Bridal Metals - An Overview
With so many choices, how do you choose the metal for your wedding rings? Here are some fun facts about each metal:
Gold: Gold is a rare element, and has been used throughout history as currency, jewelry, decorative objects, and more. It has spawned wars and launched voyages. It is extremely durable and malleable. One ounce of gold can be pounded into a 187 square foot sheet or stretched into a wire 40 miles long. Pure gold is 24 karat, although you will more often see it alloyed with other metals to bring it to 18 karat or 14 karat. Its bright yellow color is loved for being rich and beautiful.

Alex Sepkus Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Rose Gold: Rose gold is simply gold that has been alloyed with copper to give it a pink or red hue. Almost every designer who uses rose gold has a slightly different shade. Rose gold is available in 14 or 18 karat, and has a lovely romantic look.

John Apel Diamond and 18K Rose Gold Engagement Ring
White Gold: White gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel or palladium, then plated with rhodium to give it a cool, white tone. Rhodium is extremely hard and bright, and is actually one of the most expensive precious metals. Over time, rhodium may need to be reapplied to maintain its white finish.

Harry Kotlar Diamond and 18K White Gold Wide Ring
Platinum: Platinum is the strongest and rarest of the precious metals. It is naturally white, and platinum jewelry is typically 95% pure, making it a good choice for those who have sensitive skin or an allergy to nickel. Platinum is a dense metal, and jewelry made from it will be more expensive than gold. Platinum is also used in the medical field for pacemakers, and in the automotive industry for catalytic converters.

Mark Patterson Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Palladium: Palladium a naturally white metal from the platinum group of metals. It is lighter weight and therefore less expensive than platinum. Palladium was first used in jewelry when all platinum was declared for military use only during World War 2, and grew in popularity in 2008 when platinum soared to $3000 per ounce.

Todd Reed Raw Diamond Diamond and Palladium Ring
Titanium: Titanium is a non-precious metal that is popular in men's wedding bands. It is a grayish white color, and is extremely lightweight. Titanium is as strong as steel, but 45% lighter. It is commonly used in aircraft and missiles due to its strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. Titanium rings are far less expensive than the precious metals above, but they cannot be sized or cut off in an emergency.

Titanium Beveled Band