Men's Wedding Bands:
A Guide to Styles and Materials
Jan 18, 2024
When it comes to weddings, a lot of focus is placed on the bride. Questions swirl around about what she'll be wearing, her engagement and wedding band, flowers, and more..
However, when it comes down to it, the groom's attire and especially his wedding band deserves some attention as well. Selecting the ideal men's wedding band is an important choice with both practical and symbolic meaning.
A wedding band symbolizes a lifetime commitment and the union of two people, in addition to being a fashionable item. It is important to consider several elements, including comfort, design, and material while choosing a men's wedding ring.
Whether it's classic gold, contemporary platinum, or a more non-traditional choice, the material selection and design should resonate with the groom, blending with his personality and way of life.
Furthermore, because the wedding band is intended to be worn every day, making sure it fits well is crucial. Continue reading to find out the top factors that should be considered when shopping for men's wedding bands.
Consider the Budget
Like most things, you need to consider your budget when shopping for a wedding band. The good news is that you can find wedding bands that fit every budget, depending on the style, metal, and finish you select.
In fact, you'll find a wide range of prices when looking at men’s wedding bands, with some starting in the $500 range while others shoot well past that.
Regardless, there are no set guidelines for how much money is appropriate to spend on a wedding band. The choice is between you and your future spouse.
Deciding on Style and Shape
You might be surprised to learn that there are almost as many shape and style choices when it comes to men's wedding bands as there are for women's rings. As more couples focus on the importance of choosing the right one for both parties involved, the number of choices will increase. You might also be wondering what the difference is between shape and style.
A ring's shape refers to its actual composition or outline. Round, oval, square, rectangular, cushion, marquise, and other shapes are common forms for rings. When seen from above, it is basically the ring's contour or outline.
Style includes the ring's overall layout as well as its decorative components. This covers specifics such as patterns, gemstone settings, engravings, and any ornamental elements. Styles can be modern, vintage, eclectic, or even traditional and timeless.
Collectively, these two factors enhance a ring's distinctiveness and customization. For men's wedding bands, the four styles detailed below are the most common.
Classic: A classic wedding band is what most people think of when thinking about a men's wedding band. It has a timeless look that is often simple in its style. It can be found in either a smooth look or a slightly rougher feel that gives it a bit of texture.
This one is a good option for men who don't like the shiny look of the smoother style, as the textured options are often more matte-looking.
Curved: Now, you might be thinking, "Aren't all rings curved?" The answer is yes, but this style has more to do with the edges. Where the classic wedding band has blunt edges, the curved wedding band is more angled or curved.
It is thought that these bands are more comfortable to wear and easier to take on and off. Other than that, curved bands are much like the classic look, offering a smooth or more textured finish.
Diamond: Diamonds aren't just a girl's best friend. They can also create a bit of luxury for men's wedding bands, giving them something extra and letting the groom's personality shine. Whether the wedding band has one singular diamond or a row, adding diamonds to a men's wedding band gives it a style that will stand the test of time.
Gemstones: In the past few years, gemstones have taken center stage when it comes to engagement rings. This is thanks, in part, to their varied meanings. They can do the same for men's wedding bands, crafting a look that is just as unique as the groom himself.
Regarding shape, you can opt for the most popular shape, which is the classic shape with rounded edges for a classic look and better comfort. However, there is also the flat shape, which gives the wedding band a more modern look.
If you're looking for a snug fit, you might look for wedding bands with a domed or D-shaped shape, while curved shapes have a continuous outer surface that provides comfort.
Another modern option when it comes to wedding bands is the knife edge. This band is flat on the inside while being pointed on the outside. The knife-edge name comes from the V-shape that is created. Finally, you can find wedding bands with a coin edge, giving the perimeter of the ring a unique look.
Wedding Band Width Options
The typical men's wedding band is 6mm wide. However, it can be wider than that, depending on your preferences. At the same time, remember that increased width also means more money in most instances. Still, you can counter this by selecting a metal that allows you to increase the width and stay within your budget.
For instance, white gold generally costs less than platinum and has a very similar appearance. At the same time, you might want to decrease the width, opting for a band that's around 4mm. This gives the band a more understated look, but it might also be more comfortable.
Wedding Band Metal Options
While style and share are important to consider, most would agree that it's the wedding band metal that makes the ring. For this reason, it's a good idea to know what some of the most common options are and how they might fit into your lifestyle.
Platinum
Platinum is considered a rare element and makes a resilient wedding band. Men's wedding bands made of platinum are built for rugged durability, which is perfect for grooms who work with their hands. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
White Gold
As mentioned above, white gold gives you the look of platinum, but it's often more budget-friendly. White gold has a shiny, modern appearance that gives it a sleek, sophisticated appearance. Thanks to its classic look, it fits many personalities, making it a popular choice.
White gold is also quite durable, as it's combined with other metals, such as palladium or nickel. Like platinum, white gold may be a good choice for someone with sensitive skin or allergies.
Yellow Gold
For centuries, yellow gold has been a popular option for wedding bands. This continues to be true today for a variety of reasons, such as its color going well with a range of skin tones and its symbolism being connected to success. Yellow gold might also hold a particular meaning or be a customary choice for wedding bands in certain cultures or families.
Rose Gold
Like the metals listed above, rose gold wedding bands come in a variety of styles. However, this unique choice gives the groom a modern and distinctive look that stands out from the rest. Some grooms are drawn to the less brassy and more coppery look of rose gold, which gives it more warmth.
Its warm undertones also go well with a wide range of skin tones, making it a flexible option for many grooms. Its copper content is also what makes it a viable option for men who work with their hands. Much like platinum, it's durable and resistant to scratching, making it a great investment in both style and durability.
Choosing a Finish
In the past, men's wedding bands have typically had a high-polish finish. However, you can also opt for a satin finish, which gives the ring a more subdued appearance with minimal reflective qualities.
Going one step further, you can also look for a wedding band with a matte finish. It's important to note that wedding bands with a matte finish hide surface scratches or abrasions from regular wear better than a high-polish finish..
You can find a brushed finish in between satin and matte. These wedding bands have a slightly textured appearance that mimics brush strokes, yet they still look comparable to satin finishes. Finally, you might also see a combination of these finishes. Blended bands give you the chance to mix your favorite finish for a one-of-a-kind look.
Maintaining Your Wedding Band
Regardless of which style, shape, metal, or finish you choose, it's crucial to know how to maintain your wedding band so that it looks its best for years to come. For the most part, avoid strong chemicals such as home cleansers and chlorine that can cause corrosion.
You should also take off your wedding band before engaging in any activity that could cause surface scratches, like cleaning or exercising.
Also, when you're not wearing it, keep it in a soft, dry place, like a jewelry case with a fabric lining. When you do clean it, steer clear of rigorous metals and simply use a little soap and water.
When shopping, consult with the sales team for extra pointers on how to maintain your wedding band best.
Find the Wedding Band That Fits Your Needs and Personality
There are more choices than ever when it comes to men's wedding bands, so take your time and find the one that fits you best. Once you've determined your budget, you can tackle the other factors with ease by using this guide.