Silver: This metal has been in use for thousands of years and is opted by many today. As it is too soft for usage in its pure form, this is alloyed with other metals for strength. Its popular alloy form is sterling silver, where 92.5% of pure silver is alloyed with 7.5% of metal. Its greatest benefit is that the metal is highly affordable. However silver is easily prone to tarnish and needs regular maintenance. The metal has to be regularly polished or the tarnish can cause permanent damage.

Stainless steel: This is fast gaining popularity among the contemporary crowd who are seeking for a new look. The benefits of stainless steel are its strength and that it does not tarnish, rust or corrode as easily as steel. The chromium present in this prevents oxidation which keeps rust and stains away. Available in various grades, the 300 series steels are also known to be oxidation resistant and are suitable for invasive body piercing as they do not release nickel salts.

Tungsten: This is a relatively new metal in the diamond industry and is popularly referred to as the ‘permanently polished metal'. Its pros include resistance to corrosion, high density and strength. This metal is four times harder than titanium and retains a permanent shine with little maintenance. Tungsten carbide rings can also be opted for, whereby tungsten and carbide powders are combined at high temperatures. TC rings are scratch proof as compared to tungsten rings. Because of their sleek and simple look, they are an ideal choice for men's engagement rings. However on the flipside, its strength does not allow for resizing rings as the metal is difficult to bend. Also in case of emergencies, a medical professional may be needed to remove the ring, as standard ring cutters would not work.

Titanium: After gold and platinum, titanium is the third most popular alternative for mounting diamond rings. This is because the metal is immune to corrosion from salts, acids and alkalis, is hypo allergic and non magnetic. It has the strength of steel, but is half as light and is highly durable. Black titanium can also be availed in light or dark shades of gray. Detailed information on this wonderful metal can be availed here.

Palladium: This metal is pure white in color and looks much similar to platinum. It also resembles white gold, but is much stronger than it and is available at similar costs. Its benefits include high strength, hypo allergic nature and durability. Palladium is also much lighter in weight. In jewelry it is used in its alloyed form that usually includes 95% of the pure metal along with 5% of metal from other platinum groups (viz iridium, ruthenium).

Zirconium: This is an appealing metal for consumers seeking interesting metal alternatives in their diamond jewelry. While this metal is grayish white in color, a natural black is obtained through heat treatment whereby the oxide layer converts into zirconia. Its benefits include high strength, scratch resistance, a surface transformation ability and hypo allergic qualities.

Rhodium: This metal is silver white in appearance and is a member of the platinum family. Its benefits include high strength, great durability and also good reflecting properties. In jewelry, this metal is usually electroplated on surfaces such as white gold and platinum. It can also be applied to silver in order to protect the latter from tarnish. While this metal is used to symbolize wealth, one must remember that rhodium compounds can stain the skin.

Niobium: This is a relatively new metal in the market and is being used by many jewelry designers today. It belongs to the titanium and tungsten family of reactive metals. In its pure form, the metal is light gray in color and has a good luster. Besides usage of its natural color, a wide range of colors can also be anodized on its surface. Shades include purple, turquoise, fuchsia, blue, yellow, black, gray and also rose. It is highly resistant to attack by chemicals, is malleable, hypo allergic and rare in occurrence. Price wise the metal is slightly expensive as compared to silver.

Besides the above list of metals, buyers can also choose for two tone or multitone rings where different metals are combined together for added affect. Besides the traditional silver and gold, different shades of gray can also be opted for. Carbon fiber, in its various shades, can also be used with metal and diamonds for added affect. As one can note, the choice thus, is endless. However, each metal has its strengths and weaknesses and needs good maintenance for a long life of beauty and strength.