Men's Wedding Bands: Self-Selection Style

Men do choose their own wedding bands, and they have since wedding bands for men became popular in the 1940s. While tradition holds that each person pays for the other person's ring, modern couples often split the cost of their wedding rings or pay for their own. Nowadays, there are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys the wedding bands.

Men's wedding band styles

When it comes to men's wedding band styles, there are a variety of options available that allow for personal expression and comfort. Here are some popular styles:

Classic Gold Bands

Yellow gold wedding bands have stood the test of time and are a classic choice for men's wedding bands. White gold, which has a bright white finish, offers a sleek and modern look. Rose gold, made from an alloy with 40% copper, is bold and vibrant, making a statement with its distinctive colour.

Alternative Metal Bands

Alternative metal wedding bands, such as titanium, meteorite, tantalum, and tungsten, have become increasingly popular. These metals offer grooms a way to express their personal aesthetic and are known for their unique properties. For example, titanium is lightweight and strong, while tungsten is scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic.

Diamond Bands

Men's diamond wedding bands feature continuous lines of diamonds or accent stones set within the band. Black diamonds can also be used for a dramatic and masculine look.

Gemstone Bands

Gemstone wedding bands, such as those featuring sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or tourmalines, add an eye-catching and distinctive flair.

Brushed or Matte Finish

A brushed or matte finish is a popular alternative to the traditional reflective high polish. It gives the ring a smooth, shiny look without being too flashy.

Hammered Finish

A hammered finish creates a textural style with soft indentations, resulting in a unique, handcrafted appearance.

Engravings

Adding engravings to the inside of a wedding band is a sentimental way to personalise the ring. Engravings can include quotes, initials, or dates that hold special meaning for the couple.

Dome, Flat, or Concave Shapes

The structure of the band can vary, with dome shapes offering a rounded appearance, flat shapes having straight edges, and concave shapes curving inward.

When choosing a men's wedding band, it's important to consider factors such as width, metal type, finish, structure, and any additional details or engravings to create a unique and meaningful ring.

Who buys the wedding band?

Wedding band traditions have evolved over time, and there are no hard-and-fast rules about who pays for the bands. While traditionally, the bride (or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, and the groom (or his family) buys the bride's, nowadays, couples make this decision themselves. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for their wedding together. Others stick to tradition.

In some cases, each person pays for the other's ring, while in others, couples decide to buy their own rings independently. It's also possible for one person to buy the engagement ring and the other to pay for both wedding bands, or for one person to buy both wedding bands if there is a significant financial disparity between the couple.

The most important thing is that the couple discusses their expectations and comes to a mutual agreement.

Metal options

When it comes to choosing a metal for a wedding band, there are many options available. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Gold

Gold is the traditional option and is available in several finishes, including white, yellow, and rose gold. Higher-karat golds tend to have more luster and are more tarnish-resistant. Gold is also relatively easy to resize. However, gold scratches easily and may not be the best choice for those who work with their hands. Yellow gold is a classic choice that pairs well with both vintage and modern settings, especially for those with darker or olive skin tones. White gold has a contemporary look that complements fair and rosy skin tones, while rose gold has a soft pink color that looks warm and romantic.

Platinum

Platinum is stronger and heavier than gold, and it is hypoallergenic. Its white finish won't tarnish, so it will last a long time. However, it is one of the most expensive metals, often twice as much as gold.

Palladium

Palladium is similar in appearance to platinum but is less expensive and lighter in weight. It is also harder than gold and platinum. Palladium is another hypoallergenic metal that doesn't tarnish. However, it is quite rare, so there may not be as many style options available compared to gold or platinum. Palladium also scratches more easily than other metals.

Titanium

Titanium is the hardest natural metal and is available in several finishes. It is scratch-resistant and tarnish-resistant, making it ideal for those who work with their hands. It is also lightweight and affordable. However, titanium is one of the most difficult metals to resize.

Tungsten

Tungsten is harder and stronger than titanium and highly scratch-resistant. It has a high luster and is extremely tarnish-resistant. It is another good option for those who work with their hands. However, tungsten is impossible to resize and heavier than titanium, which may be less comfortable. It is also brittle and can break if dropped.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is becoming a popular metal for jewelry. It is tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It is also affordable and environmentally friendly to produce. However, it is a relatively new metal for wedding bands, so style options are limited. It is difficult to resize, and chlorine can easily damage it, so it is not suitable for swimmers.

Cobalt

Cobalt is similar in appearance to white gold but is more durable and less expensive. It is highly reflective and lustrous. However, cobalt is a newer metal, so there are not many styles available. It is difficult to resize and cut, and it may cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to nickel.

Silver

Silver is one of the most well-known and affordable metals for wedding bands. However, it requires regular polishing and cleaning as it starts to tarnish and scratch over time.

Width options

When it comes to men's wedding bands, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The width of the band can vary by a few millimetres, and the right choice depends on individual preferences and comfort. Here is a guide to help you understand the different width options available:

Narrow Wedding Bands

Narrow wedding bands typically refer to rings with a width of approximately 2mm to 6mm. These bands are recommended for men with ring sizes under 9, slender fingers, or those who have never worn a ring before. Narrow bands are often more comfortable and easier to get used to, as they provide more finger movement. They also tend to be less expensive than wider bands due to the smaller quantity of precious metal used.

Average-Sized Wedding Bands

The average width size for men's wedding bands is generally considered to be 6mm, making it a popular choice for most grooms. This width offers a nice visual statement without being too flashy and tends to look good on hands of all sizes. It is a safe choice if you are unsure about which width to select.

Wide Wedding Bands

Wide wedding bands are typically 7mm or wider. These bands are recommended for men with larger hands and ring sizes over 9. They tend to be more expensive due to the larger quantity of precious metal used. Wide bands are ideal for those who want their wedding band to stand out and make a bold statement. Keep in mind that wider bands may feel tighter on your finger, so it is important to consider sizing when opting for a wider band.

Ultimately, the perfect width for a men's wedding band is a matter of personal preference. It is important to try on different band widths to determine which option feels most comfortable and suits your style. Remember, your wedding band is a lifelong accessory, so take the time to choose the right width for you.

Ring finishes

Wedding ring finishes are an important part of the ring's overall appearance and can say a lot about the wearer's style and personality. The finish of a wedding ring refers to the final surface treatment or texture applied to the metal, altering its appearance with decorative effects. Here are some popular ring finish options:

Polished Finish

The polished finish is the classic, traditional option that comes to mind when thinking about wedding rings. It has a glossy, highly reflective surface, creating a smooth and shiny appearance. While it pairs beautifully with the sparkle of stones, it is more prone to showing scratches and dirt.

Satin Finish

The satin finish is a top choice for couples who prefer a matte look. This finish is created by using a fine-grain metal brush wheel to grind a textured pattern onto the ring, resulting in a subtle shine. Satin is a more durable option that is less likely to show scratches, making it ideal for daily wear.

Brushed Finish

The brushed finish is similar to the satin finish but uses a coarser grain on the wire brush, resulting in a more distinctive texture. This finish is excellent at hiding scratches and smudges, although regular cleaning is still recommended.

Hammered Finish

The hammered finish is a unique and eye-catching choice. It is created by striking the ring with a special hammer, producing a dimpled effect that is never exactly the same on any two rings. Hammered finishes add a rustic, artisanal look and are great at concealing scratches.

Combination Finish

A combination finish blends two or more finishes on a single ring, such as combining a shiny finish with a matte or satin finish. This creates a unique, striking pattern and allows for endless customisation options.

Machine-Patterned Finish

Machine-patterned finishes use precision machinery and advanced manufacturing methods, such as laser engraving or CNC machining, to create intricate and detailed designs on the ring's surface. This finish offers a modern, distinctive aesthetic with consistent and intricate detailing.

Hand-Engraved Finish

Hand-engraved finishes add a timeless, personal touch to a wedding ring. Skilled artisans create bespoke designs, patterns, initials, or symbols, making each ring a one-of-a-kind expression of love. This finish combines craftsmanship with sentiment, resulting in a unique and individual piece.

Frequently asked questions