Time was when a man wore only a wedding ring and maybe a Masonic ring, and that was it. These rings came in gold or white gold. Well, now men, you have choices. Gold, even sterling silver, are soft metals, they bend. But today you have so many choices when it comes to the metals available for your rings. Stainless steel, titanium , tungsten , and cobalt chrome are great alternative metals. Here's why.

316 Stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion (rust). It's versatile and can absorb colors such as black, chocolate, pink, and blue, and it works well with other materials such as rubber, carbon fiber, and gemstones. It requires virtually no maintance and it's hypoallergenic. It's also less expensive that titanium , tungsten , cobalt chrome , or precious metals like gold.

Titanium , another fashion-forward alternative metal, is the hardest naturally occurring metal. It's strong and lightweight., and can last a lifetime. Like stainless steel, titanium can be colored by the same ion plating process. Like stainless steel, it is hypoallergenic and requires no maintainence. But the down side is that rings made from titanium can not be re-sized.

Tungsten carbide is an incredibly strong alloy that can withstand almost anything you can do to it. It's color is similar to that of white gold, and like titanium, it can not be re-sized. It's also more expensive that stainless steel or titanium.

Cobalt chrome is the newest alternative metal. It is in the stainless steel family, which means it is extremely durable and has a high lusterous color like platinum. It is more scratch resistant than titanium and it weighs less than tungsten . It's also hypoallergenic and it can be re-sized, making it perfect for wedding rings. Get it dirty or oily and just wipe it clean. One other reason to consider a cobalt chrome ring, it can be easily removed if it becomes medically necessary.

With these 4 alternative metal choices, you will be able to find the perfect ring, whether for your wedding or as a right hand ring.