Drastic Rise in Precious Metal Prices Effects Choices in Wedding Bands

By: Sam A. Brown
Submitted: 2007-11-21 14:11:21
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Men's wedding bands made of gold, platinum and palladium have been on the rise in recent years with a very steady climb in prices over the last year. Increases have been seen by as much as 30% for some types of rings. Unless you are a jeweler or constantly searching for a ring, you may not notice this increase, as most people typically don't buy wedding rings on an annual basis. The reason for this dramatic increase is due to the rise in cost of precious metals; gold and platinum especially.

The rise in precious metal prices have made the the cost of jewelry, including men's wedding bands, cost prohibitive for many people. The price of gold which has risen from $600 per ounce a year ago to over $750 per ounce as of October 14, 2007. Platinum has also risen from $1100 to over $1400 per ounce in just a year. That's roughly a 30% increase in one year! When these precious metal prices increase it trickles down to the consumer, affecting the price of fine jewelry.

In an article entitled, "Gold Sparkles with Promise," Curtis Hesler, editor of the Forbes Newsletter, The Professional Timing Service said: "In the first quarter of next year, we could see gold push the $800 level..." That's almost a 35% increase. While this may be a great investment, it's going to hit your wallet hard when it comes to laying down the cash for your wedding rings. So, with gold and platinum reaching higher and more expensive price points, what alternatives are available for men's wedding bands, wedding rings and engagement ring?

Contemporary metals such as Titanium and Tungsten are proving to be not only quality alternatives, but more affordable and often times, more stylish. With so many younger grooms being priced out of the gold wedding band, or platinum wedding band, they are overwhelmingly choosing more contemporary metals. Wedding bands made of Titanium, Black Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Stainless, Carbon Fiber are becoming more popular, which is interesting since these contemporary metals were not even options a few years ago. But now, more than ever, titanium rings and men's wedding bands made of Tungsten Carbide or Black Titanium are viable choices for a man to consider when shopping for his wedding band.

Titanium rings have been considered an alternative to gold and platinum for many reasons, but now more than ever, cost is main concern. With the prices of gold and platinum as high as they are, wedding rings and men's wedding bands are becoming increasingly cost prohibitive. Titanium rings are not only more durable than gold and platinum, but much more affordable. For example, a 7mm comfort fit platinum ring can cost as much as $1350. A gold wedding band of similar width can be found for approximately $700. In comparison, titanium rings and tungsten rings in the same widths can be found for nearly half the cost of gold and third of platinum.

A leading online retailer of modern metals jewelry http://www.titanium-jewelry.com/ has many styles of titanium and tungsten rings starting at $79. Ron Yates, founder of Titanium-Jewelry.com and owner of Yates & Co Jewelers in Modesto, CA says "We've seen a huge increase in men choosing contemporary metals for their wedding rings. Just three or four years ago most guys never heard of titanium rings or tungsten rings. Now they are considering these rings as a viable choice for their wedding rings. They like modern designs, durability and the affordability."

So if you are shopping for wedding rings and the drastic increase in precious metals has moved beyond your level of affordability for platinum or gold wedding bands, there are options available. It is almost a certainty that as gold and platinum prices continue to spiral upwards more and more shoppers will be wearing contemporary metals on their wedding finger. Currently, titanium and tungsten are the popular choices but don't be surprised to see other new exciting options open up in the near future.

As a personal shopper, Sam Brown has been following the trends in jewelry and has found an appreciation for titanium rings and titanium jewelry, especially for stylish yet economical men's wedding bands.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Jewelry category

  • Necklaces for best results - By: Fred Halimi
    A necklace is a piece of jewelry mostly made from metal chains. Necklaces are always stylish and fashionable. They are the elegant, classic and unique piece of jewelry. You can easily wear it around your neck to enhance your look and beautify yourself.
  • Investing in certified diamonds - By: Fred Halimi
    It is said that the wise investors' look to the assets that Mother Nature creates: precious metals like platinum, gold, copper and silver, and precious gemstones like certified diamonds interests them. They invest in these assets expecting a huge return.
  • The Elegance of Antique Jewelry - By: Anirban Bhattacharya
    The title should in fact be extended further than this: The Elegance of Symbol in Antique Jewelry. Of all the properties, be it aesthetics or material value, that people, since the dawn of time, have invested in jewelry, the symbol of power is the most important.
  • Loose Diamonds - Still the Sign of Royalty! - By: Chris Colombus
    For thousands of years diamonds have symbolized wealth, love, power, spirit and magical powers. It was believed that diamonds were the fragments of stars and the teardrops of the Gods. Diamonds were believed to possess magical qualities of Gods which were beyond the understanding of ordinary human beings. Precisely, all those who possessed diamonds were believed to be the owners of extraordinary and mystical powers! For thousands of years diamonds have symbolized wealth, love, power, spirit and magical powers. It was believed that diamonds were the fragments of stars and the teardrops of the Gods. Diamonds were believed to possess magical qualities of Gods which were beyond the understanding of ordinary human beings. Precisely, all those who possessed diamonds were believed to be the owners of extraordinary and mystical powers!
  • Pearl Facts - By: Chris Colombus
    Pearls have been known as the oldest; the most sought over and revered gems in the history of mankind. Even today, be it a tea party or a flashy dinner, pearl jewelry will definitely add that elegance and sophistication to your appearance.
  • TURQUOISE - The Temptation - By: Chris Colombus
    Turquoise is an opaque mineral and one of the oldest gemstone with a color array ranging from sky blue to grey green.
  • Ruby - The King of Gemstones - By: Chris Colombus
    Ruby, one of the most valuable gemstone, belongs to the corundum family and is considered to be the King of Gemstones. Only the red variety of corundum is at liberty to command the title of Ruby, while all other varieties are categorized as Sapphires.
  • Inspire Your Wedding With Sparkling Jewels - By: Jnet Verra
    A perfect choice of jewelry can finish any bride's ensembles. However, not only the bride should have sparkling jewels in her body but also her other wedding participants.
  • Sources for Wholesalers & Wholesale Jewelry Is Growing - By: Joel Mclaughlin
    Through the internet's growth and increased production of high quality wholesale jewelry, the internet is growing at a fast pace with new jewelry wholesalers online. The number of new sources over the past 3 years has seen a durastic increase, which is great news for customers looking to find a wholesaler to meet their jewelry needs!
  • How To Choose A Perfect Jewellery Gift - By: Imran Ali
    Everybody loves to receive jewellery as a gift. Many people are therefore found looking around for unique and interesting gift ideas in this category. Giving away diamond and pearl rings and earrings as gifts is a long established tradition especially on weddings.