A wedding band is not only a symbol of love and commitment, it can be a lasting family heirloom to be treasured from generation to generation. With the surging popularity of alternative metals tungsten (which can break – see picture), titanium and cobalt, more and more men are settling for a lesser wedding band. Whether found in a jewelry store for $300 or online for $30, alternative metals have a place in the working world, but their place in the wedding world may not be as practical. Precious metals have value throughout the years. Alternative metals do not. While most brides would not think about a wedding cake made from a mix in a microwave, many grooms settle for the cheapest wedding band available. By why?
The Argument for Precious Metals
Precious metal wedding bands can be refinished and resized a reasonable amount during the life of the ring. While gold scratches off, platinum and palladium wedding bands lose little mass when they are refinished. Many jewelers will say that platinum scratches easily. The truth is that the platinum is being pushed around, and a platinum ring will not lose much mass due to normal wear-and tear. Platinum is worth the investment.
Why is Resizing and Refinishing a Ring Important?
According to Fitness.com, most adults’ activity level decreases as they get older, and therefore are more likely to gain weight. In a new study published in the journal Families, Systems, & Health (as reported by WomensHealth.com), men are more likely to gain weight than single guys as they get older as well. Married men surveyed were 25 percent more likely to be overweight; therefore, it can be estimated that one in four men have to be concerned that their finger size will change.
With the above highlighted facts in mind, brides and grooms-to-be (particularly the grooms) should keep precious metals in the front of their minds as their metal of choice. Yes – with men, cost is likely an issue after spending (and in many cases overspending) on the wedding venue, cake, catering, invitations and a laundry list of other wedding-related needs. Many times, a man getting married has spent little on jewelry for themselves, and therefore may be reluctant to spend a lot on a wedding band. But this should change. If it’s cheap, it has its drawbacks. The HuffingtonPost.com illustrates how the average couple spends between $1,000 and $1,600 on their wedding bands. Keeping your wedding band precious metal also has an added incentive – a father can hand his wedding band down to his son or grandson, and it will have value. An alternative metal wedding band has as much value as materials found in Home Depot. Let the hardware store sell you tungsten and titanium for your tools. Let your jeweler sell you platinum, palladium or gold as your bridal jewelry.
Need more facts for both alternative and precious metals? Contact Novell today!
