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.
In recent years white gold has gained in usage and popularity. White gold manages to retain the intrinsic value of gold, without the brassy coloring of yellow gold. White gold is an alloy mix of gold together with materials such as zinc, palladium, or nickel. When a ring is finished it is rhodium plated to cover the dull yellow color that remains. Like yellow gold, many of the benefits are the same. Some of their weaknesses are the same. White gold will also scratch easily and be prone to losing some of its shape. Also, white gold rings need to be re-rhodium plated on a regular basis. This should happen every 6-18 months. While some couples are very happy with their white gold, others find dealing with nicks and re-rhodium plating is just too much maintenance.
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 the newest material to market that we will look at. Tungsten carbide is created by combining a bonding agent with tungsten and carbon particles. Once a tungsten ring has been cast it is extremely hard and scratch resistant. Tungsten is actually a lot heavier than gold or silver, but it much more durable also. As wedding bands go, tungsten rings maintain the cleanest finish as scratches to it are not easily visible. Tungsten lacks the malleability of gold and cannot be re-sized. Tungsten rings can also be broken if dropped onto ceramic tile or other accidents.
When choosing a wedding band, couples have many options to choose from. They can choose the traditional yellow or white gold, they may choose titanium, they may elect to buy tungsten carbide, or they may choose from a number of other alloys on the market. The most important thing is that a couple consider what they really want out of their rings and then make an educated decision. The couples that do their homework are more likely to be happy with their choice of wedding bands.
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.
In recent years white gold has gained in usage and popularity. White gold manages to retain the intrinsic value of gold, without the brassy coloring of yellow gold. White gold is an alloy mix of gold together with materials such as zinc, palladium, or nickel. When a ring is finished it is rhodium plated to cover the dull yellow color that remains. Like yellow gold, many of the benefits are the same. Some of their weaknesses are the same. White gold will also scratch easily and be prone to losing some of its shape. Also, white gold rings need to be re-rhodium plated on a regular basis. This should happen every 6-18 months. While some couples are very happy with their white gold, others find dealing with nicks and re-rhodium plating is just too much maintenance.
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 the newest material to market that we will look at. Tungsten carbide is created by combining a bonding agent with tungsten and carbon particles. Once a tungsten ring has been cast it is extremely hard and scratch resistant. Tungsten is actually a lot heavier than gold or silver, but it much more durable also. As wedding bands go, tungsten rings maintain the cleanest finish as scratches to it are not easily visible. Tungsten lacks the malleability of gold and cannot be re-sized. Tungsten rings can also be broken if dropped onto ceramic tile or other accidents.
When choosing a wedding band, couples have many options to choose from. They can choose the traditional yellow or white gold, they may choose titanium, they may elect to buy tungsten carbide, or they may choose from a number of other alloys on the market. The most important thing is that a couple consider what they really want out of their rings and then make an educated decision. The couples that do their homework are more likely to be happy with their choice of wedding bands.
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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