The Pros and the Cons of Choosing The Metal For Your Ring!
Every metal or material you can choose for your band ....whether it is tungsten, zirconium, meteorite, etc. ....will have positive and negative qualities. There is no perfect material without a downside. So be sure to check out the information below so you can pick the metal that is the most perfect for you! For more details on a specific metal or material, check the product page for your ring or our METALS | MATERIALS page.
Precious Metals
GOLD (Yellow, White*, Rose and combinations like Mokume Gane)
PALADIUM
PLATINUM
SILVER
*see Plated Rings below
PROS :)
- Rings made from any of these precious metals have a timeless, traditional association with value and longevity
- They don't break or crack like some contemporary metals can
- Can usually be resized (bands with settings, inlays or milled designs that run all around the band may have to be exchanged for a new ring)
- Can be engraved with standard engraving methods
- Can be removed with a standard ring cutter in an emergency
CONS :(
- All the precious metals are "soft" in comparison to contemporary metals and therefore can be scratched, bent and are subject wear over time (small details such as a beaded edge will slowly disappear after many years of wearing)
- Precious metals are generally the most expensive
- Can be affected by contact with chemicals
- Some precious metal rings carry a resizing fee (currently $175.00). Be sure to check the product page information for the specific ring you select
Contemporary Metals
CERAMIC
COBALT
CRUSHED BLACK DIAMOND
DAMASCUS STEEL
MOKU TI
SOLID CARBON FIBER
TITANIUM
TUNGSTEN
ZIRCONIUM
*see Plated Rings below
PROS :)
- Amazing looks and colors like gun metal gray, black, white, pink and multicolored bands are available.
- All are more scratch resistant than precious metals with crushed black diamond being the most scratch resistant followed by tungsten and ceramic
- Generally much more affordable than precious metals. Some, like cobalt & white tungsten, give you the look of white gold or platinum for a fraction of the price
- All contemporary metals come with a Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty for both size or damage exchanges
CONS :(
- All contemporary metals are harder than precious metals which means that the hardest ones (crushed black diamond, tungsten and ceramic) are potentially vulnerable to cracking. Your Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty will replace the band, but if you can't stand the thought of changing your ring (either because of the sentiment attached to it or because you may not have a ring to wear during the exchange process) then you may want to avoid crushed black diamond, tungsten or ceramic.
- The harder contemporary metals (crushed black diamond, tungsten and ceramic) must be cracked to be removed by vice grips in emergency situations. Others (such as cobalt and zirconium) require diamond tipped ring cutters
- None are scratch proof (all are scratch resistant to varying degrees)
Colorful Inlays … and More!
WOOD
MOTHER OF PEARL
ABALONE SHELL
METEORITE
LAPIS LAZULI
DEER ANTLER
CARBON FIBER
OPAL
CAMO
TURQUOISE
AND MORE!
PROS :)
- Amazing colors, textures and looks to choose from that will not go unnoticed - not to mention they are great conversation starters as they won't look like like everyone else's band!
- Inlays are offered in both precious metals and contemporary metals
CONS :(
- Inlays are usually protected with a resin coating which can scratch or peel over time. Your Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty will replace the band but if you can't stand the thought of changing your ring (either because of the sentiment attached to it or because you may not have a ring to wear during the exchange process) then you may want to avoid inlaid rings
*Plated Rings
- Plated rings can be either precious or contemporary metals that have been covered with another metal to achieve their final look. Platings will wear off over time with daily wear and eventually will have to be re-plated for a fee of $20
