Wedding Ring Metals: A Guide to the Most Popular Types

Here's how to find the ideal option for your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.

Photo by Jose Villa

In This Article

Shopping for an engagement ring and wedding band is a weighty decision since you and your partner will be wearing this bauble every day for eternity. Luckily, there are ways to help ease the stress and pressure of picking out the perfect design that's ideal for your budget, lifestyle, and personal aesthetics. Though most couples narrow down their options according to the style of gemstone they prefer, choosing the right type of metal for your bauble is another consideration to keep at the forefront of your mind during the selection process.

Ring metals are an essential component of sparklers, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics: While these metallic accents provide a sturdy foundation that holds any accompanying stones in place, they also influence the overall look and feel of the accessory. Whether you opt for scratch-resistant tungsten or long-lasting platinum, the metal that you select will affect the appearance, durability, and cost of the design. Even if you’re considering a pavé band—in which the metal takes up less surface area—the corresponding metal will still play a pivotal role in shaping these factors.

Meet the Expert

Zachary Elliott is a jewelry designer who specializes in vintage and antique jewelry. He’s also the owner of his Etsy shop, ZacharyJewelry, which he launched in 2015.

Wondering which type of ring metals are out there? Access our full guide here, complete with commentary from vintage jewelry expert Zachary Elliott.

Photo by Jennifer Darling

If you’re shopping for engagement rings or wedding bands, you’ll see that the metal options available are endless. Looking for a classic choice? Consider timeless yellow gold. Hoping to find a budget-friendly style? Try tungsten carbide or palladium. Want something that won’t weigh you down? Titanium will deliver. But before you hunt for the perfect bauble, read all about the different types of ring metals on the market here.

Gold is the most common choice for engagement rings and wedding bands—and it’s easy to see why: Available in a range of different styles (yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold) and karats (10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k), this ring metal offers so many options. Not to mention, gold has an irresistible lustrous finish.

A word of caution: While pure gold is the most luxurious and expensive selection, it also contains the most gold—which makes it the most pliable and least durable type of karat option. “Twenty-four-karat gold is so soft that it can easily be scratched or bent, and jewels can easily fall out,” Elliot notes. Even though 10k gold has the lowest concentration of the metal, it’s the longest-lasting and most cost-efficient variety—which is a good choice for those who work with their hands or who are concerned about the lifespan of their ring. If white gold is more up your alley, you may want to rhodium plate it once a year to maintain its vibrant hue.

Another in-demand option for wedding rings? Sterling silver. Since pure silver is too soft to secure a gemstone, the substance usually contains a mix of other metals that increase its durability—resulting in sterling silver. Given its historical origins, affordable price tag, and glamorous appearance, silver is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a luxe look at a lower price.

Even combined with other alloys, though, sterling silver is still on the softer side, meaning it’s prone to damage. With a pliable metal, like sterling silver, you’ll need to constantly tend to it—which might be a drawback for those who are looking for a low-maintenance base. Silver also tarnishes over time, so you’ll need to polish and clean it on a regular basis to maintain its shine.

With its glistening white finish, platinum is a lavish option for glamorous styles. It’s also hypoallergenic, perfect for those who have sensitive skin or who are allergic to other common metals. Perhaps the biggest selling point? Platinum is one of the most durable ring metals out there. “Platinum is a great option and will hold precious stones in place securely for a lifetime,” Elliott says. “Platinum is able to handle scratches and wear and tear more.” Since this type of metal retains its color, your ring won’t dull over time. On the off chance that your platinum ring does tarnish, you can quickly restore its luminosity by polishing it. But because of all these admirable qualities, platinum is one of the more expensive ring metals.

Love the look of platinum but not the hefty price tag? Palladium is a member of the platinum family that has all of the same positive attributes as platinum, like its durability (which isn’t exact but is almost on par), its mirror-like finish, and its allergy-friendly design, without the expensive cost. Another bonus? It’s lightweight and comfortable. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who lives an active lifestyle but who wants a high-quality, low-budget accessory.

Since palladium isn’t as strong of a metal as platinum, scratches are more visible on the surface than on its relative. Plus, the substance isn’t as widely available as platinum, and since it isn’t malleable, it can be tricky to resize—which may be necessary if your ring size fluctuates over the years.

Titanium has become the go-to metal for men’s rings—and for good reason: This type of metal is extremely strong, making it resistant to scratches and corrosion—yet, it has a lightweight, comfortable feel. Not to mention, its distinctive appearance sets it apart from other more conventional varieties—perfect for nontraditional, statement-making individuals. With its long-lasting quality, titanium rings will continue to sparkle over the years—no extra maintenance necessary. While titanium has many benefits, note that it is difficult to resize.

Made from chromium, nickel, and titanium, stainless steel is a versatile, low-maintenance, and cost-effective ring metal. With a variety of finishes, from brushed and engraved to matte and glossy, this metal has something for every style and preference. It’s also basically indestructible, thanks to a thin outer layer (that’s invisible to the naked eye) that protects the bauble from corrosion, discoloration, and daily wear and tear. Given its affordability, this ring metal is great for those who are on a budget. That said, the durability of stainless steel can make it heavier than its counterparts—which might be uncomfortable for some.

A white, lustrous metal that’s reminiscent of platinum and white gold, cobalt has recently entered the world of fine jewelry and has sealed its place as a sought-after choice for both brides and grooms alike. This hard metal is less expensive than many other fine metals, and because it’s non-tarnishing, non-corrosive, and scratch-resistant, it doesn’t require constant maintenance. Despite these upsides, you can’t resize cobalt ring metals. And since it isn’t immune from scratches, you won’t be able to refinish the metal to remove these blemishes.

With a deep gray color, tungsten carbide is an unexpected ring metal that will set your sparkler apart. It’s also much less costly than gold or platinum rings. To reap the benefits of a tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, long-lasting, and hypoallergenic bauble, be sure to select a design that has at least 80 percent tungsten. Although this metal is durable, it isn’t indestructible—if you drop a tungsten carbide ring, it will likely crack.

Some might find that tungsten carbide is too heavy for their personal preference. Plus, like many other strong, low-cost ring metals, with a tungsten carbide ring, you won’t be able to change the size of the band.

Another unexpected ring metal that has risen in popularity over the years is tantalum. With a gray-blue tone and an array of textures (like matte, dark, and shiny), tantalum wedding rings provide many different styles that are each distinctive. For those who have sensitive skin, this is a ring metal to keep on your radar. It’s also priced at a few hundred dollars and won’t corrode over time. There’s just one downside: If you’re envisioning a small, delicate design, tantalum probably isn’t the right metal for you—these metals have a big, bulky appearance.

Photo by Molly Carr Photography

No matter what type of ring metal you go with, here are a few tips to maintain the shiny appearance of your wedding ring.

Keeping your ring clean will maintain its shine. Luckily, you can create a simple-yet-effective solution at home with warm water and dish soap. To remove dirt and debris in hard-to-reach crevices, you can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Regularly polishing your bauble will also keep scratches at bay.

Before participating in high-impact activities that require using your hands, put your engagement ring and wedding band in a safe place. Swimming, gardening, and weightlifting are some of the strenuous activities that increase the risk of accumulating scratches, dents, or other defects on your special accessory.

When you’re cleaning your home or removing nail polish, be sure to take off your wedding rings. That’s because these harsh chemicals can cause discoloration and a warped appearance.

Whenever your wedding rings aren’t on your left ring finger, store them in a cool, dry spot. Placing your sparkler in direct sunlight or in humid climates can corrode your metal more easily.

If you’re looking for a deeper clean or dealing with more apparent damage, take your rings to a jeweler. These professionals will know how to remove debris, retain its gleam, and cover up scratches and dents.