Every year, there are over 2 million marriages in the US! If you and your partner have chosen to tie the knot soon, then you’re about to start a new and exciting chapter in your life.
While it’s exciting, a wedding can also be stressful to plan. A small yet vital part of it is what rings you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
When it comes to men’s wedding rings, there are so many choices. How do you pick the right one for your lifestyle?
Here’s a guide on how to choose the best men’s wedding ring so you have something you’ll treasure and love forever!
Table of Contents
The Common Materials
Just like with women’s wedding rings, there are some common materials used for men’s wedding bands. We’ll explain each one in more detail below.
1. Gold
The 3 most popular types of gold include yellow, white, and rose gold. The higher the karat number, the more gold’s in the ring.
Yellow gold is most traditionally used. While these bands use pure gold, it’s mixed with other metals like zinc and copper to make it sturdier, as gold on its own is a very soft metal.
A sturdier gold is white gold. This type of gold is typically mixed with silver and nickel. It’s a more affordable option if you like platinum (more on this later).
Rose gold has recently risen in popularity. It’s less expensive, is very durable, and has a unique pink color. This is achieved by mixing gold with silver and copper.
2. Platinum
Platinum is a rare type of metal, which means it’s more expensive. However, it’s heavy and durable, so it’ll last you for years to come.
This metal is very similar in looks to white gold in that it’s silver in appearance. What’s also great about platinum is it’s hypoallergenic!
Most platinum rings are made up of mostly platinum (up to 98%). Other metals it might be mixed with inlcude palladium and copper.
3. Titanium
Titanium is another type of metal that has a silver-gray look. It’s very durable and also great on your wallet, as they’re affordable.
Because titanium is so durable, this is a good material to choose if you have an active lifestyle. However, you should be aware that it’s not resizable.
4. Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is another extremely durable material great for active lifestyles. Not only is it durable, but it’s also scratch-resistant.
Most tungsten carbide rings come in a silver-gray color, but you can also get it in black.
Like titanium, it can’t be resized because of its hardness.
5. Palladium
If you want something even rare than platinum, then consider palladium. It’s also a great choice if you want a ring that’s not so heavy on your hands, as it’s very lightweight yet durable.
Do note that this because this silver-white metal is rare, not only will it be more expensive, but it’ll also be harder to find.
6. Wood
Want to go a non-traditional route? Wood jewelry is quickly gaining popularity because it offers a unique look and a closeness to nature.
A wooden ring doesn’t necessarily have to look basic and cheap either. There are many skilled jewelers who choose beautiful woods for their rings and also give their jewelry special touches like inlays, gemstones, and gorgeous finishes.
7. Style
With most wedding rings, you’ll get the classic court shape. This is simple, as the wedding ring is just round on the inside and out.
If that’s not for you, here are a few other styles to consider.
8. D-Shape
On the outside, your ring will look like a normal rounded ring. But on the inside, it’s flat, creating that D look. This is optimal if you like rings that have a snugger fit.
9. Flat
The flat ring is flat on both the inside and outside. It has a unique look, but can easily be caught on things like clothing or equipment. So it’s not ideal for those who have an active lifestyle.
10. Flat Court
Flat court combines 2 of the above styles. It’s basically the opposite of the D-shape ring; you’ll get a flat outside and a round inside. This is another style that’ll give you an unconventional look.
Finish
There are several ways to finish men’s rings. Here are some of the most popular ones.
1. High Polish
Most wedding rings will use high polish. It’s a simple and straightforward polish that’s applied to the ring to give it a shiny look.
2. Matte
If you’re not a fan of the shiny look, then opt for matte instead. This actually reduces the shininess and gives your ring a more subtle look. It can also hide scratches better, so it’s good for an active lifestyle.
3. Combination
Can’t decide between high polish and matte? Then a combination polish is right for you! You’ll get some shininess but also some of the matte cut look as well, which gives you the perfect balance.
4. Hammered
The hammered finish gives your wedding ring a more textured look. There are several techniques used for the hammered finish, so you can get a wide variety of looks.
Not only does this finish give you a more unique ring, but it also helps you hide scratches more easily. So again, here’s one to consider if you have an active lifestyle.
Choose the Best Men’s Wedding Ring for You
There’s a huge selection of men’s wedding rings out there, which can make it daunting to pick the perfect one. But with our guide to men’s jewelry, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and not feel so overwhelmed.
So congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and we hope you end up with the right ring without too much stress!
Do you need more help with wedding planning? Then find more wedding advice on our blog now!
