With historic highs in precious metals effecting the price of fine jewelry, particularly gold and platinum, many jewelry stores are seeing a greater demand for alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten rings. The market for men's wedding bands has exploded for many retailers specializing in these contemporary metals. Titanium and tungsten carbide rings have been reported to represent the fastest growing sector of metals in relation to jewelry designs.

Gold is now over $900 per ounce and platinum is an astounding high of $2,000 per ounce. With prices like this, many couples today cannot afford or simply don't wish to spend that kind of money on a wedding ring. In comparison, titanium rings, tungsten rings, and other contemporary metals used for men's wedding rings cost significantly less, all the while posing a leading edge in terms of quality and durability. Both titanium and tungsten are known for their extreme durability, sheen and scratch resistant qualities.

Very few jewelers have understood and supported the market for titanium and tungsten rings. Those that have stood by and passionately promoted titanium and tungsten jewelry are now seeing other retailers jump on the bandwagon. According to one retailer, Titanium-jewelry.com, who has been a long time provider of titanium and tungsten jewelry, "there is a definite shift occurring among men's wedding bands, where demand for titanium wedding bands is opening the doors to retailers who otherwise dismissed the idea as anything more than a fad." Not too long ago, it was rare that a retailer carried contemporary metal jewelry designs. Often pushing platinum and white gold, many of these jewelry stores stuck up their noses at mens wedding bands made from these contemporary metals have now been forced to reevaluate their inventory as throngs of customers aren't just inquiring, but demanding wedding rings made from these metals.

Wedding bands made of Titanium, Black Titanium and Tungsten Carbide becoming more popular than ever. The new generation of grooms, either fist timers or serial-wedders are increasingly turning to titanium rings and men's wedding bands made of Tungsten Carbide or Black Titanium. Many have said that you just can't beat the price, quality or look that tungsten rings or titanium wedding bands provide.

It's no new revelation that titanium rings are considered an alternative to gold and platinum. Either because of the hypoallergenic qualities, literally scratch resistant benefits or the always polished look, tungsten and titanium rings have shifted from being an alternative choice to the preferred choice among young, active grooms. These contemporary metals have always had the added benefit of competitive pricing, especially in comparison to more traditional metals. But the last year has seen an explosion in the costs of gold and platinum - which is great if you're investing in these precious metals, but bad if you are in the market for a new wedding ring.

As an example, a comparison of three similar rings, identical in width but varying in metal makeup can range from less than $100 for titanium or tungsten all the way up to $1400 for platinum and this is just a simple, no fuss ring. With titanium and tungsten rings fairing a fraction of the cost, it's no wonder demand is controlling the economic swing in supply. With the housing market and credit lending slump, it is just not possible or practical to pay more for less - less durability, less savvy and less original. The grooms of today like modern, classy, durable and affordable. The luxury of titanium and tungsten rings is that they pose the perfect balance of masculine ruggedness with the stylish appeal of sleek, sexy and sophisticated. These are not rings of depression era fashion - nor are these the flare of short lived grunge. Contemporary metals are luxurious in look, quality, feel and just about way except the price.

So if you are shopping for wedding rings, men's wedding bands or just interested in fine jewelry for men and women, check out what the excitement over these metals is all about. There are many reputable designers that specialize in titanium and tungsten jewelry. The attention to detail and fashion consciousness they behold, can be seen in the designs offered using these contemporary metals today.