
Alternative Metal Types

Cobalt Alloy with Chromium
Bright white like platinum, cobalt alloy is a durable metal that offers a pleasing heft for those who prefer a heavier ring. It is scratch-resistant, easily resized compared to other alternative metals, and works brilliantly for men’s wedding bands detailed with diamonds.

Stainless Steel
Combining strength with a sleek, modern look, stainless steel can be polished to achieve either a subtle pewter matte or a high-shine chrome finish. Mixed with at least 10.5% chromium to resist oxidation, it is remarkably durable, low-maintenance, and easy to clean using just dish soap, water, and a soft cloth. This versatility makes stainless steel a top choice for watches as well as everyday jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

TITANIUM
Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and extremely scratch-resistant, pure titanium offers a strong, long-lasting metal option with a sleek black, grey, or silver finish. Though titanium rings cannot be resized, they frequently feature polished or satin finishes with decorative metal inlays. Because it easily handles everyday wear, titanium is a popular choice for durable watches and men's wedding bands.

TUNGSTEN
With a brilliant shine and a rank of 9 on the Mohs scale, tungsten carbide is the hardest silvery metal alloy used in jewelry. It is exceptionally scratch- and chemically resistant, relatively hypoallergenic, and requires virtually no maintenance, though tungsten rings cannot be resized. Thanks to its natural heft and extreme durability, this metal is a top choice for rings and men’s wedding bands.

TANTALUM
Featuring a dark-bluish to dark-gray hue, tantalum is a shatter-proof, heat-resistant, and hypoallergenic metal that will never tarnish, though it may develop a natural worn patina over time. It requires low maintenance—simply clean it with warm water and a soft cloth, and store it in a soft pouch when not in use. With its satisfying natural heft, tantalum is especially popular for men’s wedding bands, particularly designs featuring gemstone or precious metal inlays.
Cobalt Characteristics
| Value | Less value than precious metals |
| Care | Clean with warm water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth. |
| Lifespan | Tarnish resistant and non-corrosive jewelry metal |
| Hypoallergenic | Cobalt jewelry is hypoallergenic |
| Strength | Nearly scratch proof; one of the hardest alternative metals |
| Restoration | Handles resizing and professional polishing for restoration |
| Rarity | Less rare and more affordable alternative metal |
| Heft | Natural heft will feel heavier to wear |
Stainless Steel Characteristics
| Value | Less value than precious metals |
| Care | Clean with warm water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth. |
| Lifespan | Can rust; regular polishing and care can help it last decades |
| Hypoallergenic | Not 100% hypoallergenic; may contain metals like nickel |
| Strength | Tarnish and scratch resistant, durable for everyday wear |
| Restoration | Handles resizing and professional polishing for restoration |
| Rarity | Less rare and more affordable alternative metal |
| Heft | Generally lightweight; larger pieces can feel heavier |
Titanium Characteristics
| Value | Less value than precious metals |
| Care | Clean with warm water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth. |
| Lifespan | Non-corrosive and can last a lifetime |
| Hypoallergenic | Titanium jewelry is hypoallergenic |
| Strength | Very durable, tarnish and scratch resistant jewelry metal |
| Restoration | Titanium rings cannot be resized; handles professional polishing for restoration |
| Rarity | Less rare and more affordable alternative metal |
| Heft | Known for its lightweight feel |
Tungsten Characteristics
| Value | Less value than precious metals |
| Care | Clean with warm water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth. |
| Lifespan | Tarnish resistant and can last a lifetime |
| Hypoallergenic | Tungsten jewelry is hypoallergenic |
| Strength | Very durable as one of the hardest jewelry metals |
| Restoration | Tungsten rings cannot be resized; handles professional polishing for restoration |
| Rarity | Less rare and more affordable alternative metal |
| Heft | Natural heft, has a heavier feel |
Tantalum Characteristics
| Value | Less value than precious metals |
| Care | Clean with warm water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cloth. |
| Lifespan | Holds up to everyday wear as long-lasting jewelry metal |
| Hypoallergenic | Tantalum jewelry is hypoallergenic |
| Strength | Very durable, tarnish and scratch resistant |
| Restoration | Handles resizing and professional polishing for restoration |
| Rarity | Less rare and more affordable alternative metal |
| Heft | Natural heft, has a heavier feel |
Alternative Metals | Jared