made without nickel. Cobalt is often alloyed with other metals to increase its durability, and nickel is sometimes used for this purpose. However, nickel is one of the most common metals that people are allergic to, so it is important to check that a cobalt wedding band is nickel-free if you are concerned about allergies.

Cobalt chrome is commonly used in medical applications, such as in orthopedic implant surgeries and dental fillings, because of its biocompatibility and hypoallergenic properties when nickel-free. It is also used in the manufacture of industrial-grade modes of transportation, like aircraft jets, due to its strength and durability.

Cobalt chrome wedding bands offer a range of benefits, including a bright reflective look, high durability, and scratch resistance. They are also more affordable than traditional precious metal rings like gold, platinum, or palladium. However, resizing cobalt rings can be difficult due to their strength, and they may need to be replaced if your finger size changes significantly.

They are lightweight, weighing less than gold, palladium and sterling silver

Cobalt wedding bands are a great choice for those seeking an affordable, lightweight, and durable ring.

Cobalt chrome wedding bands are among the lightest materials for wedding rings. Compared to 18K gold, which has a density of 17, 14K gold at 13, palladium at 12, and sterling silver at 10.2, cobalt chrome has an average density of 8.5. This makes it a comfortable choice, even when opting for a thicker band.

Cobalt chrome is a strong and hypoallergenic metal, commonly used in manufacturing industrial-grade modes of transportation, such as aircraft jets. It is also used in the medical field, specifically in orthopedic implant surgeries and dental fillings. Its durability, scratch resistance, and corrosion resistance make it an intriguing option for wedding bands.

Cobalt chrome rings are also a good choice for those with sensitive skin who worry about potential skin irritations due to metal allergies. When crafted without nickel, cobalt rings are 100% hypoallergenic.

In terms of weight, cobalt chrome wedding bands are lighter than traditional wedding ring metals such as gold, palladium, and sterling silver. This lightweight quality, combined with its durability and hypoallergenic properties, makes cobalt chrome an attractive and convenient option for those seeking an affordable and low-maintenance wedding band.

They are hard to engrave

Cobalt wedding bands are extremely hard to engrave. The material is so strong and scratch-resistant that conventional tools cannot be used to engrave it. It ranks at a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it has a longevity even better than precious metals like gold. Its hardness and scratch resistance are inherent characteristics of this material.

Cobalt chrome is similar to tungsten in terms of hardness, and tungsten is known to be very difficult to engrave. In fact, cobalt chrome is used in drill bits, which gives you an idea of just how hard it is. It is also used in industrial-grade modes of transportation, such as aircraft jets, further demonstrating its strength and durability.

While it is possible to engrave cobalt chrome with laser etching, this is typically done by the manufacturer for their various designs and markings. It is not a common service offered by jewellers, and most are not equipped to do so. Therefore, if you are considering a cobalt wedding band and want to have it engraved, you may need to look into specialised services or alternative engraving methods.

Additionally, resizing cobalt rings can be challenging. While it is possible to resize them, it requires specialised equipment and skilled jewellers experienced in working with this material. Due to its hardness, resizing cobalt chrome usually involves reshaping it under high temperatures rather than the traditional method of cutting and soldering.

They are relatively inexpensive

Cobalt wedding bands are a great choice for those seeking an affordable option for their wedding jewellery. While not the most economical of all metals, cobalt is relatively inexpensive compared to other wedding ring materials.

Cobalt is a strong and hypoallergenic metal, commonly used in manufacturing industrial-grade modes of transportation, such as aircraft jets. It is also used in the medical field, specifically in orthopedic implant surgeries like hip and spine replacements, and dental fillings in dental industries. Its real-world applications make it an intriguing option for wedding bands.

Cobalt chrome, the alloy used in making cobalt wedding bands, has a white colour, often compared to white gold or platinum. This makes it an extremely affordable alternative to white gold, giving it a premium feel. Its colour can also easily be mistaken for a white gold ring, yet it won't cost as much.

Cobalt is also lighter than traditional wedding ring metals, making it a comfortable choice for everyday wear. Its hardness and scratch resistance mean that it will retain its appearance even after long periods of wear, requiring little to no maintenance. This is in contrast to gold, which requires more frequent polishing and care.

Cobalt is also a good option for those shopping on a budget, as it can be polished to yield a sleek and modern look with very little maintenance. Its durability and resistance to wear mean that it will not dent your pocket in the long run.

Frequently asked questions