Alternative Metal bands have gained popularity over the years. Not only are they less expensive than previous metals such as golds and platinum but they can have the same look in a variety of styles to suit any personality.
The newest metal to hit the market and join the alternative metal family is Tantalum.
What is Tantalum?
Tantalum is a rare metal that is new-ish to the jewelry world. It is mostly found in Australia and South America. It is estimated that the current resources of Tantalum will be exhausted within the next 50 years.
Due to its low failure rate, tantalum is frequently used in capacitors in smartphones and computers. It is also used to make components for chemical plants, nuclear power plants, airplanes, and missiles.
The amazing thing about Tantalum is that it’s used in its purest form making it hypoallergenic. Because it does not cause body reactions it is also used in surgical equipment, surgical sutures, implants, artificial joints and cranial plates.
Tantalum is a great alternative for anyone that suffers from a nickel or other metal allergies.
What is the Cost?
Because it is rarer than other alternative metals, it’s priced slightly higher. Consider it the precious metal of alternative metals. Rings that are all tantalum have an average selling price of $400-800, rings that are a mix of precious/tantalum/with diamonds are $1000+. To put into perspective, a tungsten band is about $250-400.
What Do Tantalum Wedding Bands Look Like?
Wedding bands made from this metal have a sleek modern look. It has a unique gray color with a hint of blue.
The natural color of tantalum is slightly darker than titanium but tantalum bands can also be black, achieved through a heating a cooling process without the use of additional coating.
The Benefits of Tantalum Wedding Band:
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Hypoallergenic Metal
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Extremely crack resistant (unlike tungsten) and will not react after exposure to everyday chemicals, such as household cleaners
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Moderately scratch resistant. If a tantalum ring is scratched, it can be polished back to its original luster (unlike other alt metals)
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Resizable, unlike many of the other alternative metal rings
