You don't need to stick with just gold and silver when it comes to your wedding bands. There are a lot of choices available on the market. Here are seven alternative metals that you can choose from.
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Titanium
In the past few years, wedding bands made with titanium have experienced a rise in demand. After all, they consist of a highly durable metal that’s not only lightweight but also as strong as steel. Titanium wedding bands may also feature unique etchings, inlays and other elegant details. Because the design choices are endless when it comes to titanium bands, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that’s ideal for you or your partner.
In terms of color, the metal has a silver-white metallic appearance that looks chic and sophisticated. However, titanium isn’t limited to silver-white, as there are other options available. Those searching for an alternative to white titanium can make their wedding band stand out with black titanium.
Palladium
Like platinum, this metal gives off a high shine and white hue. Although palladium wedding bands aren’t as durable, they’re less expensive to make. For individuals who desire the look of platinum at a lower cost, palladium is a great choice. The metal is also comfortable and lightweight, which makes it perfect for wearing in a day-to-day routine.
In addition, palladium is hypoallergenic. People who are allergic to other metals or suffer skin sensitivity don’t need to worry about discomfort or irritation with a palladium band.
Tungsten
This is a scratch-resistant, uniquely-designed metal that’s mainly used in wedding bands and engagement rings. It’s suitable for people with an active lifestyle. Tungsten has substantial weight like platinum, and it’s several times harder than gold. It’s also hypoallergenic and won’t tarnish.
Tungsten wedding bands are sold in black, white, and gray and often feature creative inlays like colorful opal and wood. The maker may also provide you with an option to include laser engravings, imprints and other customized details. Because of these choices, tungsten bands often feature the most exclusive designs you’ll ever see in a wedding band’s range. On top of that, the attractive metal is capable of retaining its polished look for years to come.
Note: You also have the option to incorporate “white tungsten” in your wedding bands. These have a cleaner look than regular tungsten and are brighter in appearance. Regular tungsten, on the other hand, has a gray sheen. A lot of people opt for white tungsten because of its durability, white hue, and strength.
Serinium®
This is a contemporary, silver-white metal that is both durable and elegant. It’s ideal for both women and men and is one of the most incredible inventions of the jewelry industry in the last decade. Serinium was patented just a couple of years ago and required a lot of high-tech processes to manufacture.
Serinium is also hypoallergenic and does not discolor, tarnish, or oxidize. Consumers also prefer it because it comes without the high social and environmental costs that come with gold minimum. Plus, Serinium wedding bands are made with such precision that they do not shatter or chip.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bands feature a silvery finish and provide wearers with long-lasting durability. The metal itself has a sleek, elegant feel and is unlikely to tarnish or scratch. It is also highly resistant to corrosion as it is an alloy of chromium, carbon, iron and traces of other similar metals.
Wedding bands containing stainless steel provide the strength and shine of precious bands at an affordable cost. The metal’s hard nature also makes it suitable for individuals with an active lifestyle. Certain grades of stainless steel are hypoallergenic. This factor, combined with the metal’s non-reactive surface, make it a popular choice for rings and other body jewelry.
Cobalt Chrome
Not many metals can match the luster-infused shine of cobalt chrome. The stunning white metal has a similar weight as gold. Its hardness and brightness surpass those of titanium and platinum. Cobalt chrome is also hypoallergenic and will not cause skin discomfort, no matter how long you wear it. Many people prefer cobalt chrome because it imparts a precious metal look but is more scratch-resistant than common metal choices such as gold.
Black Ceramic
Black ceramic is a modern-day metal that is popular with millennials who prefer durable wedding bands. It will take something as hard as a diamond to scratch this material. Black ceramic’s metallic-black color makes it an appealing choice for people looking for non-traditional wedding bands.
Black ceramic is praised for its polished, glossy look and is known to match tungsten in hypoallergenic capabilities and resistance to corrosion.
If you’re looking to break away from traditional choices like silver and gold for your partner’s wedding band, there are several alternative (and equally elegant) metals to choose from. Each of the above metals has its own unique benefits and appearance, so you’re sure to find one that suits your partner’s taste and preferences.
If wedding bands or any jewelry needs enhancement, that can be achieved with gold plating kits or plating kits for other metals. Gold Plating Services offers a full selection of benchtop plating kits for hobbyists and professionals alike.