Selecting The Metal For Your Wedding Rings
Sunday, July 19, 2009 by George Baycan
Wedding rings can be made out of several different types of metals, or even a combination of more than one type. Selecting the metal for wedding rings is a very personal decision, however most traditional rings will be made of types of golds, platinum or silver.
Wedding rings for men as well as those for women are usually matching, at least in the type of metal of the wedding bands. Selecting the color of the metal from gold to the silver colors typically depends on what colors of metals the couple most commonly wears.
One very popular new metal used in wedding rings for both men and women is titanium. Titanium wedding rings come in a wide range of styles from classic bands to inset diamonds or other gems or even carved or sculpted rings, often in Celtic types of designs.
One feature that is possible with titanium as opposed to more traditional metals is that it can actually be permanently colored. Oxidization treatments are used to tint the titanium and create a variety of colors that are permanent and non-fading. Options for colors are typically blues and reds and can be used to enhance a design on any titanium ring.
For those couples that prefer a silver colored, highly durable and lightweight metal option, palladium wedding rings are the answer. This newer metal is noted for its high sheen and easy maintenance and is fast becoming a popular choice although still not as easy to find as the more traditional metals.
The classics are hard to beat and white and yellow gold wedding rings will always be in style. These metals are often used in the two tone rings since the metals compliment each other. Diamonds many or may not be added to gold wedding bands.
Choosing the right type of yellow gold is an important consideration for wedding rings, especially those with the larger, wider bands. The higher the karat of the ring, especially at the 24k level, the easier the band can scratch. This is because the purer the gold the softer it is. Lower karat rings may be easier to maintain and more durable.
White gold and silver wedding bands are also very popular both historically as well as currently. Silver is popular with sculpted bands and wedding rings, with many traditional styles of Celtic or cultural rings often made in silver. Silver and white gold wedding rings are both durable as well as easy to maintain and keep looking beautiful.
