Titanium
Though it's a very common element, titanium was not discovered until 1791, since it is usually present in compounds and is somewhat difficult to extract as a pure metal. Beginning in the 1950s it came into much wider use, helping to make up everything from airplanes to well, wedding bands.Titanium has many benefits. It's strong as steel but weighs much less. Like platinum, titanium is hypoallergenic and does not tarnish -- in fact, titanium is so safe that it is often used in medical procedures. Unlike platinum, however, titanium is fairly affordable, making it a viable alternative for those who love the look of platinum but are less enamored of the price. It's not a perfect swap though -- it does have a slightly darker, gunmetal gray color, making it more popular for men's bands than women's. ( Note: Make sure to size it right: Titanium is so strong that it can be very difficult to cut, which could be a problem if it were to get stuck on a finger and need to be removed.)
Many gradings of titanium are available, from basic grade (which is about the same hardness as platinum) to aircraft grade (which is three times as hard as steel!). Contrary to what one might think, basic grade titanium (which is often marked on the inside with the initials CP, standing for Commercially Pure) is actually the most pure titanium -- 98 to 99% pure. The CP is sometimes followed with a roman numeral I through IV to denote the specific grade, II being the most common. "Aircraft grade" titanium is actually an alloy that includes aluminum and vanadium as well as titanium, and is commonly marked with an imprint like "6Al/4V" or "Ti 6/4" (meaning that the ring is made from 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium).
Mixed Metals
Can't decide? Choose a ring design that gracefully blends the beauty of yellow and white metals. Combine elements of platinum and yellow gold, white and yellow gold (for a less expensive but similar look), or several different shades of gold (the least expensive combo). A classic new look sandwiches an 18K yellow gold band between two narrow bands of platinum (or vice-versa). This dual-metal and duo-tone band need not be very wide to convey an intriguing mix of elegance and individuality.Finishes
Choosing the metal for your wedding band is just the beginning: You can also add a finish (surface treatment) for a little extra pizzazz. Besides high polish, popular treatments include Florentine (crosshatched), hammered, brushed, satin, and matte. The beauty of finishes is that they can be applied, removed, and changed at will (except the hammered finish). Active types should avoid matte finishes -- scratches are most obvious -- and decorative details such as engraving, filigree (twisted wire), or milgraining (beaded border).