MATERIAL GIRL

Akey factor when choosing a wedding ring is the metal it’s made out of.

For the bride, it is normally determined by what metal her engagement ring is.

GOLD

Prized since prehistoric times, gold is a reliable choice as it doesn’t rust, tarnish or corrode.

It also mixes well with other metals. Wedding rings come in 9ct or 18ct gold which can be yellow, white or rose-coloured, depending on your personal tastes.

Pure gold, which is 24 carat, is often considered to be too soft for jewellery and requires much more care.

An ideal choice for wedding rings is 18ct, which is 75 per cent pure gold and has a richer hue than 9ct (which is 37.5 per cent pure gold).

It also tends to retain its good looks better as it ages.

One thing to keep in mind is that to keep your white gold wedding ring looking beautiful, you’ll need to have it periodically plated with rhodium (rhodium plated).

WHAT IS RHODIUM PLATING?

Rhodium, part of the platinum precious metal group, is used to plate white gold because it is dazzlingly white and mirror-like, whereas white gold can be slightly grey in tone.

Rhodium is shiny and cool, almost like chrome but even whiter.

It also acts as a protective coating for your ring, enhancing its life span.

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Two popular choices for wedding rings are platinum and palladium, which require rhodium plating.

Their natural brilliance makes them the perfect choice for jewellery that lasts pretty much forever.

Palladium has become more popular in recent times because of its budget-friendly price tag.

TITANIUM

Titanium rings have some unique properties — they’re hypo-allergenic, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and strong enough to keep their shape, even when knocked about.

For this reason they’re a great choice for those with active lifestyles who don’t want to worry about wear and tear.