For an affordable wedding band that looks expensive, tungsten is a great choice. Black tungsten rings start at just $249 and active grooms who work with their hands often love tungsten for its durability. Stronger than titanium, this is a long-lasting wedding band. 

Tungsten is hypoallergenic and perfect for men with sensitive skin or metal allergies. But while pure tungsten is scratch-proof, black tungsten rings are not entirely. Black tungsten rings are coated through a process called ion-plating, and the black coating is not quite as strong as the pure tungsten underneath, so the ring may show scratches over time.