Unisex Wedding Bands: Style Guide

Unisex wedding bands are a modern take on wedding rings, with many couples choosing to wear whatever makes them feel their best. There is a wide range of options available, from simple styles to more intricate designs, and in a variety of metals such as gold, platinum, titanium and stainless steel. Couples can also choose to have their bands customised with engravings or unique gemstones. Unisex wedding bands can be found at various price points and ring sizes, with many jewellers now offering these options.

Metal options: gold, platinum, titanium, stainless steel

When it comes to choosing a metal for your wedding band, there are several options available, including gold, platinum, titanium, and stainless steel. Here are some key considerations about these metal options to help you make an informed decision:

Gold:

Gold is a traditional and classic choice for wedding bands and is available in various colours such as white, yellow, and rose gold. While white gold has a bright, shiny light colour due to its plating, yellow gold is a softer metal and has been a popular choice for rings throughout history. Rose gold, on the other hand, is reinforced with alloys that give it additional strength and a unique blush hue. Gold is a good option if you want a timeless and elegant look for your wedding band.

Platinum:

Platinum is one of the most hypoallergenic metals available, making it ideal for individuals with metal allergies or sensitive skin. It is also known for its silky and shiny appearance, adding a touch of bling to your wedding band. Platinum is typically around 95% pure, with only 5% other alloys, giving it a delicate appearance while still supporting intricate designs. Keep in mind that platinum is denser than gold, resulting in a heavier feel.

Titanium:

Titanium is an extremely strong and durable metal that is perfect for those who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands. It is scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. Titanium has a medium black or grey appearance and is also the lightest among these metal options, ensuring a comfortable feel on your finger.

Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is an affordable option, often costing less than $100 for a wedding band. It has a steely grey base colour and is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. Stainless steel is scratch-resistant, although not as much as tungsten, and can be polished to maintain its pristine appearance. It has a medium weight, so it feels substantial without being too heavy.

Gemstones: diamonds, jade, ancient symbols

When it comes to gemstones, diamonds, jade, and ancient symbols, there are several options for unisex wedding bands.

Diamonds are a classic choice for wedding bands, symbolising commitment, love, and devotion. They have been popular in wedding rings since the late 1300s or early 1400s, and their popularity was further boosted by De Beers' marketing campaigns in the 1940s and 1950s. Diamond wedding bands can be found in a variety of styles, from classic to modern designs. For example, the Jennifer Fisher Skinny Flat Chain Link Wedding Ring features pavé white diamonds, while the Miansai Geo Signet Diamond ring offers a more subtle diamond setting.

Jade, a decorative stone with cultural significance in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, is another option for unisex wedding bands. It comes in a variety of colours, including green, white, lavender, yellow, orange, brown, and black. Jade is believed to symbolise purity, harmony, and protection in various cultures. When choosing a jade wedding band, consider the type of jade, such as Type A, B, or C, which differs in treatment and transparency. Etsy offers a wide range of jade wedding bands, including natural jade options and those with gold or silver accents.

Ancient symbols can also be incorporated into unisex wedding bands. For instance, the Foundrae Bold Polished Bookend Band features an ouroboros, an ancient symbol depicting a snake eating its tail, which represents unity and wholeness. The Catbird Pas De Deux Ring is inspired by ancient Roman wedding traditions, featuring clasped hands symbolic of a covenant.

When selecting a gemstone wedding band, consider the metal type, such as gold, platinum, or titanium, and whether you prefer a simple or more intricate design. Customisation options, such as engravings or adjustments to the band's width, can also add a personal touch to your unisex wedding band.

Width: 2mm-9mm

When it comes to choosing a unisex wedding band, the width of the band is an important consideration. A typical range for a unisex band falls between 2mm and 9mm, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences and hand sizes.

For a delicate and subtle look, narrower bands in the 2mm to 3mm range are ideal. These slim bands provide a minimalist aesthetic and are often preferred by those with smaller hands or fingers. They can also be stacked with other rings, offering versatility and a unique personal touch.

Moving up to the middle range of 4mm to 6mm, these widths offer a more balanced and versatile option. Bands within this range tend to suit most hand sizes and can be tailored to individual preferences. A 4mm band, for example, provides a sleek and refined look, while a 6mm band offers a bolder statement without being overly prominent. This mid-range width is often a popular choice as it strikes a perfect balance between subtlety and presence.

If you prefer a more substantial and noticeable band, widths of 7mm to 9mm are ideal. These wider bands make a bold statement and are particularly well-suited to those with larger hands or fingers. They provide a robust and assertive look, often chosen by those who want their wedding band to be a prominent feature.

Ultimately, the width you choose should align with your personal style and comfort. Consider trying on bands of different widths to get a sense of how they feel and appear on your hand. This will help you determine the perfect width that reflects your individuality and complements your partner's band choice.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to width preferences, as personal taste and comfort vary from person to person.

Style: classic, modern, edgy, antique

When it comes to classic styles, there are several options to choose from. Brilliant Earth's Mobius Wedding Ring is a modern take on the classic gold band, hand-cast from 18K yellow gold and available in platinum, 18K silver, and 14K rose gold. Another option is the Vendome Louis Cartier Wedding Band, which combines 18K yellow, rose, and white gold in a sleek, modern design. For a more traditional look, the Ceremony ROWAN II Wedding Band features a flat edge curve and is made from recycled metals.

Moving on to modern styles, the Kloto Form Ring is an innovative, architectural design handcrafted in 18K yellow gold. The Eva Fehren Lozenge Signet Ring is another modern option, featuring a unique diamond gemstone in a thick setting. The Fernando Jorge Sync Ring offers a genderless design inspired by the '70s aesthetic.

If you're looking for something edgier, the Marrow Til Death Black Enamel Band is a celebrity favourite, featuring an edgy message and available in various widths. The Renisis Sting Ray Ring is also a bold choice, encrusted with pave diamonds and black jade.

For those who prefer antique styles, the Catbird Pas De Deux Ring is inspired by ancient Roman wedding traditions. It features clasped hands, symbolic of a covenant, and is crafted using ancient metal-forming techniques. The Anita Ko Braided Ring is another option that will stand the test of time, available in gently braided white, yellow, or rose gold.

Price: $30-$5,550

When it comes to finding the perfect unisex wedding band, there are a plethora of options available, especially in the price range of $30 to $5,550. This budget-friendly to mid-range price point offers a wide array of styles, materials, and designs to choose from, ensuring that you can find a ring that symbolizes your love and commitment while also suiting your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer simple and classic designs or something more unique and contemporary, this price range has something for everyone.

Starting at the lower end of the budget, in the $30 to $100 range, you can find simple yet elegant bands made from sterling silver, stainless steel, or titanium. These metals offer a cost-effective option without compromising on style or durability. For example, a slim titanium band with a brushed finish exudes a modern aesthetic and is perfect for those who want a lightweight, hypoallergenic ring. Alternatively, a sterling silver band with a high polish finish is a classic choice that can be engraved for a more personalized touch.

If you're willing to spend a little more, the $100 to $500 price range opens up a world of possibilities, including more intricate designs and alternative metals. For a unique look, consider a black zirconium band with a laser-etched pattern or a cobalt chrome ring with a wood inlay for a natural, earthy feel. You'll also find a wide variety of gold-plated or gold-filled options within this price range, offering the warmth and luxury of gold at a more affordable price.

As you move towards the higher end of the budget, from $500 to $2,000, you'll discover an array of luxurious options, including bands crafted from precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. These classic choices offer a timeless appeal and are often preferred for their durability and inherent value. Within this price range, you can also explore custom-made or made-to-order rings, allowing you to personalize your wedding band with intricate engravings, unique finishes, or even the addition of small diamonds or gemstones for a touch of sparkle.

Finally, for those with a budget of up to $5,550, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for fully customized designs, incorporating multiple types of metals, intricate patterns, and even larger or higher-quality diamonds or gemstones. At this price point, you'll also find rings that showcase rare or exotic materials, such as ancient woods, meteorites, or fossils, making your wedding band truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you choose a simple, elegant band or a more elaborate design, your wedding ring will undoubtedly be a cherished symbol of your love.

Frequently asked questions