Metal Wedding Bands & Engagement Rings
And now, a message from our metals...followed by our Inlays...
Why Cobalt Chrome?
In short, you can resize them a smidge and they are the more silver colored of the alternative metals on the market. They fall in-between Tungsten and Titanium in weight, so it's a nice mid-range metal weight with the look of white gold.
Pros-
- Resizable (only up .5 to 1 size) and cutable
- Although there are trace amounts of nickel, this metal is still considered to be hypoallergenic
- Has a "white gold" look and feel
- Scratch-resistant and durable, more so than solid gold
- Weight is similar to solid gold but many times harder and more durable
- Needs no special care and can be worn anywhere, anytime
Cons-
- Not as scratch-resistant as Tungsten (but more so than Titanium)
Why Damascus Steel?
In short, Damascus Steel is made from stainless steel which won't tarnish. It feels super light weight and looks really cool as each ring has its own unique pattern.
Pros-
- Corrosion and tarnish resistant
- The environmentally friendly option, as it is fully recyclable
- Can be cut off with regular cutting instruments in an emergency
- Each ring is entirely unique as metals are forged together to make it
- While not necessarily scratch resistant, will hide scratches more because of it's intricate design
Cons-
- Cannot be resized
- Contains some nickel, so if that's an allergy for you, we recommend Titanium, Black Zirconium, Cobalt Chrome, or Palladium instead
- DOES NOT LIKE CHLORINE or SALT WATER, so if you swim a lot, this is not the right choice
- Not as scratch-resistant as Tungsten (but more so than Titanium)
Why Titanium?
In short, It's lightweight; it won't break like tungsten and won't bend like solid gold.
Pros-
- Corrosion and tarnish resistant
- Considered to be highly hypoallergenic - made with medical grade titanium
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Strong, it won't bend like a solid gold ring can
- Won't conduct heat like gold and silver, so it's a great choice for chefs, but it still does conduct some electricity.
Cons-
- Cannot be resized
- Can tend to show scratches - not as much as gold does, but not as scratch resistant as the other metals
- Very difficult to cut, but it is possible with standard emergency cutting tools
Why Black Zirconium?
In short, it's mostly hypoallergenic and since it's not plated, the dark charcoal gray color will never wear.
Pros-
- Considered to be hypoallergenic
- Super chemically resistant (yay chemistry nerds!)
- Strong without being brittle (more durable than tungsten)
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Charcoal gray color will not wear over time - as it naturally occurs to Zirconium when heated.
- Will not crack like tungsten
Cons-
- Cannot be resized
- Not as scratch-resistant as Tungsten (but more so than Titanium)
Why Tungsten Carbide?
In short, it's inexpensive, highly scratch resistant, and has the weighted feel of solid gold.
Pros-
- The metal for you if you'd like something scratch resistant, but just like ANYTHING made of metal (your car, your silverware, your watch) - it can scratch
- Very strong and tough
- Being a heavier metal, it feels much like a platinum in weight
Cons-
- Cannot be resized or cut. Contrary to the rumors though, Tungsten can be taken off in an emergency. Instead of cutting it, you crack it with vice grip pliers.
- Has a small amount of nickel in the alloy mix, so if you are allergy prone to nickel or other metals, please avoid tungsten. No it will NOT turn your finger green.
- Is a brittle metal so it will break if dropped on hard surfaces. Tungsten's kryptonite is tile floors, so make a habit of taking it off in the bedroom instead of the bathroom. We will still replace it if it cracks during your 1 year warranty.
Why Silicone?
They are stretchable and very resistant to breakage. Great for the gym and any other time you need more freedom.
Pros-
- Flexible - can stretch a half size up
- Super comfortable
- Won't interfere with weight lifting
- Heat resistant
- Non-conductive (safe for electricians)
- Hypoallergenic
Cons-
- Like all rings, these should be taken off at night as they can trap sweat and water which will eventually irritate the skin
- Not resistant to all chemicals and can lose its finish with bleach and other harsh chemicals
- With enough pulling/stretching - it can snap
Why Carbon Fiber?
Solid carbon fiber bands, like our Elemental Collection, are not sealed and require no day to day maintenance but if scratches or nicks appear, contact us and we can help you with that! Bands with carbon fiber inlay are sealed under epoxy, making them also low maintenance. To clean all, all you need to use is mild soap and soft cloth.
Pros-
- Chemically resistant and hypoallergenic
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Will not crack like Tungsten
- Lightweight
- Scratches and nicks can be easily buffed out (ask us how!)
- Low maintenance care
- Can be cut off in an emergency
Cons-
- Can still get scratches or nicks
- Conductive
I have a Nickel Allergy. What rings are good for that?
- For Titanium: Check out our Titanium collection HERE. Some rings come in a couple metal options so be sure to select Titanium when you go to buy. Our favorite titanium ring is the Architect :)
- Silicone is also a good option, if you want to keep it casual
Are Your Wood/Antler/Dino Bone Rings Waterproof?
Our Ready to Ship wood rings are water-resistant but not waterproof. Our jeweler seals the wood in with a jewelry resin but they are not meant to wear in the shower and in the pool/lake/ocean. They will not fall into pieces after one shower, but please don't make it a habit.**Obvious submerged water damage to your standard wood ring will void your no hassle one year warranty**