Grooms Opt for Titanium Rings Due to Meteoric Rise in Precious Metals

Contemporary Metals Offer Affordable Alternatives for Men's Wedding Bands

(Modesto, CA) October 29, 2007 – Titanium-Jewelry.com, a leading online retailer of titanium rings, tungsten rings and unique titanium jewelry, today announced that affordable and stylish alternatives are highly demanded as price increases in precious metals limit options for grooms seeking men's wedding bands.

Across the United States and abroad, many grooms have discovered that they are being priced out of the market when shopping for traditional wedding bands in gold and platinum. The average person does not pay attention to the price of gold, platinum and other precious metals on a regular basis. As such, most do not know that the cost of men's wedding bands made of platinum or gold, have tripled in cost over the last 5 years. "It can be shocking when a young man heads into the jewelry store with his fiancée and eyes a basic platinum wedding band selling for $2,000, or more. With the rising costs of weddings, many grooms simply can no longer afford the traditional platinum wedding band," stated Ron Yates, founder of Titanium-Jewelry.com and owner of Yates & Co Jewelers in Modesto, CA.

The reason for the dramatic increase in men's wedding bands made of white gold or platinum is due to the rising cost of precious metals, which have increased by as much as 30% over the past year. The price of gold has risen from $600 per ounce to over $750 per ounce. Platinum has also increased from $1100 to over $1400 per ounce since this time last year. According to Curtis Hesler, editor of the Forbes Newsletter, The Professional Timing Service, "The first quarter of next year, could see gold push the $800 level." The increases in the precious metal market, has negatively affected the choices available to many couples looking to select wedding or other fine jewelry.

The solution: modern, alternative metals such as Titanium, Black Titanium and Tungsten Carbide. For the past several years many younger grooms have been purchasing titanium and tungsten wedding bands mainly for their durability and hypoallergenic qualities. However, cost is becoming the primary motivating factor. With the increasing number of younger grooms being priced out of gold or platinum wedding bands, couples are overwhelmingly choosing contemporary metals. Wedding bands made of Titanium, Black Titanium, Tungsten Carbide and Carbon Fiber, are viable choices for wedding bands and wedding rings, offering customers affordable quality and modern styling.

Platinum wedding bands for men in 6mm widths are selling for $2,000 and more. Titanium rings and tungsten rings in the same widths can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. A leading online retailer of contemporary jewelry, Titanium-Jewelry.com, has many styles of tungsten and titanium wedding bands for as low as $79.

"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," stated Yates. "Now couples are considering these rings as a viable choice for their wedding rings. They like modern designs, durability and the affordability," Yates concluded.

Titanium-Jewelry.com has many styles and price points to choose from, offering couples more affordable solutions, without compromising quality, style or comfort. For more information on titanium rings and tungsten rings, please navigate to http://www.titanium-jewelry.com.

About Titanium-Jewelry.com
Titanium-Jewelry.com provides a wide selection of titanium rings, tungsten rings and unique jewelry styles for men and women. As a complement to Yates & Co Jewelers, the brick-and-mortar counterpart to Titanium-Jewelry.com, customers have relied upon receiving the highest quality products from the most respected titanium jewelry experts in the field. Titanium-Jewelry.com guarantees their jewelry is made from ultra high grade titanium alloys and provides unparalleled customer service and accessible expertise in titanium rings and jewelry, equaling the best possible online shopping experience. Founded in 1988, Titanium-Jewelry offers the best selection of custom fine jewelry with unique and original designs, antique and estate pieces plus a complete line of titanium jewelry for men and women. For more information, please visit www.Titanium-Jewelry.com.

Down the Aisle of Wedding Rings - Selecting the Ultimate Ring

You've waded your way through the first few steps of wedding to do's and now you've paused for the ultimate in wedding decisions, the rings. Titanium rings, Gold, Silver, Platinum, Tungsten and even Palladium are among the many choices available today. Wedding and engagement rings are not only symbolic of your love and commitment, they are the one lasting physical piece of the big day that stays with day in and day out, year after year. It therefore, should be not only your most important decision, but the one that you find the most pleasure in.

Tens years from now, you won't care if you had mints or nuts, pink or blush, the red toaster or the silver one; but you will care if your ring has tarnished, scratched, bent or corroded. Selecting rings that are quality, timeless and representative of your unique tastes is of the utmost importance. Weddings are also the single most expensive event you'll probably experience in your lifetime, even a college degree can run a distant second behind most weddings today. So every dollar needs to be weighed and appropriately distributed. You don't have to limit yourself to luxurious wedding rings with luxurious price tags, there are many options and styles at a variety of price points. Ensuring you get the highest quality and the rings that best fit your tastes and budgets requires a little homework, but this article will help you make your way down the aisle of wedding rings to selecting the perfect rings for your lifetime commitment.

Selecting The Ring - Style & Color
When it comes to wedding rings, you have to keep in mind that despite the special day associated with the ring; this will be an everyday ring. You need to ensure that the style, weight, form and fit result in comfort and a look suitable for everyday wear, from casual to elegant. Simple bands are always a solid choice, whether you're in favor of gold or silver, titanium rings or tungsten rings, you can never go wrong with simple elegance. Whatever metal you decide, make sure it fits with your lifestyles. If your active, a fan of the water or tend to work with your hands often, you may want to stay clear of gold which is a softer metal and more prone to corrosion and look towards titanium rings, which are corrosion resistant and adverse to reactions with salt, water and skin. If the cool gray of titanium is not of your liking and brilliance and sheen are important, consider tungsten rings. Tungsten carbide rings are not only exotic, but they are really the only metal that can be permanently polished. Unlike gold, platinum, silver, and even titanium rings, Tungsten carbide rings hold the brilliance and shine, looking freshly polished forever.

Comfort & Fit
Titanium rings are extremely lightweight, almost as light as aluminum, offering comfort to those who are not used to wearing rings. When you are wearing a titanium wedding band, it's not uncommon to forget you have a ring on your finger. Tungsten rings are on the opposite end and a bit heavier, perfect for those who like the feel of heavy jewelry. In between you'll have gold, silver and platinum. It really is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.

Quality Selections
Whether you decide upon white gold, yellow gold rings, platinum, titanium rings or tungsten rings, the most important part of the purchase is the quality. The right style or look is irrelevant if the ring is not made to last through the years. For gold, 24k is the most pure, it is also the softest. Sticking to 18k is best if you want to avoid scratches. Platinum is a good choice for those who tend to wear both silver and gold, but it is also the most expensive of options. A better alternative to the warmer tones of gold, is titanium and tungsten rings. Titanium rings are ideal for people who are not used to wearing rings as they are not only light weight, they are very strong. Tungsten rings are also nearly indestructible, and adverse to scratches, dents and other imperfections.

Additional Features
If a simple band is not your style, you can customize and modify your wedding rings with the addition of precious gems, diamonds and other stones as well as include different finishes such as multifaceted or two tone rings. When it comes to gems and stones, aesthetics and symbolism aside, there is a reason people go with diamonds, they are the toughest stone, ranking a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This scale measures the resistance to abrasion and fracture under pressure.

• Diamonds are expensive and while diamonds are forever they are not for everyone.
• Rubies are a good choice as well, red in color and symbolic of love, they are rated a 9 on the Mohs scale.
• Sapphires are also a 9, with Emeralds holding a strong 8.
• Opals while beautiful for their rainbow like color, are not ideal for your wedding ring as they are only a 6 and too soft for everyday wear.
• As long as you select a stone that is at least a 7 or higher you shouldn't have any reason to worry. Just keep in mind this is an everyday ring, designed to be worn for the rest of your life.

So the higher the quality, the harder the stone, the better off your investment will be long term. Always keep in mind that stones are priced by the 4c's cut, color, clarity and caret.

Titanium Rings - The Obvious Choice for Discerning Tastes

When searching for titanium rings, be it for a man or a woman, you can take pride in your choice and know that you are selecting not only a superior ring, but one of character, history and charm. Titanium rings draw their origins from the 18th century when titanium was first discovered.

Derived from Greek Mythology, the titanos (Titans) the sons of the Earth goddess, titanium represents extreme and superior strength. Titanium rings are unique in that they are lightweight, like aluminum yet stronger than steel, embodying the highest ratio between strength and density of all metallic materials. Of particular importance for jewelry, light weight translates to comfort and value. The strength of titanium rings allows for design capabilities that were otherwise impossible. Tension set rings made of titanium, provide maximum security for the stone; something gold, silver and platinum cannot compete with. More importantly, at least for the fashion minded, titanium rings are sleek, sexy and exotic.

Titanium rings provide stylish grey tones similar to platinum, but are more attractive in price. With its rich luster, many designers offer cutting edges titanium rings. Titanium is at the forefront in the designer jewelry community. No other metal has experienced such a dramatic rise in popularity as titanium. Leave gold and silver to the Jones, Titanium Rings are for those who know luxury, style and liken themselves to none other than Greek gods.

So What Makes Titanium So Unique?
It's no wonder that titanium was given its name. No other element has had as much impact in as vast and diverse environments as titanium. “Few materials have as much potential for dynamic growth during the 1990's, and beyond, as titanium. It's on the cutting edge of some really exciting and extraordinary developments, many of which are in newly emerging technologies." - Sen. John Glenn. From the ocean floor to the stars and beyond, titanium has been at the core of more life changing devices, from medical implants to space shuttles, to the wonderful world of fine art and jewelry. With its unique combination of beauty, strength, light weight and bio-compatibility, Titanium rings, like this Black Cable Titanium Ring, provide the ideal balance perfect for a king, Greek God or man or woman of the house. Ego aside, titanium rings are worth more than their weight in gold. Titanium commands the highest levels of quality for a variety of consumer products such as sports equipment, art and architecture, medical, automotive and marine supplies, and of course, jewelry.

As the first new element to enter the noble metals arena of platinum and gold in over 3,000 years, Titanium is among the elite. Its inert qualities make it completely corrosion resistant and 100% hypoallergenic. Displaying no reactions to salt water, sunlight, or any body chemistry, titanium is the preferred material for surgical tools, implants, pacemaker cases and other internal casings. Titanium rings are also the ideal choice for active and sensitive skin individuals. Often times, people allergic to gold or silver or who have skin sensitivities are steered towards titanium jewelry. Titanium rings, unlike silver and gold never tarnish, leaving your ring looking as flawless and new as it was from day one.

Similar to other industries where titanium entered the scene, with jewelry it is easily the fastest growing category, symbolizing the new standard for excellence. Just look at other industries, for example titanium credit cards and titanium golf clubs. Titanium always means the best, representing the highest standard of excellence and quality. Titanium is pure. Leveraging the World Titanium Council's endorsement of Spectore's titanium, no other conventional material can claim this level of purity. In comparison to 58% purity for 14kt gold and 90% purity for platinum, Spectore’s grey titanium is 99+% commercially pure. If pure metal is of interest for those who have discerning tastes, titanium is the only choice. For the very best selection of titanium rings, I continue to rely on Titanium-Jewelry.com for the best quality, ease of purchase and superior customer service.

Tungsten Rings - Information for Couples Looking to Symbolize an Everlasting Bond

Tungsten Rings, also known as Tungsten Carbide Rings are growing in popularity as more people become aware of the many benefits they offer. Envision a ring that always looked new, permanently polished and scratch free. With tungsten rings, your wedding ring can maintain the same luster and shine on your 25th anniversary as it had on your first day of marriage.

Tungsten rings are made from a unique process in which Tungsten and Carbide powder are forged together, creating a nearly indestructible ring. Men especially love tungsten rings, although women are learning to embrace them as well for their sleek look, durability and low maintenance traits. Tungsten rings truly offer the perfect combination of strength, style and comfort.

Looks aside, Tungsten rings are not only exotic, but they are really the only metal that can be permanently polished. Unlike gold, platinum, silver, and even titanium rings, Tungsten carbide holds the brilliance and shine, looking freshly polished for years. Slightly heavier than other metals, tungsten rings provide a feeling of substance. A true tungsten carbide ring is skillfully polished using diamond polishing tools and wheels, which creates a permanent luster and polish that is not seen with other metals. Many couples find comfort in the symbolism of tungsten rings, likening the solid, beautiful brilliance to that of their commitment to one another. Nothing expresses an everlasting bond like tungsten rings. Holding claim to the most wear resistant rings available, tungsten rings are 10 times harder than 18k Gold and 5 times harder than steel. Using the Mohs hardness scale (1-10); tungsten measures between 8 and 9 just below Diamonds, which represent the hardest coming in at 10. Nothing represents an everlasting bond like tungsten, especially when paired with a beautiful diamond.

There are many tungsten rings available today from a variety of designers and retailers. When making your selection, you should be aware of the quality. Like any trade, there are those retailers that will try to pass off low quality imitations as quality products. Many retailers claim to have quality tungsten rings, but you must make sure that you are getting true tungsten carbide rings. You make ask yourself, "what's the difference between tungsten rings and tungsten carbide rings?" Even though the names are often used interchangeably, you want to make sure that the ring you are selecting is tungsten carbide. Tungsten rings that don't have carbide, tungsten only rings, is really nothing more than a steel ring. It is still hard, but it's the carbide that makes the ring scratch proof. A true tungsten carbide ring, can only be scratched by a diamond or a product containing the mineral corundum. An easy way to tell, is if a ring has carved details, it is not a tungsten carbide ring. Another area of concern is tungsten rings containing cobalt. Cobalt can develop oxidation spots that cannot be removed or polished out and the ring can even cause a negative reaction with your skin.

One of the best ways to ensure you are getting the best ring at the best price is to go with a reputable retailer, like Titanium-Jewelry.com. Take a look at the customer testimonials, the amount of information, resources and inventory of quality products that are made available. Nothing is more reassuring to me, than information, service and knowing that customer service extends beyond an easily navigatable website. Still, some people are leery when it comes to online shopping, but there really are a number of benefits to online shopping. Once you find a site that has excellent customer service and top quality products, you really are getting the best of both worlds. By reducing the overhead associated with offline stores, you benefit from the reduced expenses which are often passed along to the consumer in greater savings. These unique wedding rings epitomize today's man and tungsten rings can be enjoyed and cherished forever.