Precious Metals vs Alternative Metals in Wedding Bands

The past decade has seen a rise in demand for wedding bands made of alternative metals such as titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel. While precious metal bands are still the most popular choice, we get many questions about the benefits of gold and platinum versus the less-traditional metals. Here’s what you need to know.

Precious Metals

Precious metals, such as gold and platinum, are the most traditional and popular choices for wedding bands and have been for centuries. The benefits of purchasing a gold or platinum ring are that you have a precious piece of jewelry that is valuable and will stand the test of time. 

The obvious “downside” to purchasing a wedding band made of precious metal is that you’ll pay more for it. Alternative metals are more widely available and therefore, available in a lower price range. 

Precious metals are also generally more susceptible to damage than alternative metals. For example, gold is easily scratched, can be bent, and can break. The good news is that gold is easy to polish, reshape, and fix -- unlike alternative metals. (Read more about this below.) 

Alternative Metals

Some of the most common alternative metals for wedding bands are titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel. As mentioned, one of the benefits of purchasing a band in one of these metals is that you’ll pay a lower price for it. 

Many people who are interested in alternative metals choose them because they are afraid of damaging a gold ring. It is true that many alternative metals are very strong, meaning they are scratch-resistant, will not bend, and are hard to break. 

However, the downside to these “strong metals” is that they cannot be worked on by professional jewelers. So, if you do manage to break your alternative metal ring (which can happen, depending on which metal you choose), there is no way to fix it. 

There is also no way to resize these rings. So, if your finger changes size over the years, you will need to get an entirely new ring. Fortunately, some companies that sell alternative metal bands have accounted for this and will allow you to order a new ring from them for a small fee. However, if you’re sentimental about your band and want to wear it forever, you’re much better off with a precious metal ring. 

Come See Us at Koser Jewelers

Whether you want a gold wedding band or an alternative metal (or are still deciding), come see us at Koser Jewelers! Not only do we have every option you could want, but our jewelry experts can also help you decide what’s right for you and your lifestyle. Stop in soon or give us a call at 717-653-4941.