Silver-look
What's the best metal for a wedding ring?
Modern wedding rings no longer have to be made from traditional precious metals; many couples now choose alternative metals like titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel for their durability, modern style, and budget-friendly price point. These materials are designed to stand up to everyday wear, so the ring that symbolizes your commitment can look great and feel comfortable for years to come.
Why should I choose alternative metals?
Alternative metals offer impressive strength, scratch resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for long-lasting wedding bands that fit into active, everyday lifestyles. They also tend to be more affordable than precious metals such as gold or platinum, allowing you to invest in a ring that feels premium without the premium price tag.
Explore your perfect ring
Below, you can dive deeper into each material, compare their unique benefits, and see which metal best matches your lifestyle, style preferences, and budget. Explore the content to learn more and find the titanium, tungsten, or stainless steel ring that feels just right for your story.
Metals We Work With.
Surgical Steel
Bright silver in colour, but without the price tag and much more scratch resistant.
Black Zirconium
Real black metal. Pick black zirconium if you're looking for a dark ring that won't scratch or chip over time.
Titanium
Lightweight, super strong, scratch resistant, and hypoallergenic. The perfect all-round metal.
Tungsten Carbide
Virtually scratch proof. Pick tungsten if you're looking for a ring that will stay looking new.
How does each material compare?
| Feature | Tungsten Carbide | Titanium | 304 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel | Black Zirconium | Silicone | Precious Metals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9-9.5 | 6 | 5.5-6 | 5.5-6 | 8.5-9 | Flexible material | 2.5-4.5 |
| Scratch Resistance | Very High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | High | High | Low-Moderate |
| Weight | Heavy (15.6 g/cm³) | Very Light (4.5 g/cm³) | Medium (7.9 g/cm³) | Medium (7.9 g/cm³) | Light-Medium (6.5 g/cm³) | Light | Medium - Very Heavy (10.5-21.5g/cm³) |
| Durability/Toughness | High (very hard but brittle under extreme impact) | High (strong, won't shatter) | Good-High | Good-High | High (durable, shatterproof) | Moderate (flexible, designed to break for safety) | Moderate–high |
| Hypoallergenic | Generally yes | Excellent | Good (low chance of reaction) | Excellent (low nickel release) | Excellent | Excellent | Variable |
| Tarnish/Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Dependent on quality of alloy |
| Maintenance | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Moderate-high (polishing/replating) |
| Comfort/Flexibility | Heavier feel, substantial | Lightweight, barely noticeable | Medium weight, balanced feel | Medium weight, balanced feel | Light-medium, minimal feel | Ultra-flexible, breakaway safety feature | Yellow, white, silver, rose gold |
| Price Point | Mid-range | Mid-range | Entry-level to mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range | Entry-level | High (especially quality alloys) |
| Resizability | No (cannot be resized) | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | No (stretch fit only) | Yes, from reputable jewellers. |
Titanium
Titanium wedding rings are loved for being exceptionally strong yet surprisingly lightweight, so they feel almost weightless on the hand while still offering excellent durability. Its hypoallergenic nature and modern, versatile finishes make titanium a great choice if you want a comfortable, everyday band with a contemporary look.
Tungsten
Tungsten wedding rings are known for their outstanding hardness and scratch resistance, helping them keep a polished, “like new” appearance even with daily wear. With a naturally heavier feel and bold, modern shine, tungsten is ideal if you want a ring that feels substantial and stays sharp-looking over time.
Surgical Steel (316L)
316L is a great pick for low-fuss, everyday wear because it’s built to cope with moisture, sweat, and salty or chlorinated water - helping your ring stay looking clean for longer no matter your hobbies. Choose it if you want maximum peace of mind for holidays, swimming, gym sessions, and daily life.
Stainless Steel (304)
304 stainless steel is a strong, reliable option that offers a clean, modern look with great durability for normal day-to-day wear. It’s a popular choice if you want a bright ring with good scratch resistance and durability, a moderate weight, and at a more budget-friendly price.
Black Zirconium
Black zirconium is ideal if you want a truly modern, deep-black ring that’s made to be worn every day without the colour “rubbing off” like a coating. It’s hard-wearing and scratch-resistant, stays looking sharp with minimal fuss, and is also a great option for sensitive skin thanks to its hypoallergenic nature.
Silicone
Silicone wedding rings offer a soft, flexible alternative to metal bands, making them ideal for active lifestyles and hands-on work. They are safe, hypoallergenic, and affordable, so you can wear a symbol of your commitment comfortably in any environment without worrying about damage, discomfort, or injury.weight, and at a more budget-friendly price.
Need help?
Here's some useful guides to help to make the right choice.
How To Choose A Mens Wedding Ring: Essential Tips and Considerations
Introduction to Men's Wedding Rings As one of the most significant pieces of jewellery a man will own, men's wedding ...
Which Wedding Ring Material is the Most Scratch Resistant?
The quick answer Tungsten Carbide is the most scratch resistant wedding ring material, four times harder than titaniu...
Which Wedding Ring Metals Are Most Hypoallergenic: Complete Guide for Sensitive Skin
Introduction: Sensitive Skin and the Need for Hypoallergenic Wedding Rings For anyone with sensitive skin, choosing t...
What Style of Ring is Right For Me?
A ring’s style isn’t just about the metal or the profile—it’s the finish and detailing that give it personality. Some...
Men's and Women's Rings - What's The Difference?
The primary difference between our men's and women's collections is width, not gender. Men's rings typically range fr...