Because the two most common rings we see today are engagement and wedding rings, it is sometimes easy to mistake the concept of rings standing as a symbol of betrothal as a relatively recent one. However, the reverse is true, with evidence showing that women in ancient Egypt donned them around five thousand years ago. The idea of wearing a ring on the fourth finger of the hand was born in that period, too, as it was believed that a vein called the Vein of Love, or the Vena Amoris believed to run from that finger directly to the heart.

The wedding ring concept itself, though, has undergone some evolution over the ages – originally it was only women who bore a wedding ring on their fingers. Gimmel Rings which are similar to modern day puzzlde rings were used as betrothal rings.That changed fairly recently, in the middle of the last century, and in particular during and after the Second World War .Many a young soldier wore a ring as poignant escapism from the harsh reality of brutal conflict that surrounded him, and as a tangible representation of the love between him and a young lady oceans away who wore a corresponding one.

Tungsten

Tungsten rings are actually made of an alloy called tungsten carbide, a virtually indestructible material. Tungsten itself is ten times harder than gold and has the highest melting point of all metals known to Man. Combined with the versatility of carbon, they are extremely resistant to scratches and dents.

As a wedding band, tungsten rings are the ideal representation of the unshakable commitment of your union and the heat of the passion in your relationship.

Titanium

The gods of Greek mythology were called the Titans, and it is after them that this wondrous material has been named. Extremely light, corrosion resistant and hypoallergenic, a titanium wedding ring is perfect for the symbolization of a match made in heaven.

The amazing thing about this metal is that it is able to take on a myriad of vibrant shades and hues without the need for it to be plated or combined into an alloy, but rather by just undergoing the process of Oxidization. Now, your bride may have the wonderfully coloured ring that reflects her personality while you can wear a matching ring, but in the staid metallic shade that suits yours.

Gold

There is, quite simply, nothing like a gold wedding ring.

The timeless classic, it is equally appealing on the finger of a woman as it is on a man’s. Its yellow gleam has been captivating hearts for millennia and today, white gold and rose gold have also found favor among individuals and couples symbolizing their loving union with the most desirable metal we know.

Platinum

Platinum is more expensive than gold, making it the very epitome of luxury and sophistication. Its brilliant white sheen envelops this very hard metal that resists scratches well.

Even white gold needs to be polished to maintain its sheen but not platinum. A wedding band made of this wonder metal is the ideal symbol of your bond if money is no object.

Palladium

This extremely hard and intensely white metal is usually used as an alloying partner with other precious metals but it is gaining traction as a wedding band metal in its own right.

Palladium appeals as the material for a man’s wedding band because of its resistance to scratching. Particularly if the wearer might work with his hands, a palladium ring will resist wear over time. It also retains its sheen longer and more persistently than white and yellow gold.

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt chrome’s appeal as the metal of a wedding bands lies in its affordability, strength and high luminosity.

Cobalt chrome wedding rings are perfectly suited as bands to wear every day. Their resistance to both distortion and embellishment from regular use outshines that of the most expensive metals – it is five times harder than gold and four times as hard as platinum.