Wedding Ring and Its Metal: Things You Need to Know

Choosing the perfect wedding ring can be quite a challenge. There are many things to consider, but the most important is the ring metal that fits into your style and lifestyle. Here is a small review of the most popular metals.

Gold

Gold is the classic choice for wedding and engagement rings. White, yellow, or rose — this metal provides you with many options. It is gorgeous, timeless, and less expensive than platinum. However, you need to know that if you want a durable and good-looking wedding ring, you don't need to choose a 24-karat pure gold ring. The pure metal is so soft that it can easily be scratched or bent, and jewels can easily fall out. It is considered that 10k is the most durable of the four most common gold purity levels, though it also has the lowest gold content. In addition, for white gold lovers, there is a reminder — you need a rhodium plate once a year to keep its bright color.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the rarest and strongest precious metals in the world. They say that white gold was created when platinum jewelry was taken off the market to conserve the metal for war supplies. Metal started to be widely used in jewelry by designer Louis Cartier toward the end of the 19th century.
Platinum is a great option for a lifetime. While it’s one of the most expensive metal choices, the longevity of its wear makes it worth the high cost. It rarely gets damaged in everyday life and the metal retains its color, so its shine won't fade over time. In addition, platinum is hypoallergenic and it makes the metal safe for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin.

Palladium

Palladium is a luminous, silvery-white precious metal that is a sister element to platinum. It is non-comedogenic, unlike white gold, which can cause rashes or irritations for those with sensitive skin. It never changes color and is rather durable. It’s lightweight, suitable, and comfortable for everyday wear. Palladium is far cheaper than platinum, but the rare metal is now more expensive than almost all other precious metals.

Sterling Silver

Once considered more valuable than gold, silver is one of the longest-standing precious metals used in making jewelry. It's the most affordable of all in today’s market. Just like with gold, pure silver is too soft to be used on its own, so it’s mixed with copper or other metals to create a more durable alternative — sterling silver. Although it’s harder than pure silver, it’s still one of the softer metals and can get scratched easily. In addition to damage, silver also tarnishes and should be stored in tarnish-preventive bags or a cool, dry place. Moreover, you need to polish and clean the ring regularly.

Titanium

Titanium is a very strong metal that is hypoallergenic and resistant to corrosion. Its natural color is light to medium gray but is often given a black finish. It was once used for industrial applications and now is very popular among men’s rings. It is incredibly strong, but it’s also very lightweight — perfect for people that aren't used to wearing jewelry regularly. In addition to its modern and unique look, it’s extremely scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. Titanium requires no extra care and it is cheaper than platinum or gold.