The Most Popular Metals for Men's Wedding Bands

While a groom will undoubtedly be occupied with images of standing at the alter leading up to his wedding day, he also has plenty of little things to think about before he ties the knot, like the wedding band he'll wear for the rest of his life. All grooms must make this decision carefully so that they love looking at their beloved ring for years to come. 

However, this decision can be tricky since there are so many wedding band styles and materials. 

Here, explore the top picks for men's wedding bands, learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and see which ring may be the most suitable for a man on such a special day. 

1. Tungsten

The most commonly used tungsten metal is actually tungsten carbide when it comes to jewelry. This means that carbon is alloyed with tungsten for a beautiful yet durable jewelry-making material. A tungsten wedding band is a tough metal that makes it the best choice for everyday wear.

Tungsten is fast becoming the most popular wedding band choice for men. It offers many advantages as a material for a ring that other materials may not be able to provide.

Pros

• Tarnish Resistant. No need to worry about regular polishing. You will rarely need to worry about sprucing up a tungsten wedding band because it will stay shiny and bright far longer than other metals.
• Hypoallergenic. This means that almost anyone can wear a tungsten ring and not be affected by an allergic reaction.
• Toughness. Tungsten is very strong. It will not bend or warp, nor is it likely to scratch.
• Affordable. A tungsten wedding band is such a popular choice because it's so affordable. Often at a small fraction of the price of what you'd pay for a gold or silver band, you'll get a strong metal without breaking the bank.

Cons

• No Resizing. Not everyone will need resizing in their lifetimes. But if you foresee a significant weight change in your future, a tungsten wedding band may not be the best.
• Brittle. Tungsten rings are strong but can break if an extreme force is applied to the ring. They do not bend as softer metals are able to do.

2. Gold

Everyone knows the classic gold look. But before you settle for classic gold, know that you have three options: yellow, rose, and white. Gold is often mixed with another alloy, but the more gold present, the more expensive the wedding band. This is where the terms 24 karats vs. 18 karats come from — this refers to the higher or lower levels of gold. 

Pros

• The Traditional Choice. If you want a metal with a history of wedding bands, this is an excellent choice. Gold was the choice of the wealthy before anyone used diamonds for engagement rings.
• Easy to Resize. Gold can be easily fitted no matter how your hand size changes throughout the years.

Cons

• Easily Scratches. This may not be the right choice if you regularly work with your hands.
• Pricey. Even though it's less durable, it will come at a premium price tag.

3. Ceramic

Ceramic, like tungsten, is an alloy of carbide but with titanium rather than tungsten, which makes it heat-resistant and incredibly strong. 

Pros

• Lightweight. If you're not crazy about wearing jewelry but want to show how happy you are for your wedding, ceramic's lightweight nature will bring comfort while looking great.
• Not a Metal. Ceramic is a very strong, scratch-resistant material without being a metal. If you don't like to have metal on or have an allergy, opt for ceramic as a hypoallergenic alternative.

Cons

• So Hard It May Shatter. While the hardness of the ring means that you won't have to worry about scratches, it may also shatter when dropped. Be sure that when the ceramic isn't on your finger, it's in a safe place.
• No Resizing. If you need a larger or smaller sized ring in the future then you would have to purchase a new ring.

4. Platinum

Platinum is rare, which makes it a sought-after but expensive material. It has a beautiful, silver-colored luster. Like gold, you can find rings with more or less platinum in their composition, depending on your budget. 

Pros

• Hypoallergenic. If you want the metal look but don't want to worry about skin irritation, platinum is an excellent solution.
• Won't Tarnish. When you opt for a white finish, the color won't fade or tarnish, and you can enjoy a beautiful platinum ring without a dull lack of luster.

Cons

• Expensive. If your budget is a determining factor for you, then platinum might not be your top metal of choice. Opt for a tungsten wedding ring for a more affordable option that also doesn't tarnish quickly.
• Heavier than Gold. For those who dislike wearing jewelry, especially on their hands, the added weight of platinum may be unwelcome for daily wear.

5. Palladium

This is a close cousin of platinum metal but at a more affordable price. It has the signature shine but is less rare and dense, making it a popular alternative. 

Pros

• A Platinum Look at a Cheaper Price. You love the look of platinum but can't seem to justify the price. If this describes you, then palladium could very well be the answer to your prayers.
• Lighter Weight than Platinum and Gold. Platinum and gold are two popular metals, but they're also much heavier than palladium. Opt for palladium over platinum or gold if you want to forget you're wearing a ring.

Cons

• Quicker to Scratch. While it looks like platinum, it's certainly not as strong as platinum. You may need to spend some time polishing to get out the scratches.
• Fewer Styles Available. If personalization is an important part of wedding band shopping for you, palladium may not be the right choice. Unlike a tungsten wedding ring that comes in all sorts of colors and designs, palladium is rare and, therefore, offers fewer options to peruse.

6. Titanium

Titanium is a strong metal that will last for many years to come, but not everyone likes this metal's final, matte finish. However, they are lightweight, comfortable, and hypoallergenic, making them excellent for picky jewelry wearers. 

Pros

• Scratch-Resistant and Tarnish-Resistant. This scratch-free and tarnish-free ring may be the most reliable option for natural metals for men who need something tough that works for their work lifestyle and weekend adventures.

Cons

• Difficult to Resize. If you think opting for a natural metal will mean you can adjust the size as needed, you're mistaken. Titanium is far more difficult to resize than gold or platinum.
• Not Best for Etching Customizations. If etchings are on your list of must-haves for customizing your ring, titanium can be a very challenging metal for this task. It may cost extra or be impossible for some jewelers.

7. Stainless Steel

For a price point that's significantly lower than gold, silver, or platinum, you'll get a durable ring that still has that platinum-like shine with stainless steel. However, this material is a more novel addition to the wedding band scene. Because of this, designs haven't been able to keep up with popularity's demand. It may be hard to find the exact style you're looking for from a stainless steel band.

Pros

• Environmentally-Friendly Option. Both before and after you wear a stainless steel ring, you're benefiting the environment. Unlike precious metals that destroy the environment, stainless steel doesn't produce any toxic runoff into communities. Additionally, they're recyclable afterward.
• A Luxe Metal Look. Although it looks similar to rare materials, this is a budget-friendly option compared to gold or platinum.

Cons

• Sensitive to Chlorine. For avid swimmers out there, stainless steel may be the worst choice. This metal is incredibly sensitive to chlorine. So a dip in the pool without removing your wedding band could mean disaster.

8. Cobalt

While cobalt is also newer in popularity for wedding bands and may not have the same customizations as a tungsten wedding ring, there are still some options to choose from, such as satin, polished, and hammered styles. This material isn't scratch-proof, so you'll need to take care not to scratch it throughout the day.

Pros

• White Gold without Replating. Many love the look of white gold. However, white gold requires regular replanting, which can be inconvenient and bring additional costs. Cobalt looks like white gold but won't need this high level of maintenance.
• Many Customizations Available. Create a ring that precisely suits your style.

Cons

• Potential Flaking. If you choose a plating, some flaking may occur over time, revealing the ring's actual color underneath.

9. Sterling Silver

Sterling silver initially rose in popularity due to its extremely low prices. However, as we'll see, these price tags don't necessarily reflect reasonable value. The quality of these pieces is often poor, and they don't last like other metals. 

Pros

• Affordable. This is the primary advantage, but the return on investment is low. For example, a tungsten wedding ring is similarly affordable but will last for many more years to come and look better.

Cons

• High-Maintenance. If you want a nice-looking ring, be prepared for a lot of upkeep. Make time for regular cleaning and polishing, and be ready to deal with scratches.

Choosing a Band for the Groom

Before landing on one final option, consider the groom's lifestyle and preferences. For example, does he require a hypoallergenic option? Or does he regularly work roughly with his hands and need something that won't ever scratch? 

Always ask if the groom would like to look at the different material options. This will help him decide what he likes and doesn’t like and may reveal that what he thought he wanted doesn’t spark joy the way he thought it would. 

This wedding band will be worn for many years, so take some extra time out to explore your options. And considering these materials above are the most popular, they are a great place to start your search. 

The Bottom Line

Just as a groom finds his soulmate, there's a perfect wedding band for him, too. Don't assume that traditional will do, or the most modern will be to his taste. He must follow his heart and choose the material that he'll cherish from the minute he says “I do" until forever.

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