Mens Wedding Bands: Picking The Right Color

Choosing a wedding band is an important decision for any groom-to-be. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. The first step is to determine your ring size, as this will narrow down your choices. There are plenty of free and easy ways to do this, such as using an online tool or ordering a free ring sizer. It's also important to measure your finger when you're neither too hot nor too cold, as temperature can affect the size of your fingers.

Once you know your size, you can start thinking about the style of ring you want. Do you want something classic and traditional, or more unique and alternative? You might want your ring to match your partner's, or you might prefer something that contrasts with theirs. There are also different band widths to choose from, with most men opting for bands of 4mm or wider.

When it comes to choosing a metal, you'll want to consider factors such as price, maintenance, and care. Popular choices include gold (in yellow, white, or rose), platinum, titanium, tungsten, and silver. Each metal has its own unique qualities, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

Finally, don't forget to think about any engravings you might want to add to your ring to make it even more special and unique.

Matching your partner's band

Matching your partner's wedding band is a personal choice and there are no rules that dictate that wedding bands have to match. However, if you and your partner want your wedding bands to complement each other, there are several ways to achieve this.

Firstly, you can match the precious metal of your bands. Wedding bands come in various colours, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, tungsten carbide, and more. By choosing the same or complementary metals, your wedding bands will have a sense of harmony and cohesion. For example, you could both opt for yellow gold bands or one partner could choose a rose gold band to complement the other's yellow gold band.

Secondly, you can match the finish and patterns on your bands. There are many finishes and patterns available, such as a hammered look or a polished finish. You can choose to have the same finish or pattern on both bands or mix and match with rings of different metal colours, such as hammered rings in both white gold and yellow gold.

Thirdly, you can match or complement the gemstones on your bands if you choose to have them. You can opt for the same gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, or other coloured gemstones. Alternatively, you can choose a combination of gemstones that you both love, such as sapphires mixed with diamonds.

Finally, you can add a personalised engraving to your bands. Choose the same words, numbers, or symbols, such as your wedding date, names, or a favourite lyric, to be engraved on the inside or outside of your rings.

When deciding whether to match your partner's wedding band, it is important to consider comfort, wearability, and how the bands will complement any engagement rings you may have. Both partners should be involved in the decision-making process to ensure that the bands align with your personal tastes and lifestyles. Additionally, the quality of the materials and any embedded gemstones or intricate designs should be considered, as these factors can impact the price of the bands.

Skin tone

When choosing a wedding band, it's important to consider your skin tone. Skin tone can be categorised into warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Warm undertones have yellow and golden hues, cool undertones have red, pink, and bluish hues, and neutral undertones have an olive or a balanced mix of warm and cool shades.

To determine your skin tone, you can try the following methods:

• Examine the veins on your wrist in natural light. If they appear green, you have warm undertones. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If they are a mix of both colours, you have neutral undertones.
• Try on silver and yellow gold jewellery. If silver looks better, you likely have cool undertones, and if gold looks better, you probably have warm undertones. If both suit your skin, you likely have neutral undertones.
• Observe how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If you burn easily and don't tan, you probably have cool undertones. If you tan easily and rarely burn, you likely have warm undertones. If you burn and then tan, you may have neutral undertones.

Once you've determined your skin tone, you can choose a metal that complements it. For warm undertones, yellow gold, rose gold, or brass can highlight their warmth. Earth tones like rose gold, bronze, or black metals can also look great on warm skin tones. For cool undertones, metals like white gold, platinum, or silver can emphasise their coolness. For neutral undertones, any metal can work, but it's important to consider the colour of the stone in the ring. Rose gold is a neutral metal that suits everyone.

In addition to metal type, the colour of the gemstone in your wedding band can also complement your skin tone. For warm skin tones, red, orange, and yellow gemstones can enhance their warmth. Earthy tones like amber, topaz, and citrine are also good choices. Cool skin tones can be complemented by blue, purple, and green gemstones, with pink, magenta, and lavender as additional options. For neutral skin tones, any gemstone colour can work, but it should complement the metal of the ring. Popular choices include diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.

Width

When it comes to the width of a wedding band, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The width you choose will depend on your personal preference, as well as factors such as your finger size and whether you're used to wearing rings.

Wedding bands typically range from 4mm to 8mm in width for men, with 6mm being the most popular choice. Narrow bands, measuring approximately 2mm to 6mm in width, are recommended for those with ring sizes under 9, slender fingers, or those who are new to wearing rings. Wider bands, on the other hand, ranging from 7mm to 9mm, are better suited for men with larger hands or those who are used to adorning their fingers with jewellery.

It's worth noting that wider bands tend to feel snugger on the finger, so if you opt for a broader band, you may need to size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, wider bands are generally more expensive due to the increased amount of precious metal used in their crafting.

Ultimately, the width of your wedding band is a matter of personal taste and comfort. Trying on different widths at your local jeweller is the best way to determine which option suits you best.

Metal

When it comes to men's wedding bands, there are a variety of metal options available. The most popular metals include gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, titanium, and silver. Each metal has its own unique characteristics, pros, and cons, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your taste, lifestyle, and budget.

Gold is the traditional choice for wedding bands and is available in different colours such as white, yellow, and rose gold. It is measured in karats to indicate its purity, with 14K and 18K being the most common for men's wedding bands. Gold is relatively easy to resize, but it tends to scratch easily and may not be the best option for those who work with their hands.

Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is stronger and heavier than gold. It has a white finish that does not tarnish, making it extremely durable. However, it is also the most expensive metal, often twice as much as gold.

Palladium is similar to platinum in appearance but is less expensive. It is harder than gold and platinum and lighter in weight. Palladium is also hypoallergenic and does not tarnish, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. However, it is quite rare, so there may be limited style options available.

Tungsten is a precious metal known for its high resistance to scratches, making it ideal for men who work with their hands. It is available in various colours, including white, grey, and black, and is often designed with creative inlays. However, tungsten rings cannot be resized, so knowing the correct ring size is crucial.

Titanium is a popular choice for men's wedding bands due to its durability and lightweight nature. It is stronger than steel but much lighter in weight, making it perfect for those with active lifestyles. Titanium rings often feature unique inlays, etchings, and other beautiful details, and they come in different colours such as silver-white and black. However, resizing titanium rings can be challenging.

Silver, or sterling silver, is one of the most well-known and affordable options for men's wedding bands. It is similar in appearance to white gold, allowing you to achieve a high-end look at a lower cost. However, silver requires regular maintenance as it tends to tarnish and scratch easily.

In addition to these popular metals, other options such as cobalt, stainless steel, and even non-metal materials like ceramic and carbon fibre are also available for men's wedding bands. Each metal has its pros and cons, so it's important to consider factors such as durability, appearance, maintenance, cost, and workability when making your selection.

Gemstones

For those with warm skin tones, red, orange, and yellow gemstones can complement your skin and bring out its warmth. Earthy tones like amber, topaz, and citrine are also a great option. If you have a cool skin tone, blue, purple, and green gemstones can complement and enhance the coolness of your skin. Colours like pink, magenta, and lavender are also a good choice. For those with neutral skin tones, any gemstone colour can work, but it's important to choose a colour that complements the metal of the ring. Some popular options include diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.

Diamonds are a sophisticated and opulent choice for a gemstone wedding band, especially when paired with a platinum band. This combination offers unparalleled strength and unmatched brilliance, making it ideal for those who need something durable. Blue sapphires are another popular choice for men's wedding bands due to their deep hue and high hardness rating. They look stunning against a band of platinum or yellow gold. For a more urban, contemporary look, consider a white gold sapphire band with black onyx accents.

When choosing a gemstone wedding band, it's important to consider your lifestyle and budget. If you have an active lifestyle or work with your hands, you may need to choose a more durable gemstone and metal combination. Ultimately, the wedding ring should reflect your personal style and preferences, so choose a ring that you feel comfortable wearing every day.

Frequently asked questions