One of the newest wedding ring trends to hit the market are ceramic wedding rings. Now, while you may read or hear "ceramic" and think of a plate or cup smashing, nothing could be further from the truth. A ceramic wedding ring is not breakable like glass jewelry. In fact, it is the virtual indestructibility of ceramic wedding rings that is making them so popular. Is a ceramic wedding ring for you? Read on.

What is a ceramic wedding ring? Ceramic wedding rings are made from a combination of powdered pure ceramic materials and zirconium, which is then heated to more than 6000°, resulting in a molten liquid. The liquid is shaped, cut, cooled, and then polished into a ring. Ceramic wedding rings are harder than titanium, and almost as hard as a tungsten carbide wedding ring.

This is great news for those unfortunate folk who have contact allergies to metals.

A ceramic wedding ring is going to gleam just as well in the years to come, as it did when it went on your finger.

• Will never fade. While some other colored and treated wedding rings may fade in color, a ceramic wedding ring won’t. This is especially significant for those who want a black wedding ring.

• Weighs less than a tungsten wedding ring, but is heavier than a titanium wedding ring.

• Unscratchable. The color of a ceramic wedding ring is solid and contained the whole way through the ring. The final color is not an industrial coating of black or white covering a different colored metal underneath, as in some titanium wedding rings. Those who have active lifestyles, jobs, or hobbies may be reassured to know that ceramic wedding rings are pretty much unscratchable.

• Will not change color. Tungsten wedding rings that are made with a cobalt alloy instead of carbon, can oxidise and change color, this will never happen with a ceramic wedding ring.

• Will not craze.

• Range of colors. Apart from black and white, there are plenty of other contemporary colors to select from, including pinks and blues.

• Many styles or ceramic wedding rings to select from. Ceramic wedding rings can also be incorporated with other ingredients. A ceramic wedding ring can have metallic stripes (such as gold or tungsten) running through it, can be inlaid with diamonds, or engraved with various designs and patterns. Ceramic wedding rings can also be faceted, grooved, or bevelled, for those who are seeking a wedding ring that is more ornate.

• Hypo-allergenic. Ceramic wedding rings are not going to result in a nasty red rash for those who have problems with contact dermatitis. A ceramic wedding ring is inert and contains no ingredients to react with sensitive skin.

• Contemporary looking. Ceramic wedding rings are extremely modern looking and are an ideal choice for those who are after something a little newer than a traditional metallic wedding ring.

Drawbacks

• Can’t be re-sized. Ceramic wedding rings cannot be re-sized or altered once they have been made. If your finger size should fluctuate dramatically, then this may not be the best wedding ring option for you.

• Slower to remove in an emergency. Much the same as tungsten carbide wedding rings, a ceramic wedding ring cannot be removed with standard ring cutters. However, they can be removed using pliers and force, it will just take a little longer. Those selecting ceramic wedding rings should probably get their jeweler to educate them as to how to remove their ring in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, remove the ceramic wedding ring prior to hazardous activities involving machinery.

Ceramic wedding rings or even engagement rings can be the ideal choice for those who are after a contemporary colored wedding ring that will not fade, discolor, lose its luster, or scratch.