Even though the use of metals such as Titanium and Platinum have gained in popularity over the years the use of yellow gold of 14k or 18k remains the leader in materials used for rings. It is difficult to beat the elegant and luxurious look of yellow gold.

Another type of gold that is still at the top and becoming even more popular is the white gold variety which makes a good choice for people who don't particularly care for yellow gold. White gold is much more rare and precious than sterling silver and will not tarnish easily like silver does plus it is neutral and compliments nearly any color.

One of the oldest choices is silver which even though it has been used for centuries still remains a favorite choice among jewelry lovers. The metal is very resilient and durable and looks great with a diverse selection of gems.

One of the reasons that the use of Platinum has become so popular in recent years is due to its hardness which because it virtually lasts forever makes it a symbol of lasting love and therefore is popular for wedding rings. Platinum rings are also much more pure than rings made of gold. Most Platinum jewelry is 95 percent pure while even 18k gold is only 75%. The appearance of Platinum is very much like white gold but it is much more durable and scratch resistant which makes it longer lasting. Platinum, of course is much more expensive but because it lasts so long it is well worth the investment.

Another metal that has become quite popular in recent years is Titanium which due to its lightness of weight and durability has become very widely used for rings. Like Platinum, this material looks very much like white gold but Titanium is a much lighter metal and in fact the rings are so light you hardly know that they are on your finger. Since men's rings tend to be much larger than those for women this metal has become especially popular for men's rings.

Of course the stones used in rings today have changed a bit too. There are now rings being made with hematite, turquoise and several other precious stones and one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds now is Moissanite. This stone is so close to a diamond that it fools jewelers sometimes and requires a special tester to determine the difference between it and a real diamond.