Men's Rings: Wedding Bands Defined By Simplicity And Style

A wedding band is a symbol of enduring love and commitment. While wedding bands are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand in Western cultures, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The choice of which hand to wear a wedding band on often comes down to cultural and religious beliefs, as well as personal preference. For instance, in Eastern Europe and Asia, men often wear their wedding bands on their right hand. In terms of style, men's wedding bands can vary from simple to intricate, with options including different metals, widths, and finishes.

Metal choice: traditionally gold, now platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten, and more

Metal choice is an important aspect of selecting a wedding band, and while traditionally, men's wedding bands were made of gold, there are now a variety of other metals to choose from, including platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten, and more.

Gold, a timeless choice, has been the traditional metal for wedding bands due to its warm hue and ability to suit many band styles. It is available in 9ct and 18ct, and only requires routine cleaning and polishing to retain its look. However, the colour of gold can vary depending on the alloy mixed with pure gold. White gold, for example, is made by combining pure gold with a white metal alloy, such as palladium, and then plating it with rhodium to achieve its bright silvery-white colour. This plating may wear away over time and need replating. Rose gold, on the other hand, is created by adding copper and silver to the gold alloy mix, resulting in a warm pink colour. This relatively new metal option can create a striking effect on its own or as part of a two-tone ring.

Platinum, a strong and dense metal, is another popular choice for wedding bands. Its silvery-white colour does not require any additional upkeep, and its strength makes it ideal for stone settings. Palladium, which belongs to the platinum group of metals, is a similar alternative to platinum, offering a slightly darker colour, lighter weight, and hypoallergenic properties.

For those seeking something different, titanium and tungsten are also viable options. Titanium is a lightweight yet strong metal, providing comfort and durability. Tungsten, known for its resilience, is an ideal choice for those seeking a long-lasting symbol of enduring commitment. Additionally, modern options like rubber or meteorite bands are available for those who want a black wedding band.

Ultimately, the choice of metal for a men's wedding band depends on personal preferences and style. Whether it's the classic appeal of gold, the modern look of platinum, or the uniqueness of alternative metals, each metal speaks to the wearer's individuality and serves as a lasting symbol of love and commitment.

Ring profile: D-shaped, court-shaped, flat court, soft court, concave

The profile of a wedding ring refers to the shape of the band and is best described as a cross-section. While rings of different profiles may initially look similar, they will fit and feel quite different.

D-shaped

D-shaped wedding rings are flat on the inside and dramatically rounded on the outside, resembling a capital letter "D". This profile is popular with both men and women as it provides a comfortable fit that sits close to the skin and is less likely to snag. The flat inner surface also makes this design popular for engravings.

Court-shaped

Court-shaped wedding rings have a softly rounded interior and exterior profile, giving them a traditional and timeless look. This rounded shape makes court profile rings very comfortable to wear. They are the most traditional of all wedding ring profiles and are also the most popular. They are usually available in three weights: light, medium, and heavy.

Flat court

Flat court wedding rings have a flat outer profile and a rounded inner face, combining modern and traditional features. This design offers a comfortable fit and a stylish, contemporary look. Flat court rings are typically preferred by men and are often chosen for their wider widths and comfortable fit.

Soft court

Also known as a double comfort profile, soft court wedding rings feature a flat interior and exterior profile with softly rounded corners. This modern yet timeless design is very comfortable and is one of the best-selling ring profiles.

Concave

Concave wedding rings have a rounded interior face and a concave exterior, with the edges sitting higher on the finger than the middle. This unique and interesting profile allows for gorgeous light play on the lustre of precious metals. Concave rings are perfect for those who want a contemporary design and a comfortable fit. However, they cannot be resized due to their shape.

Finish: polished, brushed, satin, hammered, millegrain, hand-engraved

The finish of a ring refers to the texture and decoration on the outside of the band. There are several different types of finish to choose from, each creating a distinctive look. Here is an overview of six popular finishes:

• Polished: A classic choice, polished rings have a shiny, mirror-like appearance that shows off the metallic lustre of the metal. While highly polished rings may naturally dull over time, they can be re-polished to restore their original shine.
• Brushed (Matte): With a matte finish, brushed rings have a softly etched or textured quality created by characteristic "brush strokes". This type of finish is popular for men's wedding bands as it is contemporary and scratches are less visible.
• Satin: Satin rings have a frosty, slightly matte finish that reflects light in a softer, more subdued way than a polished ring. This finish is similar to brushed but is slightly smoother and softer in appearance.
• Hammered: Hammered rings have a rugged, handcrafted look and feel, with indentations made by striking the metal with different-sized hammers. This finish is unique and contemporary and is commonly chosen for men's wedding bands. It is ideal for those who are active or work with their hands as it easily hides scratches and scuffs.
• Millegrain (Milgrain): Millegrain is a decorative metal edge that consists of tiny beads or grains, adding interesting detail to a wedding band. This technique dates back to the 19th century and can also be applied within the ring for an unusual feature.
• Hand-engraved: Hand engraving uses specialised tools to carve out decoration on the surface of the ring, creating a one-of-a-kind design with personal touches. This is a time-consuming process that is usually more expensive.

Width: typically 4mm-6mm, but depends on hand size

The width of a wedding band is an important consideration when choosing a men's wedding ring. While personal preference plays a role in the width of the band, it is generally recommended that the width of the ring is proportional to the size of the hand. Wider bands tend to suit larger hands, while thinner bands complement slimmer fingers.

Wedding bands for men typically range from 4mm to 6mm in width, but this can vary depending on the individual's hand size. It is worth noting that wider rings can feel tighter, so it is essential to consider both the width and the size of the ring to ensure a comfortable fit. Trying on different widths is a good way to determine which size feels and looks best.

The width of a wedding band can also impact the price, as wider rings use more precious metal and tend to be more expensive. Additionally, wider bands have traditionally been associated with modern styles, while narrower bands were more common in the decades following World War II due to the contribution of precious metals to the war effort. Today, wider bands are making a comeback and are a popular choice for grooms.

Ultimately, the width of a men's wedding band is a matter of personal preference, and there is no right or wrong choice. Whether you choose a wider or narrower band, the most important thing is that the ring reflects your style and personality.

Finger: left hand in the UK, US, and some other countries; right hand in Germany, Austria, and some eastern European countries

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the left hand or the right hand varies across the world. In the UK, US, France, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, Finland, Canada, Australia, Botswana, Egypt, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and several other countries, the wedding band is worn on the left hand. On the other hand, in Germany, Austria, Russia, Latvia, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, and some eastern European countries, the wedding band is worn on the right hand.

The custom of wearing the wedding band on a particular hand is influenced by cultural traditions and norms. In Western cultures, the wedding band is traditionally worn on the fourth digit of the left hand, also known as the "ring finger". This tradition is said to have originated from the belief that a vein in the fourth finger of the left hand, the "vena amoris" or "vein of love", ran directly to the heart. By wearing the ring on this finger, a married couple symbolises their eternal love for each other.

However, in some countries, it is considered more important to wear the wedding band on the right hand as it is the side used for shaking hands, enabling others to see the ring and know that the person is married. Additionally, the right hand is also considered the more important hand as it is used for swearing oaths.

In some countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands, the choice of hand may vary based on region or religion. For example, in the Netherlands, Protestants wear their wedding rings on the right hand, while Catholics wear them on the left.

Frequently asked questions