Metal Types

Gold is the world's most popular precious metal and is naturally yellow in color. Gold may be mixed with different alloys to create white or rose gold. White gold jewelry is plated in rhodium and rose gold is mixed with copper. All gold will scratch over time, but can easily be refurbished and/or rhodium plated when needed.

Platinum jewelry is rare. It will last a lifetime and is completely hypoallergenic. Platinum is a white metal that's also 90-95% pure. Although platinum scratches and bends over time, it will not tarnish or require rhodium plating. Scratches on platinum can easily be polished back to its original state.

Palladium is 90-95% pure, hypoallergenic and has a similar finish to platinum. However, palladium is not as rare as platinum, and therefore less expensive. Although we may recommend palladium for prong or channel set rings, and solitaires, we do not recommend palladium for most pave settings.

Tungsten carbide is by far the most popular alternative metal for men's wedding bands. It comes in three different colors; dark grey, white and black, and is much heavier than a precious metal ring. It is hypoallergenic and very scratch resistant, but it cannot be resized. It has a very affordable price point, and costs an average of 50% less than a precious metal wedding band.

Cobalt is a natural hypoallergenic metal. It's the whitest alternative metal available today and looks similar to Platinum. It won't tarnish and is extremely hard and scratch resistant. Cobalt is extremely durable with a long lasting finish. It cannot be resized. but men love it almost as much as tungsten carbide.

Titanium is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. It's stronger than gold or platinum, and 3 times stronger than steel. It's found mostly in men's wedding bands and fashion jewelry. It cannot be re-sized and will probably scratch over time.

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