Choosing His Perfect Wedding Band

Choosing a man's wedding band can be a daunting task, especially if he has never worn a ring before. However, with the right approach, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. The first decision to make is whether to match the partner's ring or not. Traditionally, wedding bands for the couple matched as a symbol of unity and partnership, but nowadays, it is entirely up to the couple's preference.

The next step is to choose the right material. The most popular choices include white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, and stainless steel. Alternative metals like tungsten and zirconium are also gaining popularity. The choice of material depends on factors such as durability, ease of resizing, cost, and potential allergies.

The width of the band is another important consideration. Most men's wedding bands range from 4mm to 8mm in width, with wider bands typically costing more. The right width depends on the man's finger size and personal preference.

Finally, the style and finish of the ring should be selected. Popular styles include the classic court, D-shape, flat, and flat court, while finishes can be high polish, matte, combination, or hammered. Engravings or custom designs can add a unique and personalised touch to the band.

With a clear understanding of these key factors, men can confidently navigate the process of choosing their perfect wedding band.

Matching rings: Do you want to match your partner's ring or express your personal style?

Matching wedding bands symbolise the unity of marriage, with identical styles showcasing the couple as two halves of a whole. While this is a popular tradition, it is not the only option. Couples may prefer to express their individuality and personal style through their choice of wedding band.

Matching bands can be a simpler option for couples who want to avoid the stress of choosing from a wide range of designs and materials. They can also be a more budget-friendly option, especially if one partner has already purchased an expensive engagement ring. Simple wedding bands are often the most affordable choice.

However, non-matching bands are equally meaningful. Couples can opt for complementary designs, such as using the same material or gemstone in different ways, or engraving the same words on the inside of each band. Couples may also choose contrasting designs that showcase their individuality, such as using opposing metals like white gold and yellow gold, or black ceramic and white platinum.

Ultimately, the choice to match or not to match wedding bands is a personal one and depends on the preferences of each couple.

Ring materials: Choose from metals like gold, platinum, titanium, or unique materials like wood, meteorite, or silicone

When it comes to wedding rings, there is a wide range of styles and materials to choose from. While gold was the most common type of groom's band, nowadays there are many metal and material options to consider.

Gold (yellow, white, rose) is the most traditional option and has been the go-to choice for many decades. It can be resized more easily than other materials since it’s a “soft” metal, but this also means it scratches somewhat easily. The price of gold usually remains high, unless the ring is gold-plated or has a lower carat.

Silver is another classic option, though it’s not as common anymore. Like gold, silver is a soft material that will show its age after a decade or two. It is, however, cheaper than other precious metals. Most of the silver-coloured rings available today are actually made of white gold or a hard metal.

Platinum is the most expensive of the classic metals but it is super durable and likely to last a lifetime. It also has a nice natural shine.

In addition to the classic precious metals, there are also modern metals like tungsten and titanium, as well as more unique materials like wood, meteorite, and even antler or dinosaur bone. Rings made with silicone are also growing in popularity.

Titanium is the hardest natural metal available, which makes it hard to resize. It’s mostly scratch-resistant and quite lightweight, and more affordable than precious metals.

Tungsten is the hardest and most durable material for rings. This man-made metal is silver in colour and pretty much unbreakable. It is denser than other metals, making it feel a little heavier.

Wood might seem like a strange choice for a wedding ring, but wooden rings are available and can be very durable. Most wooden rings are not made entirely of wood; instead, just the inlay is made of wood, which is then protected by more durable materials on the outside or interior of the ring.

Meteorite rings are made using billion-year-old Gibeon meteorite. Its high nickel content makes it exceptionally durable and resistant to corrosion, and its distinctive patterns add a unique design element.

Silicone rings are a more recent, rubber-like option that is growing in popularity. They are incredibly affordable, replaceable, and comfortable, and are becoming more and more stylish.

Ring width: Select a slim, medium, or wide ring based on your finger size and personal preference

When it comes to choosing a wedding band, there are endless options for men to browse. One of the most important factors to consider is the width of the band.

The width of your wedding band will directly affect how comfortable it is on your finger. The modern look for men’s wedding bands is 6-8mm. A more traditional width is around 4mm.

The width of the band should be chosen based on your finger size and personal preference. If you have small-ish hands, an 8mm band might be too big and stick out a little too much. On the other hand, a small 4mm ring can look out of place on a man with larger hands and fingers. A wider ring is a bolder choice and is inherently a little more noticeable. A thinner ring is more understated and blends in rather than standing out.

Narrow bands, which are approximately 2mm to 6mm in width, are recommended for men with ring sizes under 9, more slender fingers, or those who have never worn a ring before. Wider bands, which are 7mm or over, are better suited to men with larger hands, broader body types, and those who are used to wearing rings. Wider bands can also be a good choice for those who want their wedding band to stand out.

The perfect width for your wedding band is ultimately a matter of personal preference. It is important to try on different band widths to find the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option for you.

Ring comfort: Consider a comfort-fit or flat ring for comfort and ease of wearing

Wedding bands for men come in two types of fits: standard and comfort. Standard fit rings have a flatter interior and fit snugly around the finger, flush against the skin. Comfort-fit rings, on the other hand, have a curved interior, making them easier to slip on and off the finger. This curvature also gives the finger some room to breathe, making the ring more comfortable to wear. The extra space also means less dirt and bacteria get trapped under the ring, reducing the risk of skin irritation.

The standard fit might seem like the most common option, but comfort-fit rings are often the most popular choice for wedding bands. Comfort-fit rings are especially recommended for men with an active lifestyle or those who work with their hands, as they leave more room to move over the knuckles and will still fit even if the fingers are swollen.

The main downside of comfort-fit rings is that they require more material to make, so they can be a bit more pricey, especially if made with precious metals like silver or gold. Comfort-fit rings are also harder to resize and may not be available in certain materials or ring widths.

When choosing between a standard or comfort-fit ring, it is important to try on different rings to determine your personal preference. Ultimately, you want a ring that looks good and fits comfortably, as you will be wearing it for the rest of your life.

Ring maintenance: Decide how often you'll wear your ring and choose a material that suits your lifestyle

Wedding band maintenance is a combination of damage prevention and appropriate cleaning techniques. The specific properties of your wedding band may even drive your buying decision, as some wedding bands may be more suited to your lifestyle than others. For example, if you spend a lot of time lifting heavy weights or working with tools, you might want a more durable ring.

If you plan to wear your ring daily, it's worth considering a material that is easy to care for and resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and water damage. Tungsten, for instance, is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to scratches, oxidation, rust, and water. Silicone is another option that is flexible, comfortable, safe, and wear-resistant. It is also waterproof and requires no polishing, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.

If you're looking for a more traditional metal, titanium is lightweight, strong, and tarnish-resistant. It can be washed with soap and water and polished with a soft cloth or cream metal polish to restore its shine. Gold, on the other hand, is soft and sensitive to chemicals, so it may scratch more easily and requires gentle cleaning.

For those who want a unique look, wooden inlay rings offer a range of customisation options. However, they require more care as they are not waterproof and should be avoided when in prolonged contact with water.

To summarise, when deciding on your wedding band, consider your lifestyle and how often you'll wear it. Choose a material that suits your daily activities and requires a level of maintenance that you're comfortable with.

Frequently asked questions