Exploring the Natural Beauty

Wedding bands are one of the most precious pieces of jewelry a couple will ever own. Platinum, gold, white gold and silver are the most popular types. Men's wedding bands are often bigger than a woman's. Choosing the perfect set of rings should take that into consideration.

Rings are available in solid metals, designs, cuts and even with gemstone accents. The choices are nearly unlimited for every couple. Consider how long you will wear your rings before you make your final decision. Thoroughly understanding your options will help make the decision easier. Traditional gold and white gold are often cheaper, then sterling, and then platinum. Gemstones do, of course, increase the cost and value of the rings.

White Gold, Sterling Silver or Platinum

White gold is an alloy made from yellow gold, silver, palladium or nickel; it is not a pure metal. White gold may have a dirty gold or yellowish tint due to the amount of yellow gold used to create it. A coating of rhodium is applied to the white gold ring and polished to a bright finish. The finishing process covers the discoloration and creates a shine that nearly rivals that of platinum. The rhodium needs to be refinished every 1-3 years depending on wear and tear.

Sterling silver is also an alloy that implements 7.5% of metals other than silver, usually copper. A minimum of 92.5% silver is used to create sterling. Sterling silver is often prone to tarnish, depending on wear and tear. Jewelry that is worn often, such as wedding bands, should be removed prior to bathing, showering or cleaning with harsh chemicals.

Platinum is a rare, pure metal found in the Earth's crust. It is a dense, malleable precious metal that has earned the title of "noble metal" due to its ability to resist corrosion. Platinum is used almost entirely in its pure form when making jewelry. Platinum wedding bands will not tarnish and do not show the signs of wear very easily.

Platinum Men's Wedding Band

Wedding bands are often bought in his and her sets, but that is not always the case. The bride may choose something smaller and daintier that will accommodate a diamond engagement ring. The groom on the other hand may choose a heavy duty platinum men's wedding band that is thicker and less likely to show scratches from normal wear and tear.

Platinum wedding bands may be more expensive than their gold, white gold or sterling counterparts, but as a lifetime investment, they're the way to go. Many couples plan to renew their vows on their 20th or 25th anniversary. Your first set of rings should last at least that long. Gold and silver tend to show wear and tear whereas platinum does not.

Designs cut into platinum wedding bands are usually all the decoration the ring needs. Different cuts and finishes can make an ordinary ring look extraordinary. Choosing the perfect set of forever rings shouldn't be a decision made lightly or on the fly. Your nuptial rings may even set the tone of all other jewelry you plan to purchase in the future. Take care when choosing the perfect wedding bands.

About the Author:

Curtis West writes for Perry Olsen, a retailer specializing in mens wedding bands.

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