Finding the perfect wedding ring for your partner is no easy task. There are so many different factors to consider, from the style, gem, cut, and size even down to the band's metal. Starting with the band and working your way up is a great way to tackle this. But what metal is the best for your partner? We'll discuss the most popular metals for wedding rings so you can make the best choice for your relationship. If you do not know your style try our wedding ring style quiz to give you more insights into what you want.
Gold
Gold is the most traditional metal for wedding rings and has been since Ancient Greece and Roman Times. It stands as the most popular wedding band material to this day. While it is relatively soft and malleable, wedding bands, engagement rings, and other jewelry are typically made of gold alloys to give a classic look without the classic fragility. It's a safe choice for any recipient, especially since it is the simplest to clean. It also comes in white and yellow, in order to suit your partner’s taste.
Palladium
Palladium is a shiny, white metal. Palladium wedding bands and engagement rings are strong; unlike gold, palladium does not lose metal when scratched. Instead, the metal is shifted. A palladium ring also patinas over time. Palladium is lighter than platinum, discussed below, making it a good option for a wedding band if your partner prefers lightweight jewelry. This is a less popular choice when it comes to fine jewelry, or a ring that you will wear daily.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal with a natural white luster. It has a lovely white tint, like white gold and palladium, and is resistant to wear and corrosion. It's also hypoallergenic, meaning it's less prone to cause skin sensitivities over gold. Finally, platinum ages well, producing a lovely patina, and restoring its sheen is easy. It makes for a sleek and timeless ring.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has a lovely pink and rose color produced by combining pure gold, copper, and silver. It is considered the most romantic wedding ring metal with its warm, beautiful pink color. Like yellow and white gold, rose gold has various purity degrees, with the most popular being 14K and 18K. It pairs well with diamonds, as shown in our Lunaria Engagement Ring. Rose gold's main benefits are its lovely hue, durability, and affordability. Rose gold is more robust than yellow or white gold, since it is combined with copper, which gives it a uniqueness over other forms of gold. However, since it is still a form of gold, it is not as strong as other metals.
Titanium
Titanium is a durable, cost-effective, and comfortable alternative to gold and platinum. Titanium is a light gray metal that can be polished or brushed to a matte finish. Titanium's main benefit is its longevity; it is a hard metal that won't bend or shatter. A titanium ring may be cleaned with soap and water and rarely needs to be serviced by a jeweler. Titanium is harder to size, and thus are more popular for rings without stones, or those that fluctuate in size or weight.
Cobalt
Cobalt, or cobalt chrome, is a popular alternative to white gold, platinum, and palladium. Cobalt isn't 100% pure; similar to iron; it is alloyed to strengthen endurance. Cobalt resembles white gold but resists scratches better due to its hardness and durability. Cobalt rings do not require dipping to keep their shine. This is a popular material for a men’s wedding band.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is an alloy of tungsten and titanium, carbon, or nickel. It's a tough metal that resists scratches and wears well, making it a fantastic choice for active people. Tungsten carbide is one of the strongest metals for wedding bands. A tungsten carbide ring is four times as hard as titanium and ten times as hard as 18K gold, so tungsten rings cannot be bent or adjusted. Despite its strength, it's a fragile metal and can fracture when hit or dropped from a height. Tungsten is also difficult to size, and it is recommended more for a men’s wedding band, or for people who are less active.
Sterling Silver
Silver has been prized for generations and a very popular material. Today, it is the least expensive of precious metals due to its low cost of production. Sterling silver is pure silver that has been alloyed with copper or another metal to make it more resistant to tarnishing. Even though it is harder than pure silver, it is still one of the weaker metals and is susceptible to scratching and marking.
London Gold, Home of Arizona's Finest Rings
If you are looking for the best wedding ring metal options and diamond engagement rings for women, you should consider London Gold. Located in the Phoenix, Arizona area with jewelry stores in Arrowhead, Chandler, and Scottsdale, AZ, we offer a variety of rings in different metals, all of which are high-quality and durable. Our team is passionate about jewelry, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience. Visit us online or in a store near you to find the perfect wedding or engagement ring for you.