Wedding bands are meant to be worn all day, every day. On the hand, they experience soapy water, bumps and other activity. Choice of material determines the ring’s durability. Gold wedding bands resist corrosion and oxidation, making them practical as well as pretty.
Gold is famed for its malleability. A single gram can be hammered into a square meter sheet. While this quality is useful for crafting, it makes rings prone to dents. Mixing gold with copper, manganese and other metals add strength. Some formulas change the materials color, like white or rose gold.
Plain metal wedding bands have a wealth of design possibilities. The shank’s outline has endless variations, including high dome, flat edge and crisscross. Engraving adds more ways to adorn the ring. Center cuts and vine patterns add texture to the outside of the band. Names, dates and other symbols may be carved on the inside.
Some gold wedding bands play with hue. A white gold ring may sport yellow edgings or sit side by side with rose. The shank might feature a color on the outside with a different shade lining the interior. Other bicolor rings might have gold and platinum in the same design.
Mounting jewels onto gold wedding bands bring color and luster. Diamonds are especially popular for brightening wedding rings. These come in every possible cut, from sleek baguettes to classic round brilliants. Colored gemstones stand out against gold and allow for hue-based patterns.
