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If you want something different for your wedding ring, there are many alternative metals to choose from. One very popular option is cobalt (a.k.a. cobalt chrome) which has many advantages that make it increasingly sought after.
However, compared to the classics like gold and platinum, cobalt is relatively unknown and there’s a bit of misinformation surrounding it. Let’s clear this up and take a quick look at the pros and cons of cobalt wedding rings and if you should buy them.
What is Cobalt?
Cobalt is a hard, shiny, silver-gray metal that’s found in the earth’s crust. It’s used in many different ways, like in tools that need to handle a lot of heat or speed. It’s also found in vitamin B12, an important nutrient for our health.
However, too much cobalt isn’t good for us. In jewelry, people often use a mix of cobalt and chrome to make strong, durable rings that don’t cause allergies.
The History of Cobalt
Cobalt is a chemical element discovered relatively late in the history of chemistry due to its normally being found in nature along with nickel and iron, and often mistaken for these metals.
The word “cobalt” itself originates from the German term “kobalt” or “kobold,” which means “goblin” or “evil spirit.”
The name was given by German miners who considered it troublesome because it was poisonous and had a nasty habit of appearing where they were hoping to find more valuable metals like silver.
The use of cobalt dates back to ancient times. Cobalt compounds were used by the ancient Egyptians for their blue glass and ceramics. The Chinese used cobalt to color porcelain blue for centuries.
In 1735, Swedish chemist Georg Brandt was studying some minerals and found that they contained a previously unidentified metal, which he isolated and identified as cobalt, thus officially discovering the element.
Cobalt was initially used to produce blue glass and ceramics across Europe and the Middle East. The brilliant blue cobalt oxide was a perfect pigment for this use.
In the 20th century, cobalt’s hardness and resistance to heat and wear made it a key component in superalloys used in jet engines. Cobalt compounds are also used in the chemical industry as catalysts.
Today, cobalt’s single largest use is in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, especially for electric cars. Its use in jewelry as an alloy with chrome has also grown in popularity due to its strength, durability, and hypoallergenic properties.
What Does Cobalt Chrome Look Like?
Cobalt chrome is a bright, white metal with a look that’s very similar to platinum or white gold. Its color is often described as having a slightly bluish undertone.
This metal has a high luster, meaning it’s very shiny and reflective. It’s often praised for its ability to maintain this shine over time without tarnishing or discoloring, which can occur with some other metals used in jewelry.
Because it’s so durable and scratch-resistant, a cobalt chrome ring will maintain its polished look for a long time. Cobalt chrome’s bright white color also makes it an excellent backdrop for diamonds and other gemstones.
Properties of Cobalt Chrome Wedding Rings
Cobalt chrome wedding rings are a popular choice for many couples, thanks to their many beneficial properties. Firstly, cobalt chrome is a hypoallergenic material, making it a safe choice for those with metal allergies or sensitive skin. It boasts a natural and long-lasting luster, offering a color comparable to white gold or platinum, giving it a luxurious appearance without the high cost.
One of the key advantages of cobalt chrome is its durability. It’s resistant to scratches and wear, making it perfect for those with active lifestyles. Despite its strength, cobalt chrome rings have a comfortable weight – they’re heavier than titanium but lighter than tungsten, providing a balanced, substantial feel.
Unlike some other metals, cobalt chrome doesn”t tarnish or discolor over time, maintaining its radiant appearance. Furthermore, while it’s a strong and durable material, it’s important to note that cobalt chrome can still be cut off in case of an emergency, a crucial safety consideration.
Lastly, despite these impressive properties, cobalt chrome is often more affordable than traditional precious metals like gold or platinum. Its blend of beauty, durability, and affordability make it an increasingly favored choice for wedding rings.
Cobalt Chrome Rings vs Tungsten and Titanium Rings
Choosing between cobalt chrome, tungsten, and titanium wedding rings depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Cobalt chrome rings are lighter than tungsten but heavier than titanium, and they display a brilliant white color that resembles white gold. They’re also hypoallergenic, like titanium rings and certain tungsten rings.
However, avoid tungsten-cobalt and cobalt-nickel alloys due to potential allergic reactions.
Durability-wise, tungsten offers the most scratch resistance, though all three materials outperform gold, palladium, or platinum in this regard.
Cobalt chrome rings have the advantage of being resizable, which tungsten and titanium rings are not. They’re slightly more expensive, but their prices may fall as they become more popular.
Under extreme pressure, tungsten may break, while cobalt chrome and titanium would bend. In emergencies, all can be safely cut off, except for rings made from aircraft-grade titanium due to their extreme hardness.
Cobalt Rings vs Platinum, Gold, and Palladium Rings
Now, let’s compare cobalt chrome rings with traditional wedding ring materials like gold, platinum, and palladium.
Cobalt chrome is more durable and resistant to wear compared to these other metals. In terms of weight, cobalt chrome wedding bands are lighter than all the traditional wedding ring metals, and they’re also generally cheaper.
One advantage of cobalt chrome rings over white gold is that they keep their shiny white appearance without needing Rhodium Plate.
However, traditional metals offer more variety in styles. Cobalt chrome, being a hard material, can’t be crafted into detailed styles and shapes. So, if you’re looking for a more unique wedding band design, traditional metals might be a better choice.
Another difference is in resizing. Cobalt chrome wedding bands can be resized, but usually only by half to a full size, and only by jewelers experienced in resizing these types of rings. You’ll often need to send the ring back to the retailer for resizing.
On the other hand, platinum, palladium, and gold rings can be resized by most jewelers and by a larger amount. If you think your finger size might change significantly in the future, you might be better off with a traditional wedding ring metal that allows more flexibility in resizing.
Cobalt Pros – Reasons to Buy Cobalt
1. Cobalt Colors
Cobalt is the only metal that looks very similar to white gold without needing the rhodium plating that white gold requires. If you’re looking for white gold but don’t want periodic maintenance or a high price tag, cobalt is an excellent option.
Cobalt also comes in black, but if you’re going for this look, avoid buying a plated black cobalt ring. Rather, look for a ring where the entire ring is black. This is more durable and easy to maintain.
Cobalt can also be plated to exhibit other colors, such as yellow or rose gold hues. Note that when plated, the hypoallergenic nature and ease of maintenance of the ring can be compromised.
2. Has high luster
When polished, cobalt is extremely lustrous and shiny. It’s highly reflective and has long-lasting luster, which requires minimal maintenance. Because cobalt doesn’t tarnish or rust easily, the luster remains for a long time.
3. Very Durable
For a wedding ring that is meant to be worn daily for a lifetime (for most people anyway), durability is a primary concern. Cobalt ranks high in this department. It’s extremely resistant to scratching and corrosion. Cobalt doesn’t shatter, bend or warp even under intense pressure. It’s much harder than precious metals and perfect for daily wear. For reference, a cobalt ring is four times harder than platinum (the most durable precious metal).
4. Easy on the Pocket
Cobalt isn’t as cheap as metals like stainless steel, but its price is nowhere near what platinum or white gold costs. If a white gold ring costs $750, the cobalt version would only be around $170, making it the perfect option for someone with a budget restriction.
Other things apart from the metal can contribute to the overall price of a cobalt ring including other materials used, quality and branding. But even with all this, cobalt would still be significantly less expensive.
5. Comfortable Weight
Cobalt feels similar to white gold in its weight, which is a neutral, comfortable feeling. Some metals, like titanium or carbon fiber, can be extremely and eerily light while others, like tungsten, can be very heavy. Cobalt is in the happy middle and tends to suit most people.
6. Hypoallergenic in Nature
Cobalt is hypoallergenic in itself and is bio-compatible. It’s used in dental and joint implants and to make surgical instruments. It’s perfect for piercings and for people with sensitive skin. It’s a safe metal and has no toxins.
However, if cobalt is alloyed with nickel, this can be a problem because most people with metal sensitivities are allergic to nickel. Always check whether your cobalt alloy is nickel free.
7. Easy to Maintain
If you hate jewelry maintenance, cobalt might be the metal for you. Cobalt is great at resisting tarnishing, damage and scratches making it perfect if you lead an active lifestyle or use your hands a lot for work.
Of course, it’s not scratch proof so you’d still have to take care of it to a reasonable extent, but it’s much easier to look after than white gold or platinum.
If you’re cobalt ring is plated, the plating may flake off over time or wear thin, showing the real color of the metal underneath. If you want to avoid this, stick with cobalt’s natural color.
8. Can be Cut
Regardless of what some might say, cobalt rings can be cut in an emergency. While it may require a little more effort than gold or platinum due to its hardness, it can definitely be cut off safely.
Cobalt Cons – Reasons Not to Buy Cobalt
Like all things, there are two sides to the story. Here are some downsides of cobalt that you might want to consider before you buy.
1. Hard to Resize
This is a theme with most of the alternative metals. Resizing a cobalt ring can be difficult because of the strength of cobalt.
While it can be sized up or down by half to one size, you might find most jewelers discouraging you from doing this or not undertaking the job at all because it takes effort.
Make sure you get the right size from the start and note that finger sizes do change over time. You might have to replace the ring down the track if you can’t get it resized.
If you’re sentimentally attached to the ring itself, this might be difficult to do. Some couples don’t mind this, saying that because cobalt rings cost so little in the first place, it doesn’t matter if it’s replaced (or lost) down the track.
2. No Investment Value
When you buy a gold ring, you know that even 50 years later, the value of the ring will be equal to the then value of gold. Not so with cobalt. It has no liquidity and isn’t a tradeable item. It’s not a precious metal and has no investment value. It’s a practical choice but you won’t be able to pawn it for much if times get rough.
3. Difficult to Engrave
This ties back to durability. Cobalt rings can be laser engraved, but traditional methods of engraving don’t work on them. This won’t be a major issue because most retailers do laser engraving anyway. Just ask before you commit.
4. Limited Designs
Because of its increasing popularity, the range of cobalt ring designs has been expanding but there’s a limit to what jewelers can do with cobalt. Although it’s workable, it’s not easy to meld gemstones and cobalt together into elaborate designs and you’d be hard-pressed to find intricate metalwork on cobalt rings.
There’s also a limitation on the range of women’s cobalt wedding bands and it’s treated more as a masculine metal. Over time, this may change but for now, unfortunately, it’s the case.
Having said this, cobalt can come in all the popular wedding ring finishes (satin, polished, hammered, textured and so on), a variety of thicknesses, inlays, metal and gemstone pairings and even engraved designs. Take a look at some of our favorite cobalt ring designs.
Our Favorite Cobalt Ring Designs
This matte finish cobalt ring has a low sheen look ideal for an understated appeal.
This cobalt ring with wood inlay is the perfect example of how cobalt pairs well with other materials.
Black cobalt is one of the most popular cobalt colors and has a modern, stylish look perfect for the contemporary man.
This beautiful ring features a contemporary lava pattern on the surface, contrasting black and silver hues. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for edgy design
Another glorious matte cobalt ring this one features beveled edges, which takes it to the next level of style.
This matching cobalt ring set looks exactly like white gold, and it’s impossible to tell them apart simply by looking. And that’s not even the best part. Check out how affordable these rings are.
Unlike in the past, you can now find cobalt ring designs paired with precious gemstones, like this beautiful cobalt ring with diamonds set flush all around the band.
Some Other Things to Know About Cobalt
If you love the look of the cobalt rings we’ve featured and you’re thinking that it might be for you, here are a couple more things to keep in mind.
- Cobalt Mining
Cobalt is a transition metal, which means that it needs to be alloyed with other metals to make it more durable, malleable and wearable. Pure cobalt doesn’t exist – it’s typically combined with metals like nickel, copper or iron and is generally considered a by-product of mining these metals.
- Cobalt Alloys
Common cobalt alloys include chromium, iron and tungsten, with nickel sometimes used as well. Due to the high chromium content often found in cobalt alloys, the metal is sometimes called cobalt chrome. Cobalt is relatively new and until recently, wasn’t used in jewelry making.
- Cobalt Name
Cobalt gets its name from the German word ‘kobald’ meaning evil spirit. The name was given by miners who were superstitious about mining cobalt as they feared toxic fumes that came from arsenic which is also often found among cobalt ores. Of course, the miners of the time didn’t realise that the culprit was arsenic – instead, they blamed the kobalds, the underground spirits that caused them grief.
- Cobalt Rarity
Cobalt is not that rare and ranks number 32 in terms of global abundance. Although it’s not rare, it’s a valuable metal and is considered a Critical Raw Material, due to its importance and numerous applications. Today it’s used to create powerful magnets and superalloys. It’s uses are far-reaching, including the technology and medical industries as well as jewelry.
Buying Cobalt Wedding Ring? – What to Keep in Mind
When shopping for the perfect wedding ring, it’s important to consider these tips, particularly when choosing a cobalt ring.
- Shop from a reliable retailer.
- Cobalt is known for its robustness, but the quality can differ greatly among various cobalt alloys. Low-cost cobalt alloys used in creating wedding rings might contain nickel and might not be as durable or scratch-resistant as better-quality alloys.
- For black cobalt wedding rings, ensure the entire ring is black and not just coated with a layer of black that might chip off over time. This layer could be something like an ion plate or matte paint which can wear away with daily use over a few months.
- Similarly, for rings with a two-tone effect, ensure that the design is achieved with inlay, not plating.
- If you’re going for a cobalt diamond wedding ring, the retailer should provide the estimated color and clarity grades of the diamonds, no matter how small they are.
- Lastly, before you buy a cobalt wedding ring, measure your ring size more than once, preferably in the evening. While most cobalt wedding bands are sold online, you can get your ring size measured at any local jewelry store.
How to Care for a Cobalt Wedding Band
Taking care of your wedding ring ensures that it maintains its shine and value for years to come. Here are some steps to follow when caring for a cobalt wedding band:
- Routine Cleaning: Keep your cobalt wedding band clean by washing it regularly with warm soapy water. Gently scrub it with a soft cloth or a toothbrush, then thoroughly dry it after washing.
- Steer Clear of Chemicals: Remove your cobalt ring when using chemicals such as cleaning supplies or beauty products. Chlorinated water in pools can also damage your ring over time.
- Proper Storage: Store your cobalt ring separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratches. Use a fabric pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box.
- Avoid Harsh Environments: Although cobalt chrome is highly durable, avoid exposing it to extreme conditions like high temperatures or heavy pressure.
- Professional Care: If you need a deep clean or repairs, consult a professional jeweler who has experience with cobalt chrome.
- Resizing: Should you need to resize your ring, ensure it’s handled by a jeweler skilled in working with cobalt chrome, as it requires special equipment and methods.
With the right care and maintenance, your cobalt wedding band can retain its stunning appearance and durability for a lifetime.
Are Cobalt Rings Expensive?
Cobalt rings are generally more affordable than traditional precious metal rings like gold, platinum, or palladium.
The exact cost can vary depending on the design, the presence of gemstones, and the retailer, but they are usually in a similar price range to other alternative metal rings such as titanium and tungsten.
Despite their relative affordability, cobalt rings offer excellent durability and a brilliant white shine, making them an excellent value for money. Always remember to purchase from a reputable retailer to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Where to Buy
- For high-quality workmanship, beautiful designs, and reasonable prices, check out James Allen. They’re well known for their customer service and streamlined shopping experience.
- Blue Nile has an excellent range of cobalt rings, in a variety of finishes. These are competitively priced and gorgeous to look at.
- Etsy is an excellent place to search for artisan, unique designs that you wouldn’t encounter in your typical retail stores.
- At Angara Jewelers, you can find a diverse selection of high-quality cobalt chrome wedding rings, crafted with expertise and dedicated attention to detail, customer service and a streamlined shopping experience.
FAQs about Cobalt Wedding Rings
1. Can I resize a cobalt ring?
Yes, cobalt rings can be resized, but usually only by a half to one full size up or down, and it’s important that the resizing is done by a jeweler experienced with cobalt.
2. How should I care for my cobalt jewelry?
Cobalt jewelry is quite durable and easy to care for. Regularly clean it with mild soap and warm water, and dry it well. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
3. If cobalt is so hard, can my ring still be cut off in an emergency?
Absolutely. Despite its hardness, cobalt rings can be safely removed with cutting tools in an emergency.
4. How does cobalt compare to tungsten and titanium?
Cobalt has a similar level of durability to tungsten and titanium. It’s lighter than tungsten but heavier than titanium. Its color is whiter than both, resembling white gold. Unlike tungsten and titanium, cobalt rings can be resized.
5. Is cobalt jewelry safe to wear?
Yes, cobalt is generally safe to wear. Cobalt alloys used in jewelry are hypoallergenic and resistant to wear and scratching.
Wrapping Up
Cobalt chrome wedding rings provide a modern, durable, and attractive alternative to traditional metals. They stand out with their strong, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic properties, making them perfect for daily wear. Overall, a cobalt chrome wedding ring is a stylish and practical symbol of lifelong commitment.
