Choosing the Perfect Metal for Your Wedding Band

When it comes to choosing the perfect metal for your wedding band, the decision comes down to the qualities you are looking for in that metal. Most people want durable metal that will not scratch easily or look worn, like Tungsten or Ceramic rings. Some people favor a certain color — for example, a silver-colored metal such as Tungsten Carbide, versus a dark one like Black Zirconium. Others prefer metals with a high retail value, like Platinum or Gold.

Whatever your preference, Universal Jewelry can help you make the choice. The chart below is a comparison of metals based on the most common criteria important to couples choosing a metal for their wedding bands. In addition, underneath the chart we have listed the biggest advantages and disadvantages of each type of metal.

What It Means

Chemical compounds of metal are an important consideration for ring selection because some people have allergies to some metals. Nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc are the most common allergens.

Hardness is a characteristic that determines the durability of the ring. The higher the hardness, the more resistant to abrasions, scratches, and dents.

Density is correlated to how heavy a piece of jewelry feels. Platinum is the densest of the commonly used metals in jewelry making. Tungsten carbide is similar to gold in density and weight and is much lower in cost.

Value is the initial investment price point. Tungsten Carbide for example, is an incredibly low costing material, while remarkably high in both hardness and density making it a popular material for wedding bands.

Resize-ability refers to the rings ability to be made larger or smaller in size. Throughout the course of one's life a person may gain or lose weight and being able to resize rings may be an important feature to consider.

Tungsten Carbide 

Pros

Most scratch-resistant metal and very affordably priced. Easy to remove in case of medical emergency — no cutting or sawing. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Not naturally as white as platinum. Due to its hardness, it does not bend, but instead breaks if enough force is applied.

Ceramic

Pros

Equally as scratch resistant as tungsten. The black color is not plating as in black tungsten, so it does not scratch off. Ceramic will not set off metal detectors. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Due to its hardness, it does not bend, but breaks instead if enough force is applied.

Cobalt Chrome

Pros

Has a popular light color. It exhibits better scratch resistance than titanium. Does not crack under pressure. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Scratches more easily than tungsten. In an emergency medical situation, it must be sawed off.

Titanium

Pros

Has a high precious-metal content and is as white as platinum. More affordable than platinum or gold rings. Better scratch-resistance than platinum, silver, or gold. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Not as white as platinum. It is more difficult to cast than gold and platinum.

Silver

Pros

Least expensive precious metal. The very white color is popular. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Tarnishes, but can easily be cleaned off at home. Not very scratch-resistant (it is only more scratch-resistant than gold).

Gold

Pros

The popular choice for beauty and luxury, 14k gold is the standard for jewelry.

Cons

Scratches easily. Expensive. In the case of white gold, the rhodium plating scratches off easily and needs to be re-plated.