A Guide To The Best Metals for Wedding Bands

A Guide To The Best Metals for Wedding Bands

Emily Schinella Emily Schinella
10 minute read

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They asked, you said yes and now you’re preparing for the big day. Arguably one of the biggest priorities, when you and your partner are planning your wedding, is your wedding rings. More than just another piece of jewellery in your collection, a wedding band symbolises the love and commitment that you and your spouse have for one another. They are also a reminder to those around you that you are off the market. People have been adorning these rings since the days of Ancient Rome, and while the designs have probably changed drastically since then and we now have access to the best metals for wedding bands, the sentiment has always remained the same. 

The Top 5 Metals for the Bride and Groom's Wedding Bands

This is why wedding rings have always been seen as a very personal and well-thought-out purchase. There are so many things to consider when you and your partner pick out a wedding ring, including the thickness you want it to be, whether you want diamonds or engravings and most importantly, what type of metal you want it to be. The metal of your engagement ring is about so much more than aesthetics and what matches your engagement ring, it’s also about getting what fits in best with you and your lifestyle. 

So, read on as we unpack the pros and cons of the best metals for wedding bands for this day and age so that you can find the one that’s right for you.

Overview: 

The Five Best Metals for Wedding Bands

Choosing your bridal jewellery is no easy feat, especially as it is something you are potentially going to be wearing for the rest of your life. And therefore, isn’t something to be taken lightly. Particularly, when selecting the metal you want your wedding band to be. Selecting the ideal metal for your wedding band is a decision that’s not only based on aesthetics, it’s a reflection of you and your partner’s love story along with your personal style. Sure, when you’re the bride it’s very easy to just go with the piece that matches your engagement ring, however, that doesn’t necessarily equate to the most convenient choice.

A Guide To The Best Metals for Wedding Bands | Five Best

The five materials that are often regarded as the best metals for wedding bands are platinum, yellow gold, white gold, titanium and tungsten. While all of these metals are equally as stunning as the next, they each carry their very own distinct qualities that may dictate whether they are suitable to you and your lifestyle, so understanding their characteristics is crucial to your decision-making.

Platinum

Platinum is by far one of the most sought-after metals for wedding bands around today. Not only are platinum rings extremely luxurious, but they are also super slick and incredibly stylish. The metal’s natural white lustre and timeless appeal exude a sense of luxury, elevating the overall aesthetic of the ring. Platinum jewellery is also known for its remarkable durability and resistance to wear which makes it an excellent long-term investment. Moreover, platinum is a hypoallergenic metal meaning those who suffer from metal sensitivities and allergies can wear their wedding or eternity rings with ease. While choosing platinum as the metal for your wedding band does have its fair share of perks, like everything it also has some drawbacks.

The Best Metals for Wedding Bands | Platinum

For one, platinum is lauded for its luxury factor, however, this also means that platinum has a much higher price point than many of the other metals used for wedding bands. Meaning it could be a no-go for budget-conscious couples who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on their bridal set. Another potential drawback of this metal is its endurance. While platinum is relatively durable, it is a lot softer than other metals, which could leave it susceptible to scratches over time. Despite these drawbacks, however, the enduring beauty and symbolism of platinum make it a cherished choice for those who value both elegance and longevity in their wedding bands.

Yellow Gold

Another popular option for wedding bands is yellow gold. Known for its timelessness and warm glow, yellow gold rings have been a symbol of luxury and elegance for centuries. With origins that stretch back to the days of Ancient Rome, gold rings exude a more traditional aesthetic compared to other metals and tones used for wedding bands, a lot of couples gravitate towards yellow gold for this reason. Yellow gold is also regarded as a hue that is complimentary towards most skin tones, particularly, warmer skin tones. Another benefit to choosing gold over the various other metals out there on the market is its malleability which makes it very easy to incorporate engravings into the band while also allowing for more intricate designs such as stone-set and pave diamond rings. 

But while some people regard the malleability of yellow gold to be hugely beneficial, others consider it to be somewhat of a double-edged sword. Gold is one of the softer metals that you can use for a wedding band. It is so soft in fact, that it is frequently filled with other metals including silver and copper to help make it heavier and more durable while also providing gold with its carat grade. While these other metals (often known as alloys) do help substantially, gold is still more prone to scratches and dents compared to other metals used for wedding and eternity bands. 

Read More: What Is The Difference Between 9ct And 18ct Gold?

White Gold

Sometimes regarded as the more modern iteration of gold and a fancier version of silver jewellery, white gold has taken off in the last few decades-especially when it comes to bridal sets.  One of the main drawcards of white gold rings is their similarity to platinum rings. White gold jewellery shares the same sleek and polished aesthetic that is synonymous with platinum jewellery, albeit for a fraction of the price. White gold is also one of the subtlest tones of gold, meaning that it is a more neutral hue that complements a wide range of styles, settings and skin tones, especially cooler skin tones. White gold wedding rings are so versatile in fact, that they will pair seamlessly with jewellery made from other metals including platinum and silver engagement rings or eternity rings. 

To achieve its signature white appearance, white gold jewellery is produced by combining silver, palladium, or nickel. This means that due to the high amount of nickel present, white gold jewellery is not considered to be hypoallergenic and therefore not suitable for those with a nickel allergy or metal sensitivity. Around 17% of people in the world suffer from nickel and metal allergies, something that can leave them susceptible to redness, itching, and swelling among other forms of discomfort when wearing jewellery that is unsuitable. Another element that may make you reconsider whether white gold is right for you is the fact that white gold jewellery is rhodium plated to ensure it maintains its quality and shine. This means you may have to get it re-plated every few years as the rhodium wears off, something that can be quite costly. By weighing its stunning appearance and durability against potential maintenance and sensitivity concerns, couples can make an informed decision on whether white gold is the perfect match for their wedding band.

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Titanium

Arguably one of the lesser-known metals used for wedding bands, titanium is another option that couples can consider when making their selection. More commonly used for men’s wedding rings due to how accommodating it is for their significantly larger hands and fingers, titanium rings have a distinct look that is both contemporary and super stylish. Boasting exceptional durability and strength, titanium rings are an excellent choice for those that work relatively active lifestyles or work in a field that requires them to use their hands a lot as they are very resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and scuffing and will not dent easily. But even with its toughness, Titanium jewellery is also very lightweight which makes it convenient for everyday wear. Another major benefit of choosing titanium as the metal for your wedding band is the fact that it is hypoallergenic and therefore completely safe for those that struggle with metal allergy and sensitivities.

A Guide To The Best Metals for Wedding Bands | Titanium

There are, however, some things you should be mindful of if choosing titanium as the metal for your wedding ring. While highly durable, titanium is not entirely scratch-proof and may develop some minor hairline scratches over time. Another potential drawback is that its inherent strength can make resizing a challenge, meaning that it is crucial that you get your size right and the time of purchasing. And if you are someone whose fingers fluctuate due to the heat or even weight gain, you may need to be prepared to purchase a whole new ring or not wear it all the time. Additionally, due to its toughness and unique properties, titanium cannot be soldered like other metals, limiting both potential design alterations and engravings. Striking a balance between its robustness and design limitations is essential if you are choosing titanium for your wedding ring, especially considering its unmatched strength and modern aesthetic.

Tungsten

Perhaps the rarest of the bunch in terms of usage in wedding rings, tungsten is a rare metal known for its striking black, charcoal exterior. Renowned for its sturdiness and strength, tungsten is relatively resistant and scratches and genuine wear, ensuring that it maintains its sleek appearance over time. Tungsten's natural dark colour exudes a modern and masculine appeal, making it ideal for those that want a wedding ring that feels a little more contemporary and less like a traditional wedding band. Meanwhile, its affordability compared to precious metals is an attractive feature for budget-conscious couples. However, there are certain factors to keep in mind if you are considering a tungsten ring.

Much like titanium rings, tungsten rings cannot be resized due to their hardness. This makes it essential that you maintain accurate sizing from the start as getting the wrong size could be a costly operation. While tungsten jewellery is quite sturdy and durable, it is also very malleable and can become brittle after too many knocks or bumps. And even though tungsten jewellery is quite scratch-resistant, it’s not necessarily completely scratch-proof, and in some cases, a patina may develop over time. When considering a tungsten wedding band, it’s all about weighing up your priorities especially when it comes to elements such as durability, strength and style limitations. Although, this metal is definitely valued for its unique strengths and contemporary look.

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