While some people are ready to spend hours looking at wedding bands and learning everything about clarity, weight, color, cut, and style, the reality is that many men do not usually get as excited. For many men, wedding bands are the only pieces of jewelry they wear, so they need to show off their styles and reflect their unique personalities. Since your wedding ring will be on your ring finger for the better part of your life, it would be best to choose an option that is both comfortable and stylish. Below, we offer a general guide on how a man should shop for a wedding band.
Table of Contents
Choose a Metal Type and Color
When it comes to your wedding band, the first thing you need to choose is the type of metal you want. It would be best to research before settling on a specific metal because the metal you choose will determine your wedding band’s strength, color, and the likelihood of developing scratches or blemishes. The most popular metals used in men’s wedding bands include:
Gold: Gold is the most prevalent metal used in men’s wedding bands — and for a good reason. From white gold to rose gold to yellow gold, this metal offers different options you can choose.
Platinum: Platinum is an excellent metal for wedding bands. It is naturally beautiful, offering a silver-white color. Platinum is also durable and is resistant to wear and corrosion.
Tungsten Carbide: Tungsten carbide is a tough material that will continue to look polished for years after you purchase it, and it is scratch and tarnish-resistant. Tungsten carbide is available in different shades, including black, gray, and white, and it is significantly more affordable than platinum or gold.
Choose Your Wedding Band Width
We all have different preferences for how wide we want our wedding bands to be. To find a width that fits your style, try a few wedding bands on, and do not be shy about exhausting your options. You will discover that wedding bands that are too wide can be heavy on your finger and may look intrusive, whereas wedding bands that are too slim can look dainty and may not be sustainable for you, especially if you have an active lifestyle.
Decide Whether You Want Your Ring to Have Extra Designs
Most men’s wedding bands are plain with no designs. When you incorporate a design that you like or a design that has a special meaning to you and your significant other, your wedding ring will stand out more and hold more sentimental value. Some popular methods for men’s wedding bands include:
Stripes: Stripes are a simple design that takes the plainness off of your wedding ring, giving it some more flair.
Pattern: There are hundreds of patterns from which you can choose. If you have a specific pattern in mind that you cannot find on a ring already, you can visit your jeweler and find out whether they can incorporate your pattern into a new ring.
Non-Metal Inlay: Non-metal wedding bands are made of different materials, including wood, silicone, ceramic, stone, or carbon fiber. Non-metal inlays give your wedding band a modern two-tone look.
Decide Whether You Want to Add Any Diamonds or Gemstones
Many women have diamonds or gemstones installed in their wedding bands, but it is not typical for men’s wedding bands to have the same. You can consider adding lab-grown diamonds to your wedding band if you appreciate diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are 20-40 percent less expensive than traditionally mined diamonds. With this option, you can afford a bigger diamond or pump the savings into other wedding areas, such as food or décor. If you do not want a flashy wedding band, you can opt for a simple, toned-down band. Like everything, this is a matter of preference, and you should make this decision on your own.
Choose the Finish or Texture You Want on Your Ring
The type of metal you choose for your wedding band will determine its color, but the finish you want on your wedding band will determine how the metal will look. Do you want your wedding band to have texture, or do you prefer a smooth, polished look? You can explore several options to transform your wedding band’s appearance. Some of the most popular finish options for men’s wedding bands include:
Matte: A matte finish gives your wedding ring a low shine and a bit of texture, which helps mask any abrasions or surface scratching.
Brushed: When you choose a brushed finish, your wedding ring will have tiny brush-like marks on the finish. This type of finish is used on many men’s wedding bands because it is not shiny, and if the band gets scratched, it will be almost impossible to notice.
Hammered: A hammered wedding band has a hammered finish that gives it a rugged look. You can choose to put a hammered finish on different metals such as gold, steel, titanium, or cobalt chrome.
High Polished: Most men’s wedding bands are polished, giving the bands a shiny and reflective look.
Find a Jeweler That Specializes in Men’s Wedding Bands
Now that you know what you want, it is time to find a jeweler that makes men’s wedding bands. Do not settle on the first jeweler you find; instead, shop around, look at what the competition offers, and ask questions. Once you find a credentialed jeweler who can make your wedding ring as per your specifications, go ahead and make your purchase.
Buy Your Wedding Ring
After going through the above steps successfully, there is only one thing left to do: buy your wedding band. You can rest easy knowing that you have done everything right in getting the best wedding band.
Shopping for your wedding ring does not have to be a daunting task. There are more options than ever, making it easy for you to choose a style that reflects your personality and taste. With this guide, you can confidently get to wedding ring shopping, knowing it will not be overwhelming because you now know where to start and what to do.