|
Alternative metals like tungsten, ceramic, cobalt chrome, and titanium have wonderful characteristics desirable in the creation of contemporary jewelry. However, in addition to their positive qualities, all of these metals have limiting properties. No single metal has all of the positive qualities and none of the limiting qualities. Here are some comparison tables and a list of pros and cons for each of these metals that may help you choose your perfect wedding band.
Contemporary Metal Comparison |
|
Metal |
Scratch Resitance |
Hypo-Allergenic |
Coloring |
Emergency Removal |
|
Tungsten |
High |
Yes |
Gray, White, Black |
Vice Grip Method |
|
Ceramic |
High |
Yes |
Black, White, Pink |
Vice Grip Method |
|
Cobalt Chrome |
Moderate |
Yes |
White |
Modified Ring Remover |
|
Titanium |
Low |
Yes |
Gray |
Traditional Ring Remover |
When comparing each contemporary metal, it may be helpful to note each metal's pros and cons. Considering each may help you determine the best metal to meet your lifestyle.
Tungsten |
|
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
|
Extremely scratch resistant |
|
Cannot be resized |
|
Multiple color options: white, black, & classic gray |
|
Breakable, rings can fracture or shatter if dropped |
|
All wedding bands are comfort-fit |
|
White & black tungsten are not white and black all the way through. They have a hard industrial coating over the natural gray tungsten |
|
Will maintain its finish forever |
|
|
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
|
|
Affordable |
|
|
|
Heavy, substantial feel |
|
|
|
Lifetime sizing warranty |
|
|
Ceramic |
|
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
|
Extremely scratch resistant, maintains its luster forever |
|
Cannot be resized |
|
Multiple color options: black, white, & pink |
|
Breakable, rings can fracture or shatter if dropped |
|
Color is consistent throughout the ring, not coated |
|
|
|
All wedding bands are comfort-fit |
|
|
|
Maintains its finish forever |
|
|
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
|
|
Affordable |
|
|
|
Lifetime sizing warranty |
|
|
Cobalt Chrome |
|
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
|
Naturally white, whitest contemporary metal |
|
Cannot be sized |
|
Shatterproof, resilient, hard |
|
May scratch and show signs of wear, but can be polished to look new |
|
More scratch resistant than precious metals |
|
|
|
Highest permanent luster of contemporary metals |
|
|
|
Formable, so more creative styles |
|
|
|
All wedding bands are comfort-fit |
|
|
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
|
|
Similar in weight to gold |
|
|
|
Affordable |
|
|
Titanium |
|
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
|
Stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum |
|
Cannot be sized |
|
More styles than any other contemporary metal |
|
May scratch and show signs of wear, but can be polished to look new |
|
Naturally gray |
|
|
|
All wedding bands are comfort-fit |
|
|
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
|
|
Affordable |
|
|
|
