How Durable Are Alternative Metal Rings

A Practical Comparison of 13 Popular Materials

Choosing a wedding ring or an everyday ring is not just about how it looks—it has to suit your lifestyle and hold up to wear over time. While gold and platinum are still popular, alternative metals have become the first choice for many who want strength, style, and longevity.

In this guide, we break down how thirteen popular materials compare when it comes to durability. From titanium and tantalum to zirconium, tungsten carbide, cobalt, meteorite, Damascus steel and more, each material has its own strengths. Whether you need something practical, unusual, or low maintenance, this should help you find the right fit.

1. Silver

Our silver rings are made from 92.5% sterling silver. Each one is lathe-turned for extra strength and a superior quality and finished with a full UK hallmark.

Silver is a softer metal, so it will pick up marks over time. It is not fragile and rarely breaks, but it will show wear more quickly than harder alternatives. It can be repolished if needed.

• Durability: Moderate
• Tarnish Resistance: Moderate
• Scratch Resistance: Low
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Generally good
• Weight: Medium

2. Gold

Most of our wedding bands are made from either 9ct or 18ct gold, and in either yellow gold or rose gold. We only manufacture in 18ct (palladium alloy) white gold with no additional rhodium plating.

Gold is soft and will show scratches quickly, especially with everyday wear. It is a classic choice but less suited to hands-on work.

• Durability: Moderate
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Low
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Varies
• Weight: Medium to heavy

3. Platinum

Platinum rings are also made to order. It is a dense, naturally white metal that wears slowly. It keeps its weight over time and feels substantial on the finger.

It does mark with use, but not in a way that wears it down quickly. The finish develops a smooth, aged patina.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent
• Weight: Heavy

4. Palladium

Palladium has become less common due to rising prices and supply issues. While it wears well, it is no longer a cost-effective option for many. You can read more here.

It is lighter than platinum but offers similar appearance and corrosion resistance.

• Durability: Good
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent
• Weight: Light to medium

5. Titanium

Titanium rings are light, strong, and comfortable. They do not bend easily and are very resistant to damage.

Titanium also engraves well, producing a dark, clean result. Over time it will develop fine marks, but it wears evenly over time.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent
• Weight: Light

6. Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten rings are very hard and keep their finish well. It takes a lot to mark them. However, they are brittle and can crack or break under a hard knock. If you look after them then they are fine, but maybe not suitable for heavy-handed people.

Ours use a nickel binder and comply with EU nickel release laws.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: High
• Brittle Under Impact: Yes (extreme impact)
• Hypoallergenic: Good
• Weight: Heavy

7. Damascus Steel

Our Damascus steel is made from 72 layers of 304L and 316L stainless steel. This creates a patterned surface with natural variation. Each ring is a little different.

Our woodgrain Damascus steel ring is one of the most distinctive and looks like the twisted grain in tree knots.

• Durability: Good
• Tarnish Resistance: Good (with care)
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Weight: Medium

8. Zirconium

Our zirconium rings are made from naturally occurring grey zirconium. When baked at high temperatures a black oxide layer appears over the zirconium. We then cut through the black zirconium to expose the natural grey of the metal to give a contrasting look.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Very good
• Weight: Medium

9. Zirconia Ceramic

Zirconia ceramic rings are very hard and show almost no signs of wear. The blackest of the rings that we sell. They keep a flawless surface, but they are brittle and can crack if dropped under heavy impact.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Very high
• Brittle Under Impact: Yes (hard impact)
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent
• Weight: Light to medium

10. Tantalum

Tantalum is one of our favourites. It is dark grey, heavy, and feels solid and smooth to wear. It marks gently and develops a natural patina.

It is also the best material to show off our engraving, with a bold contrasting black that stands out clearly.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent
• Weight: Heavy

11. Cobalt

Cobalt is a great all-rounder. It is bright, hard to scratch, and will not break. It looks like platinum but wears much better and costs less. If you’re heavy-handed and abuse your jewellery, this is the ring for you.

• Durability: High
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
• Scratch Resistance: High
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Very good
• Weight: Medium to heavy

12. Meteorite

We use solid Muonionalusta meteorite, cut with no welds or joins, and pair it with a tantalum liner.

The Widmanstätten pattern is visible on the surface, showing natural crystal structures formed over millions of years. Each piece is completely unique. Treat with respect and the ring will last. A very beautiful and unique ring.

More information about the Widmanstätten pattern.

• Durability: Moderate
• Tarnish Resistance: Low
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Excellent (tantalum liner)
• Weight: Medium

13. Superconductor (Niobium and Copper)

Our superconductor rings are made from decommissioned rods originally used in scientific equipment. These rods contain many thin niobium-titanium filaments in a copper matrix, and we machine them into rings.

These rods are hard to find, which makes the rings rare. If you look closely at the sides, you can see the ends of the individual niobium wires.

Superconductors can levitate when cooled to extreme temperatures—a process called the Meissner effect. If you ever manage to levitate your ring, send us a photo!

More information about superconductor levitation.

• Durability: Good
• Tarnish Resistance: Excellent (resin sealed)
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate
• Brittle Under Impact: No
• Hypoallergenic: Good
• Weight: Medium

Alternative Metals Comparison