Metal Options For Wedding Rings
Posted By kayla on October 14, 2009
There are many different metals to consider for the bands on wedding rings, both for men and for women. Historically metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver and platinum were all that were used, now wedding rings offer many more options in single or dual types of metals.
Choosing the right type of metal for wedding rings for men or women has a lot to do with what your personal tastes are in jewelry and what typical metals you wear. If a couple wears mostly gold, then sticking with gold wedding rings makes sense. If they prefer silver, there are more metal options.
One very popular new metal used in wedding rings for both men and women is titanium. Titanium wedding rings come in a wide range of styles from classic bands to inset diamonds or other gems or even carved or sculpted rings, often in Celtic types of designs.
An interesting feature with titanium wedding rings and bands is that the titanium can actually be permanently colored. This is typically done by oxidizing the titanium to the desired color for a permanent change in the chemical composition of the metal. These rings are very unique in coloration and can range from blues to reds and colors in between.
Other options for metals for wedding rings include the palladium, a relatively new durable metal that is lighter in weight than titanium. Palladium rings are not common but are quickly becoming very popular due to their spectacular finish and sheen.
Yellow and white gold wedding rings for men and women will always be classic and in style. Many of the bands are now inlayed with other metals to provide intricate and beautiful designs, with or without the addition of diamonds.
Gold wedding rings come in different types of gold ranging from 14 to 24K. The higher the number the more pure gold is in the band. While the more pure the gold the richer looking the band will be, the softer it will also be. For those that are planning on wearing rings all the time and do a lot of work with their hands a lower 14k band will stay looking beautiful much longer.
White gold and silver wedding bands are also very popular both historically as well as currently. Silver is popular with sculpted bands and wedding rings, with many traditional styles of Celtic or cultural rings often made in silver. Silver and white gold wedding rings are both durable as well as easy to maintain and keep looking beautiful.
although they certainly can be an important part of the romance of the occasion. Like wedding rings, promise rings are designs to show your love and your desire to be in a committed relationship with the other person. Wedding rings and promise rings can come in a variety of styles, types and designs. All types of precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver, titanium and even platinum and palladium can be used in designing promise rings and wedding sets. There is a great deal of history behind both wedding rings and promise rings. The origins of the promise ring date back to the 16th century when men, who didn’t quite have enough money to prove their worthiness to a woman’s father, would give her a promise ring in lieu of an engagement ring until he had enough funds to marry. 
In some cultures and areas, promise rings, like wedding rings or engagement rings, can be given by either the woman or the man. It is not uncommon in many areas for a woman and man to have matching promise rings. Promise rings are worn on the same hand as wedding rings and also on the exact same finger. For some couples the option for a smaller promise, engagement and wedding ring can make a beautiful collection of stackable rings. These could then be worn as a complete set or in any combination. Choosing promise rings and wedding rings that compliment each other provides a lot of options for different combinations. The promise ring could be worn with the wedding band, engagement ring or all together. Often promise rings feature designs or motifs that can be carried through onto the wedding rings. Popular designs for promise rings and later wedding sets include hearts and heart shapes as well as intricate designs. Like wedding rings, promise rings can have gems including diamonds or other types of precious or semi-precious stones. 
One of the most popular options in designing or customizing wedding rings is to start with one of a variety of settings, then add your own diamond to create a wedding ring that is different than the pre-designed rings available at retail stores and online jewelry outlets. The advantage to a build your own style option for wedding rings is that you may be able to actually get a larger diamond or a more detailed setting and stay well within your budget. This is because there are more options for mixing and matching possible with this type of ring selection. With these semi-custom design wedding rings the first step is to choose a setting and band. It is important, however to have a general idea of what shape and cut of diamond you want in the ring to ensure the appropriate match. Most of the settings and bands available through build it yourself wedding rings will range from simple and elegant through to ornate and highly stylized. Contour bands are very popular and add a depth to the overall appearance of the ring without adding a lot of additional cost. The number of prongs or mounts in the setting is also important and will vary depending on the size and shape of diamond you wish to add. The larger and more shaped the diamond is, the more prongs that will be required. Cathedral settings, which elevate the diamond is a cradle like setting, are ideal for round solitaire type diamonds and present a stunning setting mount. Building your own wedding rings also provides options for adding diamond chips in various styles to the band. Pave or channel style settings around the central diamond are popular and beautiful. These types of rings are also perfect for matching with a wide variety of styles of