Color-Coded Wedding Bands: What's The Meaning?

Wedding bands come in a variety of colours, styles, and materials. While some couples opt for matching bands, others choose bands that reflect their individual preferences and tastes. There is no rule that dictates whether wedding bands should match or not, and couples are free to choose what works best for them. In addition to aesthetic considerations, factors such as lifestyle, skin tone, and personal symbolism can also influence the choice of wedding band colour. For example, black wedding bands have become popular for their sleek style, versatility, and ease of maintenance, as well as their symbolic meaning of strength and courage. Ultimately, the choice of wedding band colour is a personal decision that reflects the couple's unique style and preferences.

Choosing a colour to match your partner's wedding band

When choosing a colour to match your partner's wedding band, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that matching bands are not necessary. Many couples choose to prioritise their individual preferences and lifestyles when selecting a wedding band. This is especially true if you and your partner have different tastes or skin tones that are better suited to different metal colours.

However, if you want your wedding band to match your partner's, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to choose a metal colour that complements both your skin tones. For example, if you have cool-toned skin, light-coloured metals like platinum, white gold or silver may be a good choice, while warm-toned skin often pairs well with yellow gold or rose gold. If you both have neutral skin tones, you have the flexibility to choose from any metal colour.

Another approach is to select a unique material or finish for your bands. For instance, you could opt for black wedding bands made from materials like meteorite, carbon fibre or Damascus steel. These bands offer a sleek and fashionable alternative to traditional metal colours. Additionally, black wedding bands are versatile, easy to maintain, and can be a symbol of strength and courage.

If you want to incorporate colour in a more subtle way, consider adding diamond accents or choosing a two-toned ring with dual finishes. You could also match the design of your bands, such as including milgrain or engraving details, while still allowing for different metal colours. Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to match your partner's wedding band comes down to personal preference and what holds the most meaning for you as a couple.

Selecting a colour based on your skin tone

When selecting a wedding band, it's important to consider your skin tone. By determining whether your skin tone is warm, cool, or neutral, you can choose a metal that complements your skin's undertones.

To determine your skin tone, examine the veins on your wrist in natural light. If your veins appear green, you have warm undertones. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If they appear blue-green, you likely have neutral undertones. Another method is to try on silver and yellow gold jewellery. If silver looks better, you probably have cool undertones, whereas if gold suits your skin more, you likely have warm undertones. If both look good, you're likely in the neutral category.

Once you've determined your skin tone, you can choose a metal that will complement it. For those with cool undertones, metals such as white gold, platinum, and silver can enhance their skin's coolness. For warm undertones, yellow gold, rose gold, or brass can bring out the warmth in your skin. If you have neutral undertones, you have the advantage of being able to choose from a wide range of metals, as most colours suit this skin tone. However, it's important to consider the colour of the stone in the ring as well.

In addition to metal type, you can also select a gemstone colour that flatters your skin tone. For warm skin tones, red, orange, and yellow gemstones can complement your skin, as can earthy tones like amber, topaz, and citrine. Cool skin tones are enhanced by blue, purple, and green gemstones, as well as colours like pink, magenta, and lavender. For neutral skin tones, any gemstone colour can work, but it's essential to choose a colour that complements the metal of the ring. Popular choices include diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.

Ultimately, the wedding band you choose should reflect your personal style and preferences. It's a piece of jewellery that you'll likely wear every day, so ensure it's something you love and feel comfortable with.

The meaning and symbolism of different colours

• Red is the colour of blood and is often associated with love, passion, and lust. It can also symbolise danger and aggression and is frequently used to signify importance, such as with stop signs and fire engines. In China, red symbolises good luck and happiness and is used for weddings.
• Yellow is associated with sunshine and joy but can also symbolise cowardice and fear. It is a popular colour with children and is often used in marketing products to them.
• Green is a colour that signifies nature, health, youth, and fertility. It can be a relaxing colour and is also used to represent money, greed, sickness, or jealousy.
• Orange is associated with amusement, extroversion, fire, energy, and activity. It is the colour most associated with autumn and leaves and is often used to attract attention, such as with traffic cones and safety vests.
• Blue is the colour of the ocean and the sky and symbolises serenity, stability, inspiration, and wisdom. It can be calming and reliable, and in the Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary is often depicted wearing blue. Blue can also represent sadness and depression.
• Purple is a royal colour, associated with creativity, imagination, royalty, power, and mystery. In ancient times, purple dyes were expensive, so only royals and the wealthy could afford them.
• Black is a colour that can symbolise mourning, death, and evil, and it is often worn during periods of grief in Western culture. However, it can also represent elegance, luxury, rebellion, and mystery.
• White is often associated with perfection, faith, innocence, and cleanliness. Brides in the West often wear white to symbolise purity.
• Pink is associated with softness, sweetness, love, and immaturity. There is an urban legend that pink was considered a masculine colour before the mid-20th century.
• Brown symbolises nature, warmth, comfort, reliability, simplicity, and strength. It is a dependable and earthy colour.
• Grey represents neutrality, balance, harmony, grace, sobriety, wisdom, efficiency, and modernity.
• Gold is a symbol of achievement and wealth. It can also represent power, creativity, spirituality, and vitality.

These are just some of the colours and their meanings, but it is important to remember that colour symbolism can vary across different cultures and time periods and is influenced by individual experiences and associations.

The variety of coloured gemstones available

Gemstone wedding bands are a great way to express your individuality and style through colour. There are a variety of coloured gemstones to choose from, each with its own unique meaning and significance. Here are some popular options:

Sapphires are a popular choice for wedding bands, known for their vivid blue hue. They are also available in other colours, such as white, pink, and yellow. Sapphires are a hard mineral, making them a durable option for everyday wear. A white sapphire, for example, can resemble a diamond but at a lower cost.

Rubies, known for their romantic pale pink shade, are another popular alternative to diamonds. They can be set alone or surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a unique fashion statement.

Emeralds, a beautiful green gemstone, are perfect for nature lovers or those with a retro style. They can be set with modern rings or combined with other stones for a unique look.

Aquamarine is a stunning pale blue stone that is also known to be a lucky charm, making it a great option for superstitious couples. It is also quite hardy, meaning it can withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

Diamonds, of course, are a traditional choice and can be found in various colours, including yellow, blue, and pink. They can be quite expensive, but shopping around or opting for a lower carat size can help find more affordable options.

Other unique gemstone options include onyx, a natural black stone for a gothic or stand-out look; amethyst, a purple stone that pairs well with rose gold; and moissanite, a durable and glamorous stone that closely resembles a diamond.

Coloured wedding bands for men

Choosing the Right Metal

The choice of metal is an important consideration when selecting a wedding band. Some men like their ring's metal to complement their skin tone. Cool skin tones are enhanced by lighter metals such as platinum, white gold, or silver, while warm skin tones are flattered by yellow gold or rose gold. For those with neutral skin tones, the choice is wide open, and any metal will work.

Gold Bands

Yellow gold has been the traditional choice for men's wedding bands and remains a classic option. Its rich glow and durability have ensured its enduring popularity. However, gold now comes in a variety of colours, with rose gold, in particular, becoming an increasingly fashionable choice for men's wedding bands. Its soft brilliance and high copper content give it a unique look, although the higher copper levels can cause issues for sensitive skin.

Alternative Metals

For a modern look, many grooms are choosing alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, cobalt, or tantalum. These metals offer a non-traditional take on this classic piece of jewellery and are often chosen for their durability and hypoallergenic qualities. For example, cobalt is one of the most scratch-resistant metals available, making it a hassle-free choice. Meanwhile, titanium is lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic, combining comfort with durability.

Personalisation

Today's grooms are also embracing the opportunity to personalise their wedding bands, with many companies offering custom ring design services. From unique engravings to the incorporation of meaningful materials, grooms can create a ring that symbolises their romantic journey. Whether it's a band inlaid with sand from a special beach or a ring set with dinosaur bone, the possibilities are endless.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding band is a personal one, and with so many options available, every man can find the perfect symbol of love and commitment.

Frequently asked questions