Wooden wedding bands are an eco-friendly alternative for the groom, but the maintenance and care can turn off many people. Pure wood rings are not as permanent as gold and other metals, and the symbolism of permanence is an important part of being married. There are options; consider a wood-inlaid titanium ring.

(Rob and Lean Creative and Unique Gifts)

There are always issues around the production of any metal - mining is a destructive and chemical-intensive process. Turned wood rings are an alternative, or you could recycle an older piece of gold jewelry and have a jeweler craft something new.

For wood, species like teak and mahogany are endangered species; look for woods that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or other governing bodies. The type of wood is not as important as where it came from and how it was produced.

(Any wood ring, inlaid or not, cannot be submersed in water for any amount of time - learn how to take care of your ring)

I wonder if I could convince my wife that I should trade in my current gold wedding ring…