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Wedding Rings-Alternative Material Trends

For centuries, gold and platinum were the standard metal of choice for wedding rings around the world. Silver wedding rings were occasional trends, primarily during times of war when gold and platinum were in short supply or when the economy just didn’t make gold and platinum viable options for most consumer’s wedding rings. Since gold was available in yellow, white and rose varieties, as well as a combination of all three, and silver and platinum were both white in nature as well, wedding ring colors were primarily limited to these three color choices. With consumer demand in recent years for more unique and non-traditional wedding ring styles, the jewelry market has responded with a variety of highly unconventional alternative wedding ring materials. These newer wedding ring materials, however, are quickly becoming the hottest trends on the market.

Palladium Wedding Rings

Probably the closest alternative metal to traditional materials, palladium is actually part of the same elemental group of metals as platinum. The primary difference between palladium and platinum, however, is the fact that palladium wedding rings are able to hold their silvery finish for much longer than platinum as well as the fact that they are significantly more durable than platinum weddings rings and, therefore, less likely to scratch or dent. Consumers often take notice of the fact that palladium, while providing the same appearance as platinum, is also significantly cheaper than its cousin metal. Palladium is also a viable alternative to white gold due to the same reasons it has become more popular than platinum, price, durability, and a longer lasting finish. While silver rings do remain cheaper than palladium, the fairly low durability of silver as well as its need for constant cleaning, don’t make it a viable contender against palladium wedding rings. If you want the look and feel of platinum or white gold at a fraction of the cost, palladium is your best choice.

Tungsten Wedding Rings

Tungsten wedding rings are currently being promoted as the only wedding ring that will literally last forever. With a stunning glossy finish that can also be polished down to a matte appearance, tungsten wedding rings are four times more durable than titanium wedding rings and ten times stronger than white gold wedding rings. Unlike other precious metal wedding rings, a glossy tungsten wedding ring will never lose its finish, regardless of how much wear and tear it is subjected to. A tungsten wedding ring will not bend, scratch, or break. For couples seeking a unique and durable wedding ring, tungsten may be the perfect choice. The eternal strength factor of a tungsten wedding ring can also be very symbolic of a couple’s relationship.

Ceramic Wedding Rings

While the idea of a ceramic wedding ring may seem a bit far fetched, they are, in fact, one of the fastest growing wedding ring trends on the market today. Marketed specifically towards individuals with various metal allergies and skin sensitivities, ceramic wedding rings provide a safe and hypoallergenic alternative to traditional metal bands. Though it may seem like a ceramic wedding ring would be extremely fragile, similar to dishware or pottery, they are actually extremely durable. Ceramic wedding rings are created by combining a small amount of zirconium, a silvery transition metal substance, with pure powdered ceramic. The mixture is heated to an extremely high temperature until it reaches a molten liquid state. The liquid is then cooled while it is being shaped and cut. The resulting ceramic wedding ring is more durable than titanium and comparable in strength to a tungsten wedding ring. Ceramic wedding rings are also available with various precious metals, including titanium and silver, inlaid into their surface to create a striped effect.

For the unique couple seeking wedding rings that truly reflect their personalities, these alternative material wedding rings are the perfect choice. Often more durable and lower maintenance than traditional wedding rings, palladium, tungsten, and ceramic wedding rings are just a few of the trends on the market right now to choose from.