The Ultimate Guide To Alternative Metal Wedding Bands
The Ultimate Guide To Alternative Metal Wedding Bands
You could be forgiven for thinking that when it comes to Wedding Bands, you’re pretty restricted in your choice of metal. Gold, platinum and white gold have been the traditional option for years but the metal options for Men’s Wedding Rings are growing.
Alternative metal wedding bands have become increasingly popular in recent years and with a number of fascinating properties to appreciate, we’re here to find out why it might be the right time to take a different path when it comes to your wedding band.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of some of the popular alternatives including palladium, titanium, zirconium, tungsten and tantalum.
If you’ve been looking for inspiration for your wedding band choice and thinking outside of the box, you might just be inspired as we explore the possibilities of alternative metals.
Palladium Wedding Bands
Alternative metal wedding bands are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to stand out from the crowd. Palladium is one of the world’s rarest and most valuable metals in the world, and while it is a part of the platinum group of metals, palladium has its own distinct look.
The white metal is hypoallergenic for people who normally struggle with skin reactions to other types of metals. Some brides or grooms may prefer palladium because it doesn’t need rhodium plating in order to be brightly white.
As demand for the metal skyrocketed, so did the price. Palladium is also a technical challenge to forge meaning many designs cannot be made in the metal. Resizing and repairing can also be difficult, which may explain why it hasn’t become a runaway success compared to its compatriots.
Titanium Wedding Bands
A contemporary and stylish choice for the modern man is Titanium rings. Named after the titans from Greek mythology, the abundant metal’s super lightweight and incredible durability make it a great wedding ring choice for professionals with hands-on work.
Titanium is a naturally grey metal that is hypoallergenic, which means it’s excellent for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Titanium designs can also incorporate precious metals creating a striking contrast of colours. Its great price point makes it an attractive choice too.
Zirconium Wedding Bands
For the stylish connoisseur that wants a black ring that will never tarnish, fade or change colours over time, a Zirconium wedding band is the answer. In its natural state, it’s a lustrous grey-white colour but it undergoes an extreme heating process which causes a chemical reaction on the surface to create an extremely durable and beautiful black layer.
It is also hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. Due to the hardness of Zirconium and titanium, these rings are unable to be resized and the setting of stones is not available.
Tungsten Wedding Bands
Another in-demand alternative metal wedding band is Tungsten rings. It’s extremely safe as it does not bend, but it isn’t shatterproof so in a critical moment, it will break into many pieces without harming the finger it is on. Medical institutions also have equipment that can remove the band safely from the finger.
That said, it will always retain its shape and never scratch so you’ll never have to worry about polishing. Its density makes it heavy than most metals for a feeling of strength and it’s hypoallergenic.
Be sure to get an accurate size measurement because tungsten wedding bands cannot be re-sized. You’ll also want to opt for a brand name that uses nickel alloy instead of cobalt — it’s slightly more expensive, but it won’t corrode or turn your finger brown.
Tantalum Wedding Bands
As one of Earth’s rarest metals, Tantalum wedding bands are an exceptional choice that is becoming increasingly popular. This naturally grey metal has a hint of blue giving it a distinctive look with a natural lustre. It is extremely durable, shatterproof and highly resistant to scratches and corrosion.
This is the perfect choice for men who a looking for a rugged, strong and masculine looking ring. Balancing style, strength and durability with exceptional craftsmanship is what makes these alternative metal wedding rings some of the best on the market.
Tantalum is a scarce metal and this is reflected in the price, as it isn’t as affordable as tungsten or titanium but less expensive than platinum. It’s generally priced midway between industrial metals and precious metals. One of the benefits of tantalum it’s very malleable and easily resized.
Shop Alternative Metal Wedding Bands At Argyle Jewellers
If you want to walk your own path and opt for an alternative metal wedding band, visit Argyle Jewellers. As a family-owned boutique for over 30 years, our friendly team can help you discover an exceptional ring you will love wearing for years to come.
View our collection of Men’s Wedding Bands and visit one of our boutiques at Westfield Carindale or Westfield Garden City. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.