So you've decided on Celtic wedding bands, there are still some decisions to make. Choosing between rings, the main choice is the material of the ring itself. Since there are many alloys on the market for rings, we will look at four popular choices for rings right now. First we will review yellow gold. Then we will move on to white gold. After that, we will learn about titanium. Finally, we will discover tungsten carbide. While there may not be one correct answer, couples will find some alloys are better for their desires.
Traditional yellow gold is probably the most popular choice for wedding rings historically. Its intrinsic value adds to the symbols meaning. Because gold is so soft, it can be re-sized and reshaped. Despite its popularity, yellow gold still has some drawbacks. Because of its malleability, it is easy for the ring to become nicked and scratched and dull as a result. Also, over time some rings lose their shape. Those who plan on keeping their ring on while they perform routine daily tasks like yard work or cleaning may find gold isn't the right material for their ring.
Another popular choice in wedding rings today is white gold. Couples who like the tradition of yellow gold, but don't like its color are often very happy with white gold. White gold is a combination of yellow gold with a zinc, copper, or palladium that gives it a whiter look. A finished white gold ring is coated with rhodium which increases the whiteness of the material. The benefits of white gold are the same as yellow gold. Drawbacks are also similar. White gold can be scratched and bent easily. White gold bands also need to be re-plated with rhodium regularly. Usually every 6-18 months. For some, the benefits outweigh the upkeep, for others it's just another thing to do.
Titanium is a metal that has become more popular in the last few years. Titanium is very light, much lighter than gold and tungsten. Despite the light weight, it remains durable and strong. Finishes can alter the color of titanium slightly, but it is generally gray in color. For active couples that don't want the pressure of maintenance, titanium can be a great material. Some people think that titanium rings cannot be cut off of a persons finger in the case of an accident. Although cutting it is harder than cutting off a gold ring, it can be done. One downside to titanium rings is they cannot be re-sized.
Tungsten carbide is a relatively new ring to the marketplace. To create tungsten carbide, tungsten and carbon materials are combined with a bonding agent. The ceramic mixture that is produced is then cast and the finish it retains is very durable. The finish is very hard to scratch, and the material itself is heavier than gold or silver. The surface will still be able to scratch, but they don't show up as well as they do in gold or even titanium. As with titanium, these rings cannot be re-sized. Also, tungsten rings can actually break if dropped from a height or if involved in rough situations.
For couples selecting a wedding band there are many choices. They can choose one of the materials we have covered or they may elect for materials that we have neglected for the time being. What is critical is that a couple select a ring material that they will be happy with for years to come. Couples who do their research will find they are much happier than a couple that just picked the first things that appealed to them.
Traditional yellow gold is probably the most popular choice for wedding rings historically. Its intrinsic value adds to the symbols meaning. Because gold is so soft, it can be re-sized and reshaped. Despite its popularity, yellow gold still has some drawbacks. Because of its malleability, it is easy for the ring to become nicked and scratched and dull as a result. Also, over time some rings lose their shape. Those who plan on keeping their ring on while they perform routine daily tasks like yard work or cleaning may find gold isn't the right material for their ring.
Another popular choice in wedding rings today is white gold. Couples who like the tradition of yellow gold, but don't like its color are often very happy with white gold. White gold is a combination of yellow gold with a zinc, copper, or palladium that gives it a whiter look. A finished white gold ring is coated with rhodium which increases the whiteness of the material. The benefits of white gold are the same as yellow gold. Drawbacks are also similar. White gold can be scratched and bent easily. White gold bands also need to be re-plated with rhodium regularly. Usually every 6-18 months. For some, the benefits outweigh the upkeep, for others it's just another thing to do.
Titanium is a metal that has become more popular in the last few years. Titanium is very light, much lighter than gold and tungsten. Despite the light weight, it remains durable and strong. Finishes can alter the color of titanium slightly, but it is generally gray in color. For active couples that don't want the pressure of maintenance, titanium can be a great material. Some people think that titanium rings cannot be cut off of a persons finger in the case of an accident. Although cutting it is harder than cutting off a gold ring, it can be done. One downside to titanium rings is they cannot be re-sized.
Tungsten carbide is a relatively new ring to the marketplace. To create tungsten carbide, tungsten and carbon materials are combined with a bonding agent. The ceramic mixture that is produced is then cast and the finish it retains is very durable. The finish is very hard to scratch, and the material itself is heavier than gold or silver. The surface will still be able to scratch, but they don't show up as well as they do in gold or even titanium. As with titanium, these rings cannot be re-sized. Also, tungsten rings can actually break if dropped from a height or if involved in rough situations.
For couples selecting a wedding band there are many choices. They can choose one of the materials we have covered or they may elect for materials that we have neglected for the time being. What is critical is that a couple select a ring material that they will be happy with for years to come. Couples who do their research will find they are much happier than a couple that just picked the first things that appealed to them.
About the Author:
Liam Grant has always been interested in Celtic Wedding Bands. He currently helps run a site that sells all varieties of Celtic Wedding Bands and Celtic Wedding Rings
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