Mends Wedding Band: A Review

There are a variety of options available for men's wedding bands, ranging from classic designs to more unique and fun styles. The most popular metals for men's wedding bands are gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, titanium and silver. Each metal has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the right one depends on the wearer's personality and lifestyle. For instance, platinum is one of the most popular choices for its durability and scratch resistance, while tungsten is a good option for those who work with their hands as it is highly scratch-resistant. In addition to the type of metal, other factors to consider when choosing a wedding band include width, finish, structure, and detailing.

Metals and materials

When it comes to metals and materials for men's wedding bands, there is a wide range of options available, each with its own unique look and feel. The choice of metal will not only impact the ring's appearance but also its durability, comfort, and price. Here are some of the most popular options:

Gold

Gold is the traditional choice for wedding bands and is available in various finishes, including white, yellow, and rose gold. It is associated with luxury and elegance, making it a popular option for those seeking a sophisticated and classic look. Higher karat golds tend to have more luster and are more resistant to tarnishing. Gold is also relatively easy to resize. However, gold is softer compared to other metals and may require regular maintenance due to its tendency to scratch easily.

Platinum

Platinum is a popular choice for men's wedding bands due to its strength, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. It has a white finish that won't tarnish, scratch, or corrode, ensuring that it will last a lifetime. Platinum is also denser than gold, giving it a heavier feel. However, it is more expensive than gold, often twice as much.

Palladium

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

Titanium

Titanium is the hardest natural metal and is known for its strength and scratch resistance. It is available in several finishes and is ideal for those who work with their hands or are new to wearing jewelry due to its lightweight and comfortable fit. Titanium is also more affordable than gold or platinum due to its lower density. However, it is challenging to resize.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a man-made metal that is even harder and stronger than titanium. It has a high luster, is extremely scratch-resistant, and is tarnish-resistant. It is a great choice for those seeking a durable and modern-looking wedding band. However, tungsten is impossible to resize, heavier than titanium, and can break if dropped.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a newer metal in the world of wedding bands but is gaining popularity due to its affordability, durability, and lightweight properties. It is tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic. However, style options are limited, and it is challenging to resize. Stainless steel is not suitable for swimmers as chlorine can damage it.

Cobalt

Cobalt is a good choice for those who want the look of white gold but desire a more durable and affordable option. It is hard and lightweight, and it doesn't need replating like white gold. However, style options are limited, and it is difficult to resize or cut off in an emergency. Cobalt may also cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to nickel.

Ceramic

Ceramic is not a metal but is becoming a popular choice for wedding bands. It offers a unique look and various color options. Ceramic rings are scratch-resistant, lightweight, and affordable. However, they can break if dropped and cannot be resized.

In addition to these metals, mixed metal wedding bands are also gaining popularity. By combining different metals like gold, platinum, or sterling silver, men can achieve a dynamic and distinctive look.

Width

When it comes to men's wedding bands, width is an important consideration. The width of the band can impact both the comfort and the overall look of the ring.

On average, men's wedding bands are about 8 millimetres wide, or roughly the width of four stacked nickels. However, they can range from 2 millimetres to 10 millimetres. Wider bands tend to be more comfortable for men with larger hands or those who work with their hands, while thinner bands (1.5 mm-3 mm) are better suited for men with smaller hands and thinner fingers.

For those who are not used to wearing a ring, a thinner band may be the best option. Ultimately, the width of the band comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable.

It's worth noting that wider rings tend to be more expensive due to the larger quantity of precious metal required. However, you can balance size and price by choosing a metal that fits within your budget. For example, white gold is a more affordable alternative to platinum, offering a similar look at a lower cost.

Shape

The shape of a man's wedding band is an important consideration when choosing the perfect ring. While all men's wedding bands are circular, there are a few different structural options to choose from. Here are some of the most common shapes:

• Dome: Also known as a D-shape, this structure gives the band a rounded appearance on the surface and edges, which some men may find more comfortable.
• Flat: A flat wedding band has no curves and straight edges, creating a simple and contemporary look.
• Concave: The opposite of the dome shape, a concave band curves inward, creating a unique and striking appearance.
• Beveled: Beveled wedding bands fall somewhere between domed and flat. They feature three facets, creating a slightly rounded edge for added comfort.
• Knife Edge: This contemporary style has a flat inside and a pointed outside edge, forming a "V" shape that points away from the finger.
• Coin Edge: This style features a grooved pattern resembling that of a coin, adding a personalised touch to the band.

In addition to these basic shapes, men's wedding bands can also come in a variety of widths, ranging from 2mm to 10mm. The average width is about 8mm, or the width of four nickels stacked on top of each other. Thicker bands tend to be more comfortable for men with larger hands, while thinner bands may be preferred by those with smaller hands or those who are not used to wearing a ring. Ultimately, the width and shape of the band come down to personal preference and what feels best for the wearer.

Finish

When it comes to finishes, there are several options for men's wedding bands. The finish you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of metal you select for the band. Here are some of the most common finishes:

High Polish

A high polish finish is the most popular choice for wedding bands. It gives the ring a reflective, shiny surface, creating a striking and attractive look. However, some polished metals, such as white gold, can be prone to scratching.

Matte

A matte finish is a flat look that is not shiny or reflective. It gives off a subtle and understated look.

Satin

A satin finish is similar to a high polish finish in that it gives the ring a smooth and shiny appearance. However, it does not reflect light, reducing the flashiness of the ring for those who prefer a more discreet look.

Brush/Cross Satin

The brush or cross satin finish has a textured look that resembles brush strokes. It is not shiny, but it adds a unique touch to the ring.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a technique that uses an abrasive material to create a "rough" look on the ring. This finish has absolutely no shine or reflection.

Brushed

A brushed finish is created with an actual metal brush tool, resulting in uniform and subtle lines. It gives the ring a matte or satin finish with a slightly textured look.

Hammered

The hammered finish is created using a special type of hammer to form soft indentations on the surface of the ring. This style adds a highly textured look to the band.

In addition to these standard finishes, some jewellers offer custom finishes or combinations of finishes to create a unique and stylized look. When choosing a finish, consider the overall style and metal of the ring, as well as your personal preference for shine and texture.

Diamonds and gemstones

Men's wedding bands are available in a variety of metals, including classic choices such as gold, platinum, and palladium, as well as more contemporary options like tungsten, cobalt, tantalum, and titanium. These bands can be adorned with diamonds or gemstones, adding a touch of glamour to the design.

When it comes to diamonds, there are several options to choose from. Round-cut, princess-cut, and baguette-cut diamonds are popular choices for men's wedding bands. The type of cut you choose will depend on your personal preference and budget. In addition to the cut, you can also consider factors such as diamond colour, clarity, and carat weight to find the perfect balance between quality and price. If you want a more subtle look, opt for a band with small, channel-set diamonds. For a bolder statement, choose a band with a larger centre stone.

Black diamonds offer a unique and masculine alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. These diamonds have the same chemical composition as their colorless counterparts but contain inclusions that create their distinctive black colour. Black diamond wedding bands are an elegant choice for grooms who want something different.

Gemstones also provide an array of options for men's wedding bands. Sapphires are a popular choice, offering a rich and vibrant colour contrast to the metal band. Other gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, opals, and alexandrites can also be used, allowing grooms to incorporate their favourite colours or birthstones into their wedding jewellery.

The combination of diamonds and gemstones with different metals creates a diverse range of styles. For a modern look, consider a black diamond wedding band in a scratch-resistant Elysium metal, which is forged from crushed diamonds. Alternatively, tungsten wedding bands offer durability and come in various hues, from gunmetal grey to white. Gold, whether yellow or white, is a classic choice that exudes elegance and sophistication. Platinum and palladium, with their sleek silver hue, are also popular options for men's wedding bands featuring diamonds or gemstones.

Whether you prefer the sparkle of diamonds or the vibrant colours of gemstones, there are endless possibilities to design a men's wedding band that reflects your unique style and personality. From subtle channel-set diamonds to bold centre stones, and from traditional gold bands to contemporary Elysium or tungsten, the options are limitless.

Frequently asked questions