One of the big trends in precious metal pricing is the huge increase in the price of gold the past few years. It's hard not to see the ever-present ads on television encouraging people to get cash for their gold.

The other side of this story, however, is that for those who are looking at buying gold jewelry, the prices are higher than they have ever been. For example, a simple gold band that may have cost hundreds of dollars in the past, might go for over a thousand dollars today.

Fortunately, there are many options for to gold rings. One of these options is titanium rings.

Gold, of course, is a highly valued precious metal dating back to thousands of years. The color is synonymous with wealth and grandeur. It is the precious metal of kings and queens. These facts are irrefutable.

That said, how does gold compare to titanium, a much more abundant and affordable metal?

One of the things many people know about gold is that it is not a pure metal when used in jewelry. In fact, most rings "made of gold" are actually only about 50% gold, 14 carat gold. Thus, about half of the metal in a gold ring is not gold. This creates several issues for most people.

Gold, unlike titanium will cause skin irritation and reactions to skin in many wearers. This is sometimes due to the gold, but it also due to the impure metals that are mixed with gold in jewelry. On the other hand, titanium, as used in rings, is very pure and is thus what is called a hypoallergenic material. It will not react with human skin and is thus a perfect material for those who have suffered reactions from other metals used in jewelry.

Strength is another issue for jewelry.

Gold, many people do not know, is a very soft metal. This is why you seldom see pure gold, 24 carat gold, used in jewelry. It is just too weak and malleable. It will not hold inlays or precious gemstone. Even 14 carat gold jewelry will wear over time and, as is often the case, will not hold inlays or gemstones. In contrast, titanium is about as strong as it gets per unit of weight. It is so strong, in fact, that it is used for everything from hip replacements to aircraft parts.

The advantage of a strong metal like titanium is that is more durable and it can offer many design innovations like inlays. For example, a titanium ring can have exotic hardwood inlays, gemstone, minerals, and, of course, gold.

Simply put, the design options available nowadays for titanium ring far exceed the staid, old-fashioned designs available for gold rings. These design options for titanium rings are especially appealing to younger ring buyers who seek a innovative designs.

The final difference is price. A custom-made titanium ring can be found for several hundred dollars. The ring will be unique, durable and last a lifetime. A custom-made gold band will most certainly go for over a thousand dollars.

The decision to buy a gold ring or a titanium ring is, of course, a highly individualized choice. Consider the options, though, as many find that titanium rings are a far superior choice when you consider allergic reactions to gold, strength, design choices and price.