Whether you’re freshly engaged or looking to trade up your band after a milestone anniversary, selecting the perfect men’s wedding band is not as easy as it seems. New styles, shapes, materials and finishes have exploded on the scene at your local jewelry store, so you need to be prepared before you settle in to shop.
From traditional metals like gold, silver and platinum to newer up-and-comers like wood, silicone, tungsten and cobalt, here’s the skinny on how to select the perfect men’s wedding band for you.
Men’s Wedding Band Styles
The first decision you’ll make is the easiest, and that’s to determine what style of men’s wedding band fits your personality the best. Do you envision yourself in a simple, classic or curved wedding band? Or do you envision yourself sporting some bling? Let’s take a look at the differences.
Classic Wedding Bands
Classic wedding ring styles are exactly what you envision when you think of a very simple wedding band. This all-metal band can be either smooth or textured, but it is simply a flat ring that wraps around your finger. If you’re not used to wearing jewelry, this classic style is an excellent choice for you. And because of its understated, timeless nature, the classic ring never goes out of style and is an extremely popular choice for men’s wedding bands.
Gemstone and Diamond Wedding Bands
Want to shine a little brighter? Adding some diamonds or gemstones can add a lot of pizzazz to your wedding band. While some may choose gemstones in the birthstone colors of the bride and groom, some choose to simply add their favorite color to customize the wedding band a bit. The ultimate sparkle, though, comes from a diamond or two (or more!). Larger diamonds can be added as a brilliant feature, or smaller diamonds can be adorned around the entire ring for a parade of glitz and glamour.
Curved Styles
When we’re talking about curved styles, you might think, “well, aren’t all wedding bands curved?” The curved style is actually referring to the shape of the band itself. Remember that the classic shape is a flat piece of metal wrapped around your finger. But the curved style has a more rounded, softer shape on the outside. These are also known for their comfort and ease of getting your band off and on your finger.
The Many Shapes of Men’s Wedding Bands
You may not know just how many shapes of men’s wedding bands are available, but suffice it to say there are more than you think. Once you’ve narrowed in on a style from above, now it’s time to consider the shape you will prefer for your wedding band.
Dome-Shaped
Domed wedding bands have a chubbier, more rounded look than a sleek flat wedding band. This gives them more weight and a more comfortable fit since the metal is more rounded. Dome-shaped rings are typically thought of as a more traditional-looking shape, while flat rings provide a more modern look.
Flat Bands
This modern ring style is the sleekest of them all, sporting a simple, flat exterior and either a flat or round interior. This flat beauty is also sometimes referred to as a “pipe-cut’ ring on some jewelers’ websites, referring to the art of pipe-cutting, where the center is removed to create a pipe or ring of metal left behind. Pipe-cut rings are the sleeker, more modern cousin to the traditional, dome-shaped wedding band.
Beveled Shapes
Many people are familiar with beveled edges from household furniture items like shelves, countertops and sinks. A beveled edge refers to any angle that is less than 90 degrees (aka, a square angle). A bevel-shaped wedding band has an angled edge on the top and the bottom of the ring. These edges create an interesting ridge right where the ring hits your finger and adds some style and uniqueness to a wedding band.
Concave Shapes
A concave wedding band is the opposite of the dome-shaped in that it is indented the opposite way. This depression in the middle gives this interesting ring an appearance. Because a concave ring has less material than others, it will likely be a little less expensive accordingly. Another benefit to this lightweight ring is you will barely know it’s there thanks to its lighter construction.
Square Shapes
With corners on the outside and a circular inside, this unique shape will stand out among other wedding band shapes. Other names for the square-shaped wedding band are “Euro fit” as these shapes were popular in Europe, and “ergo band,” because it doesn’t spin around on a finger as much as a circular one does.
What is a Common Width for Men’s Wedding Bands?
The width you choose for your wedding band depends on factors like the size of your fingers and hands and, perhaps more importantly, your budget. If you have larger hands, a thin ring may not be wide enough to stand out and may look ill-proportionate to the size of them. Plus, a wide ring can have a significant impact on your budget. A wider ring will require a higher price tag since it will contain more precious metal by weight. The average width for men’s wedding bands is between 6-8 mm, or around a quarter of an inch. However, you can choose a larger width by using a less expensive precious metal and remain within your budget. Which metal or material you choose plays a significant role in the total cost of your wedding band.
Materials and Metals Used in Men’s Wedding Bands
Although original wedding bands may have been constructed of ivory, bone and even leather, at some point, wealthy Romans began bequeathing their brides with wedding rings of gold and silver. Since then, the metals and various materials used to create men’s wedding bands have grown beyond anyone’s expectations.
Platinum Wedding Bands
Platinum is a durable, precious metal that is mined much less than gold, making it more rare and costly than gold. Platinum wedding bands are required to contain at least 90% platinum to be sold as platinum or must be advertised as platinum alloy. Because it is such a pure metal, it is also considered a more hypoallergenic choice, too, as it doesn’t have copper or nickel alloys in it like gold metals. Platinum wedding bands are similar in look to their white gold counterparts but will feel much heavier and more durable to the wearer.
Gold Wedding Bands
Gold wedding bands come in an assortment of colors including yellow, white and rose gold. Yellow gold is made from pure gold and blended with silver and copper to give it a warm hue that is timeless. White gold is made from pure gold blended with other metals like palladium, silver, nickel, copper and zinc, and generally coated with a rhodium plating to improve the durability and sparkle of the ring. However, unlike its heavier cousin, platinum, white gold rings tend to need to be replated every few years as that outer coating fades away. Aside from traditional yellow or white gold, rose gold is another option for men’s wedding bands. Made from pure gold with a touch of copper which gives it its rosy color, this ring is also made more durable by the copper, too.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel has been used for things like appliances, cutlery and even surgical tools for some time, it only recently has popped up on the scene as an option for men’s wedding bands. Since it’s not considered a “precious” metal, it is both less costly and more prone to skin irritation because it is generally mixed with other alloys like nickel. But because stainless steel is an exceptionally durable material, it makes it an excellent choice for wearing every day on your finger, especially because it is lightweight, too. That is, except when you want to take a plunge in a swimming pool as this metal does not like chlorine at all and will discolor if not removed prior to diving in.
Titanium
Like stainless steel, titanium is a more reasonably priced metal than any gold or platinum choice. Additionally, titanium is one of the toughest metals on earth and it will never rust or corrode, but the strength of the metal also makes it difficult to resize it down the road. Like stainless steel, a titanium wedding band also needs to be kept out of chlorine, bleach and ammonia as these will damage the surface.
Tungsten
Slightly more expensive than stainless steel and titanium, tungsten is a heavy-duty metal that is commonly available in a grey color, though it can be plated with other colors. When made in the form of tungsten carbide—truly the only form wedding bands will be made of—this ring will be nearly as strong as a diamond! Plus, a tungsten carbide wedding band never needs polishing, so this is an extremely maintenance-free choice.
Cobalt
Just a few steps below tungsten, titanium and stainless steel for toughness lies cobalt. This very affordable option looks a lot like white gold and platinum but is much harder, and therefore, much less malleable. While it will retain its shape through eternity like your love for your partner, this metal is known for retaining scratches as well so you should exercise caution with heavy-duty work while wearing it.
Tantalum
A rare metal similar to other alternative metals for its strength, tantalum is a relative newcomer to the wedding band scene. This shiny, silvery metal has been used for years in electronics due to its resistance to corroding. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, and you can engrave a special message to your loved one on a tantalum ring, making it an affordable, customizable option.
Meteorite
Want a men’s wedding band that’s truly out of this world? Then look no further than getting one made from meteorite! Meteorite wedding bands are literally made from chunks of a meteor or asteroid that fell to the earth and was recovered, making these bands pretty rare. But despite its rarity, the price for meteorite rings is not astronomical, as the materials are generally embedded into either a precious or alternative metal. Because meteorites do contain a substantial portion of iron, however, they will be prone to rust. Be sure to work with a reputable jeweler, though, as many fake meteorite rings are sold online. Two ways to check authenticity are to check if it’s magnetic and ask for a certificate of authenticity as to which meteorite provided the metal for your ring (and you’ll also have a great story to tell for the rest of your life!).
Silver
Silver has a bright, shiny appearance that many people are familiar with from costume jewelry. A softer, more malleable metal, silver is a very affordable choice for those without a precious metal budget. But due to its soft nature, silver can also scratch and dent quite easily, too. Most wedding bands will be made of sterling silver and contain copper, which makes it susceptible to oxidation or tarnishing. This tarnishing is easily removed with a silver cloth, however.
Wood
Want a wedding band that’s solid as...an oak tree? A wood wedding band is composed of wood plus another metal and crafted from things like oak trees, bourbon and whiskey barrels and even Koa tree wood from Hawaii. Although sealed, you will need to be careful with cleaning agents and saltwater, and should try to keep them dry as much as possible. Inexpensive and certainly hypoallergenic, wood wedding bands are a smart choice for someone looking for a non-traditional, eco-friendly solution.
Silicone
For those who are active or work in an industry where metal rings could become a safety hazard, silicone rings have become a favorite alternative. Basically, silicone is a synthetic rubber that is extremely flexible and comes in a variety of colors. Sometimes a silicone wedding band is purchased as a primary wedding ring for men and sometimes it is a backup ring for another, more expensive ring. Because of their inexpensive price point, you can purchase one as a primary ring and save tons of money, or perhaps buy many of them in a variety of colors instead of a primary ring and give yourself many options to wear in the future. These rings are extremely comfortable to wear and never need any maintenance.
Two-tone
While two-toned jewelry—jewelry that combines two different-colored metals together—became popular in the 1980s, it is always an option today for those who just can’t pick a favorite. Two-toned jewelry entered the market primarily as a combination of silver and gold, but with all the new varieties of metal available today, two-toned jewelry can really be a combination of just about any two metals. Contrasting metals make for a custom wedding band that makes a statement.
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is known for its strength and lightweight properties and is used in some high-tech industries. Some describe it as “stronger than steel” and “lighter than aluminum.” As black rings for men have grown in popularity, so has the need for alternative metals from which to make them. Carbon fiber is a great alternative for those looking for a black metal that is durable and hypoallergenic. However, because it does conduct electricity, this is not the choice for electricians or others who work in similar professions.
Men’s Wedding Band Finishes
Whew! Now that you’ve navigated all the various metals, materials and styles available, it’s time to consider how to choose your favorite finish. From barely-there finishes to glitz-and-glamour finishes, wedding band finishes are a detail not to be overlooked.
Satin Finish
The smoothest, most-understated finish of them all, a satin finish does not reflect light and therefore is not as “blingy” as a high-polish finish.
Matte Finish
Just like in photography, matte finishes provide an understated, low gloss look. While not smooth, a matte finish has a slight bit of texture that can help hide potential scratching that may occur on the ring, so choose this if your metal lends itself to scratches.
Brushed Finish
Moving up the texture but not brightness scale, a brushed finish is like a satin finish except that it will appear to have a painter-like, brush-stroke pattern on it. Brushed finished wedding bands can feel just like you’re wearing a real piece of art!
Sand-blasted Finish
Sand-blasted finishes appear rough and unfinished, in a sophisticated sort of way. They appear grainy and frosted at the same time. Think of the look of sandpaper and you’ve got the look of this finish!
Hammered Finish
Hammered jewelry has been popular for some time. Jewelers use a customized hammer to pound and imprint certain patterns onto metal to cr eate an interesting, non-smooth finish. Hammered rings are available in both low-shine and high-shine options.
High-Polish Finishes
High-polish finishes are the most popular finish for men’s wedding bands. High-polish wedding bands reflect the most light of all the finish options.
Other Designs
With so many variables in selecting your men’s wedding band, it’s hard to believe there are more options, but there are! Check out these up-and-comers for unique options to consider as well.
Milgrain
Milgrain refers to a customized engraving of small peaks and valleys on a ring. It gives the wedding band a unique, “bumpy” look, sort of like what you might see on a fancy picture or mirror frame. Milgrain engraving gives a wedding band an old-time era look and feel. While some feel it gives wedding bands a more feminine look, some says it’s just plain fancy and looks good for both men and women!
Celtic
Whether you have a Celtic ancestry or not, Celtic rings have grown in popularity due to their timeless symbolism. Celtic infinity rings are the most popular as their woven appearance represents a love that has no beginning or end. The interwoven nature of the design also represents two lives that have come together in unity. Some Celtic rings, however, like the Claddagh, the Trinity Knot and the Celtic knot, represent a bond that will last forever thanks to its entwined, knotty symbolism.
Engraving Details
Engraving your wedding band with a special message just for the two of you is the best way to customize your ring. Most jewelers can accommodate 15 to 30 characters and don’t charge an exorbitant amount to have it done. Consider having the date you met, the date you’ll be married, or any promise of a lifetime engraved on the back, including “I love you,” “forever yours,” or any other short phrase of commitment.
Fit and Sizing
You’ve made it through selecting the perfect men’s wedding band. Congratulations! Now it’s time to get it to fit perfectly and snugly (but not too tight!) on your finger. Most jewelers will guide you to wearing a ring that slides on somewhat easily but requires just a little push to get over your knuckles. That way you know the ring will not fall off easily.
Two ways to get fitted for a ring are to use our printable ring sizer, or to visit your favorite local jewelry store to get your ring sized by a professional.
Last, but definitely not least!
With all the work you’ve gone through to select the perfect men’s wedding band, it’s time to insure one of your most valued possessions. We provide all types of jewelry insurance, protecting your ring from loss, theft, damage and disappearance! Check your rate online today.
