Jewellers have used metals since time immemorial. The word is derived from the Latin est metallum that means “mine, quarry”. They are elements found in nature that are not liquid or gas and can be broken down into powdery or crystalline forms. Some are ferromagnetic; some are malleable, while others are harder (wurtzite boron nitride) than diamond. We will work through the advantages and disadvantages of the facts below.
What Is a Precious Metal?
A fascinating topic, the term comes from the Latin pretiōsus, meaning expensive, valuable, costly or dear. They are valuable because they are scarce, not because of their inherent properties. There are countless wedding ring metals, each with its own characteristics and uses. Let’s take a look at some of them in this article.
The following are some of the advantages of precious metal rings:
- Not susceptible to tarnish or corrosion.
- Incredibly hard-wearing.
- They are very long-lasting with a high resale value.
- Hypoallergenic, which makes them the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Bold in appearance, they are perfect as a gift of commitment.
- A popular choice for bridal jewelry.
Widely Used Precious Metals
1. Gold:
Yellow gold has been used for thousands of years as adornments, a symbol of wealth and power, and a store of value. Unlike many other high priced ingots, it is not easily corroded by air or water. As a result, gold has been widely used in coins and jewelry for millennia.
Purity is measured by Karat rating, 24 Karat being pure but also soft and not durable.
2. White Gold:
The term is often used interchangeably with the term “white platinum”, but the reality is that these two are not the same. It was created to replicate platinum (a naturally white metal). Often a mix of approximately 75% gold and approximately 25% nickel and zinc. It would be 75% pure if branded 18 karats.
3. Rose Gold:
An alloy, the name refers to the pink hue that it has. It is made up of 75% with 25% copper—good resistance to tarnishing with high durability and reasonable cost.
4. Silver:
925 sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure with the remaining 7.5% usually copper though it can be a nickel. The most versatile and malleable of all bare metals, possessing a warm yet hard and smooth character. It is highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion and has high wear resistance, often used in electronics and medical equipment. Also a trendy investment, especially for coins.
5. Platinum:
One of the most expensive metals on the market, it is used for high-end fashion pieces like engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Worth almost £24.62 per gram, but it is also scarce, making it far more valued. Though expensive to buy, the resale value is poor, and purity can be questionable. Other forms include palladium and rhodium.
Measuring Metal Hardness
A metals hardness scale uses the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a highly scientific yet easily understood method of measuring the hardness of metal and gemstones. The Mohs scale ranges from 1 to 10, with ten being the hardest and one being the softest. The scale is used in industries such as mining, metallurgy and jewelry. Testing is essential because it determines which are suitable for specific applications and which are not.
What Is an Alternative Metal?
Alternative metal rings are becoming increasingly popular options. These are made from a variety of different speciality metals. While the most common comes from the transition metals group, tungsten, cobalt, and Titanium, there are many others. The main advantage of alternative jewelry metals is that they are more affordable.
The following are some of the advantages of alternative metal wedding rings:
- Hypoallergenic and can be worn by people with metal allergies such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
- They are generally easy to clean.
- Hard and won’t bend out of shape.
- Better sturdiness and stability.
- Look classy while keeping your budget in check.
- A fantastic modern choice as a wedding band alternative.
- Affordable price range.
Widely Used Alternative Metals For Rings
1. Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel ring jewelry has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years for a good reason: it is a tough, hard-wearing material that is not only trendy right now but looks great too. Made by combining iron and chromium, it is also resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. Stainless steel jewelry, along with aluminium, is also a favourite in the recycling business.
Stainless steel is the most widely used product for men’s jewelry pieces because of its durability, attractiveness, low price and ability to stand up to daily wear and tear. This is why there are so many different types in the market today. This makes it ideal for those searching for a quality piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.
2. Titanium:
Somewhat similar to aluminium in its properties, Titanium is more durable. This makes it ideal for several rugged items, such as bicycle frames and the chassis of cars. Also used to make surgical implants, such as artificial hip joints; Titanium, like almost all refined metals, is an element. However, Titanium is tough to find; It is more scarce than diamond and more difficult to mine than others. However, it has plenty of wonderful qualities that make it so sought after and a good choice for jewellery.
3. Tungsten:
A rare, silvery-grey colour industrial metal, often used in industrialised applications and the manufacture of tooling. It is highly resistant to heat, corrosion, and chemicals, and its name is derived from the Swedish “tung sten”, meaning “heavy stone”. First identified as a new element in 1781 and isolated as a strong metal in 1783.
4. Cobalt:
An element you may never have heard of. And, in all likelihood, you have had it in your wardrobe for years without even knowing it. Cobalt chrome is primarily used as a magnet, and in alternative jewelry making, it can be found in the form of a fluorescent blue. It is also a substitute for sterling silver, and it is used in two different alloys: Argentium and Cobalt Silver. A byproduct of heavy mining, nickel, copper, lead, and iron.
5. Zirconium:
Zirconium has been used in the manufacturing of alloys and ceramics for a very long time. However, it has often been overlooked as a viable alternative for other expensive metals, which are more prevalent in modern jewellery. This is because Zirconium is very difficult to work, A byproduct of other minerals, difficult to source, especially in larger quantities. It is also quite brittle.
6. Ceramic:
Black ceramic jewelry is made from a non-conductive titanium metal with carbon atoms which are very hard. Titanium Carbide is a compound with the chemical formula TiC; it is an essential refractory material, meaning it can withstand very high temperatures. Titanium Carbide has a hardness of 9 – 9.5 Mohs, which is harder than tungsten carbide (9 Mohs). This makes it robust and wear-resistant.
New Space Age Elysium metal
What is Elysium metal, you ask? I never heard of it? A new substance using real diamond chips fused under extreme pressure and heat. The resulting compound has many benefits for the Elysium black rings, diamond strength ten on the hardness scale, scratch-resistant. If you should ever notice a scratch, it will be a softer object that has left a deposit and will wipe away.
Why do you need a precious metal band?
Many folks feel you should wear them on a ring finger to prove commitment to another person. You don’t have to get an expensive platinum ring if you’re not interested in that kind of thing.
There are plenty of other options available to you that will still look great and last a lot longer. Titanium, carbide, cobalt and tungsten rings are an excellent substitute for the traditional choice is a lot harder and more durable, so you won’t have to worry about getting damaged.
Are any metals naturally black?
Zirconium is a naturally occurring element that used to make black jewelry. It begins with a silvery colouring which is then heated and oxidised for jewelry making. The result of this process is unique because most material is plated.
Another option is a black ceramic men’s ring, though not naturally black. It has a good depth of colour and will be colourfast with high durability.
What rings can’t be cut off?
You can not cut off a tungsten carbide ring or ceramic rings, but they will crack into parts with pressure from a vice or mole grips. There is less chance of finger damage with the cracking, unlike with weaker bands crushing.
Is Titanium stronger than steel?
Titanium and steel are both strong and dynamic due to their high tensile strength, meaning they can withstand a lot of pressure. However, Titanium is about 45% lighter, making it a great choice for those looking to save on weight.
Men’s Jewellery Guide
The men’s wedding ring has become a fashion statement. With its distinct finishes, materials, and designs, you can’t go wrong when using it to make your outfit pop. Manly jewellery is still very much frowned upon in parts of the globe; many players are looking to change this.
Whether you’re looking for classic pieces or something a little out-of-the-box, hopefully, you found inspiration. If you want a unique piece that will set you apart from the crowd, we hope this guide has helped.
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