Which Metal is Right for Your Wedding Band?

Today’s couples have a number of metals to choose from when shopping for wedding bands. Here’s the rundown on several popular metals to help you pick the one that’s right for you.

Platinum

Platinum wedding bands are the ultimate expression of a love that’s a rare treasure. At 30 times less common than gold, platinum is incredibly precious, and it possesses several unique properties. Platinum wedding rings have a bright, naturally white sheen that doesn’t cast any of its own color onto a diamond. They never fade or tarnish, and are quite strong, making them resistant to wear. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Although its rarity gives it a higher price tag than other metals used in wedding jewelry, it’s the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime investment.

Platinum rings are also hypoallergenic, which makes them a perfect fit for people suffering from allergies related to nickel and other base alloys. If allergies are a problem, platinum and titanium are your best choice.

White, Yellow and Rose Gold

Gold is the most commonly used metal in wedding bands, and for good reason. Aside from its gleaming good looks, it’s also more affordable than platinum and stronger than sterling silver. All three colors of gold—yellow, white and rose—are actually alloys that combine gold with other metals to give them added strength. Each color has its own personality, allowing you to choose a look that perfectly suits your relationship: white gold has a cool, silvery sheen, giving it a look that’s both cotemporary and classic; yellow gold exhibits a sunny hue that has made it the most traditional of metals; and rose gold gives off a glow that communicates warmth and affection. Although white gold wedding bands are the most popular, a huge variety of styles are available in all three colors of this versatile metal.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver wedding bands are a favorite for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style. With the cool, versatile sheen that has made all types of silver jewelry popular, these rings are able to blend seamlessly with the personal styles of many of today’s brides and grooms. Like gold, sterling silver is an alloy which adds a number of other metals to silver to make it strong enough for jewelry. Although it’s susceptible to oxidation, the resulting tarnish isn’t hard to remove.

Titanium

Titanium isn’t a traditional medium for wedding bands, but it’s gaining fans for its winning combination of strength, sleek good looks and affordability. Stronger than steel, this metal is used in aircraft, making it a fitting symbol of love that’s unbreakable. However, despite its strength, it’s quite lightweight—it’s 50 percent lighter than steel, making it feel almost weightless on your finger. Titanium wedding rings are able to stand up to wear; in addition, they’re non-reactive, which means that they won’t tarnish or rust. Like platinum styles, they’re also hypoallergenic. However, they come with a significantly lower price tag than platinum or gold rings.

Ultimately, the wedding band you choose should be determined by your personal preference. Decide which factors are most important to you, and use this guide to help you narrow down your options.