The Groom's Ring - Metals Explained

While there’s usually less attention given to the groom’s ring, that doesn’t make it any less important. The rings are there to symbolize your commitment to each other, so you’ll want to find something that will last him a long time. Different metals have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to determine what’s best for your lifestyle and budget.

Platinum is a classic choice for a wedding band, but since it’s such a rare and dense metal, it’s also an expensive choice. They hold up well over time, and their high density means that they won’t lose their color or value. The cost for a platinum ring is about twice that of a gold one, hovering right around $1,000. However, since they’re so durable, the only time you’ll need to repair it is if it gets scratched.

Gold is one of the most popular choices for a wedding ring. It’s available in white, rose, and yellow, so it’s also one of the most diverse options. Gold is very malleable, which is good for any resizing that may need to happen in the future. It retains value over time, and doesn’t rust, but it does tend to scratch more easily than other metals (the greater the karat value, the more likely the gold is to scratch).

Palladium is a metal that’s rising in popularity. It resembles platinum because of its white color, but it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper. It’s also lighter in weight and density, and it won’t tarnish. However, it is likely to scratch. Because this is a newer ring option and manufacturing it can be difficult, there are probably going to be fewer design choices at your jeweler’s.

Tungsten is not a precious metal, but it does have its perks. The color ranges from black to gray, making it a great choice for grooms who want a more modern look. Tungsten is also harder than most of the traditional metals; this means that although it is more resistant to scratching and bending, it is also more susceptible to brittleness and breaking. Another limitation is that it can never be resized or altered, which may be a problem in the future. Keep in mind that these rings are only a couple hundred dollars, as opposed to rings that costs a couple thousand!

Titanium is a metal that has almost as much versatility as gold! It comes in black, gray, and silver, making it a good choice for a groom who likes a more industrial feel. Titanium rings are very durable- they’re lightweight and scratch-resistant- but they can’t be repaired or resized easily. They’re also a little more expensive than say, stainless steel, but still more affordable than tungsten.

Stainless steel isn’t a metal that most couples consider for a wedding band. This is surprising because of the durability and affordability of stainless steel. The silver color makes it a modern choice, and since you can get a ring for about $100, it’s cheaper than other options with the same appeal. Stainless steel tends to scratch and break more easily than other alternative metals, so keep your groom’s lifestyle in mind.