Manly Metals That Redefine Modern Mens Jewellery

More men wear jewellery today than ever before, and the range of metals on offer has grown well beyond traditional gold and silver. In Hatton Garden, EC1N, the workshops that line Greville Street and Leather Lane have embraced these manly metals, crafting rings and bands in materials prized for strength and modern good looks. London's diamond quarter is the ideal place to explore harder-wearing alternatives, whether you want a wedding band that shrugs off daily knocks or a statement ring with industrial character. For a sense of the choice available, browse the local contemporary jewellery and discover metals built to last.

Titanium

Titanium has been used in watchmaking for more than 50 years, and it is now a fashionable choice for rings and necklaces. It is a lustrous white metal, incredibly strong and resistant to tarnish, and it will not scratch as easily as gold or silver.

Titanium is as strong as steel and twice as strong as aluminium, yet remarkably light to wear. That combination of strength and comfort makes it a firm favourite for everyday rings.

Tungsten

Tungsten is increasingly popular for wedding rings and other men's pieces. It is steel-grey in colour and offers a hard, scratch-resistant finish that holds its polish for years.

Weightier than titanium, tungsten suits anyone who likes a substantial feel on the finger. The name comes from the Swedish for heavy stone, which suits the metal perfectly. Many wedding ring designs now feature it.

Palladium and platinum

If you want an alternative to white gold, palladium is an excellent choice. It is naturally tarnish-resistant and closely resembles platinum, usually at a lower cost.

For the ultimate in prestige, platinum remains the benchmark. Both metals can carry a London Assay Office hallmark, confirming their purity and giving you confidence in the piece. Explore more in precious metals.

Choosing the right metal

Think about your lifestyle before you buy. A hands-on job suits tungsten or titanium, while platinum and palladium reward those who want a classic white finish with heirloom appeal.

The jewellers near Chancery Lane and Farringdon stations can size and finish any of these metals to your taste, so a visit to Hatton Garden is the surest way to find your match.

Fun fact: Palladium takes its name from Pallas, an asteroid discovered just before the metal was identified in the early 19th century.