Choosing the perfect men's wedding ring starts with choosing the right precious metal.
Metals
White gold has a white luster similar to that of platinum but has the advantage of costing much less because it is basically yellow gold alloyed (mixed) with other metals, usually nickel and zinc, to give it the white color.Because it imitates platinum but costs less, it is one of the most popular metals being purchased today.However, white gold does have a major disadvantage.It looses its luster and needs to be re-plated every two-three years for maximum beauty.Fortunately, re-plating is very inexpensive, so it might very well still cost less over time than a platinum ring would.
Titanium is a lustrous gray-hued metal that appears darker than white gold or platinum but is still part of the silver family. It does have a unique color and look, but its hue isn't the only good reason to buy a titanium ring.Titanium is a best known for its extreme strength and durability and its light weight.It is as strong as steel, and can be made to be even stronger than steel, yet it weighs next to nothing compared with other metals. Titanium resists corrosion from a wide variety of sources, such as salt water and many gases and acids.Just like your marriage, a ring made of this metal can last forever.
Platinum jewelry is expensive for several reasons.Mainly, it is much more rare a precious metal than is gold or silver.Additionally, the procedures required to make platinum pure are much more complicated than those required for other metals.Platinum is also particularly strong and is able to maintain its good looks throughout a lifetime of wear, and since high quality means high price, you can expect to spend a lot on this metal.
Yellow gold is too soft in its purest form to be made into jewelry, which is why it comes in karats.The lower the karat, the less pure it is, which also means the stronger it is.In other words 10 karat gold is stronger, yet less pure than 18 karat gold.
The word "sterling" silver refers to the quality of the silver.Sterling is standard in jewelry; anything less than sterling is not pure enough to be worth much money.Sterling is the most affordable precious metal and is also the shiniest, or most reflective. On the downside, it does tend to tarnish and collect nicks and dings more than platinum or titanium would.Fortunately, sterling silver is easy and cheap to clean and polish, helping it look newer for longer.
Once the best metal is chosen, you can take it from there.Custom designs, traditional bands, diamond or gem accents, engravings, everything you could possibly want in a wedding band is available and out there.But you have to start with the right precious metal for you.
