Do Wedding Rings Have To Be Gold?

A Closer Look at the Anatomy of a Ring: Do Wedding Rings Have to Be Gold?

At Wedding Band and Co. in Chicago, we believe every love story is unique—and your wedding ring should reflect that. Although gold has been the most traditional metal for wedding bands throughout history, it is no longer the only one that is available today. Modern couples are discovering that there are many other metals and materials that are more suitable to their way of life, their sense of style, and their values.

However, before we answer the question whether wedding rings have to be gold, let’s break down the basic anatomy of a ring. Knowledge of the ring’s components—such as the shank, head, setting, and shoulders—can assist you in comprehending how materials influence both the aesthetics and comfort of rings.

Anatomy of a Wedding Ring: Know the Basics

A ring can be defined as a ring that has the following parts:

• Shank (or band): The ring’s circular part that is circular in shape and is encircling the finger. It can be thin, thick, flat, domed, or even engraved.
• Head or Setting: The part of the ring that holds the gemstone (if any). There are prongs, bezels, and tension settings, among others.
• Shoulders: The sides of the ring that are between the band and the setting.
• Gallery and Under-gallery: These are the parts that contribute to the support, structure, and look of the ring.

When selecting the right metal for each part of the ring, understanding these elements is crucial. For instance, there are metals that are better at holding prongs and other metals that are stronger and thus better for bands.

Is Gold Still King for Wedding Rings?

For many years now, gold has been the most preferred material when it comes to wedding rings. It’s timeless, luxurious, and very easy to work with which makes it perfect for both traditional and contemporary ring designs.

At Wedding Band and Co., we offer:

• Yellow Gold Wedding Rings in Chicago: The traditional ring of love and love.
• White Gold Rings: Contemporary and sophisticated, great for setting with diamonds or other precious stones.
• Rose Gold Wedding Bands: Trendy and romantic, and especially loved by couples who want something different.

Gold is very pliable, and because of this, Koorosh Daneshgar, the owner of Wedding Band and Co., can create bespoke designs that will be in line with your preferences. However, gold is not the only precious metal that has its advantages.

Modern Alternatives to Gold Wedding Rings

So, do wedding rings have to be gold? Absolutely not. Let's take a look at some of the most common alternatives to gold and how they measure up in terms of style, durability, and meaning.

1. Platinum: The Premium Choice

Platinum is a white metal that is naturally dense and strong and is one of the most durable. It is suitable for secure settings and intricate work especially in engagement rings and wedding rings.

• Strength: Suitable for daily wear and best for holding diamonds in place.
• Hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin.
• Luxury feel: Thicker than gold, hence has a luxurious look.

If you are in the Chicago area and need a platinum ring that will be worn for many years to come, Wedding Band and Co. can design a custom piece that harmoniously combines aesthetics with usability.

2. Titanium: Lightweight and Ultra-Strong

Titanium wedding rings are an excellent option for those who are looking for a minimalist, modern, and strong wedding band.

• Scratch-resistant and dent-proof.
• Lightweight but tough—great for those with an active life.
• Available in black, grey, and even colorful finishes.

Titanium is difficult to resize as compared to other metals but its strength makes it perfect for creating sleek and masculine bands.

3. Tungsten Carbide: Affordable and Bold

Tungsten rings are widely used due to their affordability and resistance to scratches.

• Heavyweight feel.
• Ideal for simple, bold designs.
• Usually, it is paired with inlays (wood, meteorite, or carbon fiber) for a look.

However, note that tungsten cannot be adjusted. That is why we always suggest a custom fitting appointment at our Chicago showroom before finalizing your order.

4. Wooden Wedding Rings: Eco-Friendly and Unique

Do you want something different from the norm? Wooden rings present a natural feel to the eye.

• Sustainable materials like koa, maple, or ebony.
• Lightweight and hypoallergenic.
• Ideal for couples who have a passion for nature or are getting married outdoors.

Here at Wedding Band and Co., we can easily weave wood into metal bands and still give you that classic look with a twist.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

There are cultures and religions where gold is not just a norm but a norm. For instance:

• The Jewish wedding ring is usually made of plain gold and does not have any gemstones or carvings.
• Some cultures in Asia have their preference to jade as a sign of health and love.

It is important to respect these traditions while coming up with a ring that is uniquely you when designing your wedding ring. That is why it is advisable to seek the services of a local Chicago jeweler such as Koorosh Daneshgar.

Lifestyle, Maintenance, and Resizing: Practical Things to Consider

Each material comes with its own maintenance needs:

• Gold and platinum: Easy to polish and resize.
• Titanium and tungsten: Difficult to resize and may need special tools.
• Wood: Has to be kept dry and may require some kind of touching up in the future.

If you are the type of person who works with his or her hands, then platinum or titanium would be the best choice to withstand the wear and tear. At Wedding Band and Co., our in-store experts will assist you in choosing the right metal for your lifestyle and daily routine.

Matching Your Metal to Your Design

Rings can be styled in many ways and the type of metal used depends on the style:

• Engagement rings that are simple and have one or more stones look great in platinum or white gold for the sparkle.
• Bands or sets that are bold look great in yellow gold or rose gold.
• Rustic and nature-inspired rings look good with wood inlays or matte titanium finish.

This is where the anatomy of a ring really comes into play – because the type of metal you choose will determine how well a design will hold up and how it will look as it ages.

Final Thoughts: Your Ring, Your Way

So, to answer the question of whether wedding rings must be gold, the answer is no. What is important is the ring that is suitable for you in terms of taste, price and way of life. At Wedding Band and Co., we pride ourselves in offering bespoke engagement rings and wedding bands in Chicago for couples who want to tell their love story.

Whether you are a traditional yellow gold kind of person, or a modern titanium kind of person, our team of experts, led by master jeweler Koorosh Daneshgar, is ready to make your dream come true.

Let’s Create Your Dream Ring in Chicago

Visit our showroom in Chicago or book your free consultation now. We will guide you through every step of the process, from the ring anatomy to selecting the right metal, and ensure that the experience is as easy and stress-free as possible.

You don’t have to have a gold wedding band. It has to be you.

Book Your Free Consultation with Wedding Band and Co. Now.

Contact Us

Wedding Bands Company
Location: 43 E Oak St., FL 2, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 920-0726
Email: info@weddingbandscompany.com
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

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