There are many different metals to consider for the bands on wedding rings, both for men and for women. Historically metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver and platinum were all that were used; now wedding rings offer many more options in single or dual types of metals.

Selecting a metal for wedding rings is similar to selecting metals for any other type of jewelry. Typically wedding rings for men or women should compliment the metals that they normally prefer to wear. Some people just prefer the color of yellow gold over silver colors; it is very much a personal preference option.

A newer metal used in wedding rings that is worth considering if you like the silver or muted colors is titanium. This metal can be easily used to create the traditional types of bands as well as the sculptured styles such as the Celtic style wedding rings.

For a really different appearance to wedding rings, titanium provides a highly reactive metal that can be selectively oxidized to produce a variety of colors. These colors range from reds to blues and are permanent within the metal of the ring. Wedding rings with oxidized titanium are very unique and very eye catching.

Other options for metals for wedding rings include the palladium, a relatively new durable metal that is lighter in weight than titanium. Palladium rings are not common but are quickly becoming very popular due to their spectacular finish and sheen.

Yellow and white gold wedding rings for men and women will always be classic and in style. Many of the bands are now inlayed with other metals to provide intricate and beautiful designs, with or without the addition of diamonds.

Selecting the right type of gold in classic or new yellow gold bands is important depending on your lifestyle. The higher the purity of gold the softer the metal, resulting in the greater chance of scratches to the surface of the ring. For those that have very active lifestyles a lower gold purity such as a 14K ring will stay beautiful much longer.

For a silver color ring, traditional metals include white gold and silver. Often silver is used in the very ornate wedding rings and bands, especially those that are sculpted. Since silver and white gold wedding rings are easy to maintain and keep beautiful, they are also considered to be timeless and classic.