When choosing the metal for your wedding ring there are certain factors to take into account.
- value
- durability
- longevity
- strength
- colour
- design
In the not too distant past options for mens’ wedding rings was pretty much limited to gold and with a stretch platinum. This has changed with the introduction of such metals as titanium, tantalum, zirconium, tungsten, stainless steel and the fibrous material carbon fibre for wedding rings. This has allowed for more diversity of wedding ring designs and colours, resulting in more expression and uniqueness in mens’ wedding rings.
However this does come with some compromises with respect to resizing of the wedding ring . While all of these metals can be cut off the wearer in an emergency, none can be soldered back together. When it comes to resizing both titanium and zirconium wedding rings can be stretched up size or compressed down a size. Neither is possible for carbon fibre wedding rings. Tantalum wedding rings can be stretched up a number of sizes but compressed only down one size. This is the case whether the wedding ring is made solely of these metals or is combination with gold or platinum.
To help you along the way here is some pertinent information on each material.
Tantalum (Ta)
Tantalum is a naturally occurring metal, No. 73 on the Periodic Table. It is extremely durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to corrosion. It has a dark charcoal grey appearance and is similar in weight to platinum. Tantalum however is extremely malleable and can be stretched if required. It will bend, rather than shatter and can be easily cut off in an emergency. Tantalum is highly resistant to the usual wear and tear of some non-precious metals meaning your ring will look better for longer. Tantalum can be combined with gold and/or platinum.
Zirconium (Zr)
While Zirconium is a naturally occurring metal No, 40 on the Periodic Table, it is usually derived by purifying other minerals such as zircon with chlorine. This means that zirconium isn’t found in its “native form” but needs to go through an extraction process. Zirconium has a silver-ish or greyish color at first but when treated and then and exposed to oxidize the metal it changes to a permanent rich black color but only on the surface so any deepish scratches through wear and tear will expose the natural colour below.
Zirconium rings are hypoallergenic, durable and because they the metal is malleable it is able a various finishes are designs not available with other metals.
Titanium (Ti)
Titanium is a naturally occuring metal, No. 22 on the Periodic Table. It is a lightweight, strong, hypoallergenic metal and much less expensive than other ring materials yet it is attractive enough for use as wedding jewelry. Ttitanium is a white metal with a smoky charcoal grey hue, its natural color is darker and deeper than silver or white gold.
