Oh, great EmpegBBS oracle, holder of all knowledge and wisdom...

Anyone out there a metallurgist/jeweller? I'm in the process of shopping for a wedding band (for myself -- my fiancee's has already been purchased), and haven't exactly been stunned by the offerings I've seen in the stores. I currently wear a white-gold ring, and it's too soft of a metal -- I've had to get it re-rounded more than once.

On a side note, for those of you who are woodworkers (hi Mark!), do you know of any hardwoods out there that might be suitable for a wedding band that would (pardon the pun) be subject to substantial abuse, including frequent and prolonged immersion in water? I've seen some rings that, I think, are wood inlays on a metal band, but they've come with warnings about repeatedly getting them wet.

Cheers,