According to archaeologists and historians, gold has been used in jewellery for almost as long as human civilisation, with the first samples dating back 5000 years.
It may be the oldest precious metal, but it’s still the most in-demand, representing wealth and opulence.
While there’s considerably more diversity in men’s wedding bands nowadays, gold continues to rule the roost.
What is it about gold that has seen it persist so long?
And why is it still one of the most popular choices when it comes to men’s wedding bands?
At DORA we are passionate about men’s wedding rings. This week, we’re sharing a couple of reasons why gold has stood the test of time – and will continue to do so.
1) Gold is the traditional choice
As we mentioned above, the use of gold in jewellery dates back to ancient times. What’s more, it also crosses national boundaries – Egypt, Greece, China, Mesopotamia… each of these completely separate civilisations were independently drawn to the beauty of gold.
Ever since then, gold has been an ever-popular choice for wedding rings and jewellery for almost all of human history. Frankly, that many people can’t be wrong!
There’s another benefit to going with gold, however: since gold has been around for so long, it’s effectively timeless!
Gold has considerable staying power, having been a staple of jewellery for thousands of years. As such, men’s gold wedding bands will remain stylish and sophisticated for years to come.
Gold is especially popular with men who are looking for a wedding ring with a timeless appearance.
2) Gold comes in a wide range of colours
Here’s a little known fact: did you know that very few men’s wedding rings – or any type of jewellery, for that matter – are made of 100% pure gold?
Rather, the vast majority of gold jewellery is made of alloys.
Pure gold is relatively “soft” by metal standards. By blending gold with other metals, jewellers are able to give gold wedding bands additional strength and durability.
On top of that however, these additional metals also change the colour of the final ring! In addition to yellow gold, you can also explore these different colours:
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Rose/pink gold
Blending gold with copper creates rose gold, which features a romantic and warm pink or light-red tone.
White gold
Blending gold with white metals such as palladium and silver, white gold wedding rings are sleek and clean.
Multicoloured gold
Mixing different varieties of gold together (as well as other metals including palladium and titanium) we can create two-tone and three-tone rings; essentially, unique pieces of wearable art!
These give men options when shopping for gold. For example, say you want a wedding band that’s fashionable and modern – white gold might be just what you’re looking for.
And if you want something unique for your wedding band, many men are choosing multicoloured gold rings that combine different types of metals, including gold, to create new and exciting designs.
So while yellow gold might be the traditional choice for men when choosing a wedding band, as you can see, it’s not the only way you can wear gold!
3) It’s malleable – and that’s a good thing!
Gold is the favoured metal of most jewellers because it’s easier to manufacture with and when it comes to men’s wedding bands, that’s a good thing!
Since gold is softer and more pliable than many other metals, it’s much easier to work with, meaning it can be used in many more creative and elaborate ways compared to a harder metal.
Jewellers are able to work gold into elaborate and intricate designs more easily than other metals.
Manufacturing and repairing gold rings is easier, and the general maintenance of gold wedding rings is less trouble than that of non-precious metals.
4) Gold is tough
One thing we need to get straight before we go forward: there’s a difference between “hardness” and “toughness”:
- Hardness: refers to a metal’s resistance to scratching and wearing down
- Toughness: refers to a metal’s resistance to breakage
While it may not be the hardest, 18ct gold is exceptionally tough!
When it comes to your wedding band, you want a ring that will stand the test of time. It’ll have to be able to resist a lifetime of wear!
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5) Gold doesn’t rust
And that’s exactly what you want when it comes to something as important as your wedding band.
Many metals undergo chemical reactions over the years as they’re exposed to the elements. Oxidisation is a chemical reaction where a metal is combined with oxygen, with an associated loss of electrons.
This process occurs naturally over time and in the case of many metals, this has the side effect of creating rust.
Gold doesn’t rust or lose its distinctive colour as it ages. In our opinion, gold’s beauty only gets better as the years go by!
DORA’s men’s wedding bands are Made to Mean More
For more than 25 years, DORA has been crafting men’s wedding rings that perfectly reflect people’s style and the relationship they share with their partner.
Combining timeless style with true hand craftsmanship, we’re committed to giving each man the best possible ring, whether you’ve fallen in love with gold, decided on a trendy titanium or carbon fibre ring, or want an exclusive platinum wedding band.
Pick a ring designed to last a lifetime: explore our collections of men’s wedding bands and rings, or click here to ask us your questions.
See something that speaks to you? Click here to locate your nearest DORA stockist.
