A congratulation is in order because you’re going to get married! Now all the fun and exciting parts of planning a wedding are in front of you. One essential feature of marriage is the wedding rings.
Many couples want to pick out their rings together. It is, after all, the one piece of jewellery you’ll wear for the rest of your life. Contemporary wedding trends have moved to less traditional, and the rings are no different.
You’re no longer held to the classic silver or gold. There are a few alternative metal wedding rings you and your partner may love. Here is your guide to choosing the right one.
What Are the Benefits of Alternative Metal for Wedding Rings?
Your wedding ring is one of the most important pieces of jewellery you’ll wear in your entire life. So all of the decisions you make about it are important. Most couples focus on the way the ring looks first, but the metal should not be overlooked.
The metal you choose can be the difference between a lot of future maintenance and hands off care. One of the major benefits of alternative metal for your wedding rings is that many are much more durable than the traditional silver or gold rings.
That extra durability allows the ring to have a unique chemical resistance which will allow the wedding band to look brand new for years to come.
Because of the lower risk of damage, alternative metals tend to be a better option for anyone who works a lot with their hands. They would also make a great ring to wear while working out, playing sports, or travelling.
No matter what ring you choose to symbolize your marriage, there will be sentimental value to it. But know that you have options outside the tradition.
Potential Down Sides to Alternative Metal Wedding Rings
Few things in life are only positive, so it’s important to look at the potential downside. Alternative metal for wedding rings is no different. While there are many benefits to new materials, there may be some things to take into considerations.
As you’ll read, many alternative metals are much denser than the traditional silver or gold ring. Though this creates a much durable ring, there also may be issues with resizing.
Some metals are so dense that they cannot be reformed. That means if you ever need to have your ring made larger or smaller, you will need to get a brand new ring. What’s worse is that some jewellers may not tell you that, that’s what they’re doing.
Another common issue with alternative metals is that the rings tend to get discontinued much quicker than the traditional counterparts. Alternative metals mean having something unique.
But that uniqueness can also mean less popular, which makes jewellers take the rings out of stock. These two negatives can go hand in hand. If you need to have a ring resized in a few years, the exact wedding ring you choose may no longer be available.
Fortunately, these are negatives that many couples are willing to take a risk on. Most alternative metals pose no serious complications, only minor inconveniences. So they’re still a great option for your wedding band.
The Best Alternative Metals for Wedding Rings
When it comes to wedding rings, the most common metals you’ll encounter are some form of silver and gold. These two traditional materials make for great wedding rings, but they aren’t your only option.
Contemporary wedding rings allow you to customize your bands, so you get the exact piece you want. Here are the best alternative metals you can use for your wedding rings.
Titanium
Titanium was most commonly used in industrial settings. However, in recent years, titanium has grown in popularity in the jewellery industry. Traditionally, it’s the men’s wedding bands that are made of titanium.
That doesn’t stop a woman from wearing this metal too. Titanium is lightweight and creates a unique and contemporary ring. With inlays of other metals, titanium rings may appear grey, black, or silver; it’s a very modern and customizable ring.
A titanium ring Malaysia is a stunning option to exchange during the Nikah ceremony because of the contemporary look.
Platinum
Platinum is no stranger to wedding bands. It was a common metal for many jewellery pieces through the 20th century before it was used almost exclusively by the military during wartimes.
The alternative use for heavy machinery demonstrates just how durable this metal is. Paired with the unique beauty and shine, a platinum wedding ring is ideal for a piece of jewellery you’ll wear every day for the rest of your life.
Boasting a soft white hue, platinum doesn’t tarnish; so it’ll look like you just slid it on your finger years down the line. Platinum is rarer than gold and heavier than 14K gold. A platinum wedding ring will show off intricate engraving and embellishments well.
Stainless Steel
Many people may think of stainless steel only in the kitchen. But contemporary jewellers are using this metal in their pieces more and more. The popularity of stainless steel grows more and more every year because of the affordability and durability.
One of the great properties of stainless steel is that it can take on different looks depending on how it’s polished. Stainless steel can look matte, similar to pewter; or more reflective like chrome. But no matter how you polish it, stainless steel is sturdy.
A stainless steel ring in Malaysia would be great for a “Nikah cincin” because it’s durable, modern, and easily cleaned with water, soap, and a soft cloth.
Tantalum
Most alternative metals are more common in other industries before becoming popular in jewellery. Tantalum is often used in electronics, capacitors, and resistors. But because of the stunning shade of grey and shiny lustre, tantalum rings are on the rise.
Since it’s used for industrial purposes, tantalum is incredibly durable. With a high resistance to scratches and corrosion, a tantalum ring is a great option for anyone whose hands get a lot of heavy use.
Tantalum is a metal that’s also easy to maintain. With no separate care to keep the signature shine, the wearer will only need to use mild soap and water to clean the ring. A tantalum ring is hypoallergenic.
Cobalt
Originally created for the medical and aerospace industries, cobalt has become a popular alternative metal for contemporary bridal jewellery. It has grown in popularity in recent years for its hypoallergenic and scratch-resistant properties.
Cobalt is made from alloy metal that is naturally white. With this bright white sheen, cobalt mimics platinum. However, it’s a heavier material, so your wedding ring will have a bit more weight than other metals if you use cobalt.
Since you’ll be wearing your wedding ring every day, cobalt’s added durability makes it a great option. It’s also easy to resize even for years to come.
Tungsten
One of the least considered of the alternative metals, tungsten still makes a great wedding ring option. Most commonly used in the lighting industry, the use of tungsten in jewellery has grown in recent years.
Many love tungsten for its brilliance and shine. This material is incredibly durable, which allows for very little maintenance. Even after years of wear, this metal won’t tarnish or lose its brilliance.
The hard shine creates a stunning and contemporary look. But because of the metal’s hardness, tungsten rings are not able to be resized. The wearer will have to exchange rings for a larger or smaller size if needed.
Caring for Alternative Metal Wedding Rings
As mentioned, many alternative metals are not high-maintenance. They won’t need rigorous cleaning or buffing out scratches. However, there are some care tips to ensure your ring shines like it’s right out of the box.
If you have to store your ring, be sure to do so in a soft pouch or a separate compartment inside a jewellery box. This will avoid damage to your ring or other jewellery.
When you do clean your ring, only use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing with an adult toothbrush as that can be too abrasive. A children’s toothbrush or specialized jewellery brush will be better.
If your wedding rings have diamonds or gemstone set in it, be sure to get care instructions from the jeweller. Diamonds and gemstone may need special treatment for proper care.
Contemporary Trend: Alternative Metal Wedding Rings
A wedding is one of the most exciting days of many people’s lives. It’s a day to celebrate the unique love between two people. Gathering friends and family together witness the two of you joining together as one.
Many couples want their wedding to reflect their personalities. And now that weddings have begun to stray from the traditions, you can customize all features of your wedding. This includes the rings.
Alternative metal wedding rings continue to rise in popularity every year. If gold and silver aren’t the styles you’re looking for, there are plenty of other options to choose from. And since you’ll wear this ring for the rest of your life, you should love it.
Ready to find your perfect wedding rings? Explore our collection of crafted wedding bands that you and your partner will love.
