11 Best Men’s Wedding Bands: Unique Styles, Colors, and Shapes
Wedding rings for women date back to ancient Egyptian times, but the same can’t be said for wedding bands for men. In fact, male wedding bands are a relatively recent trend.
It wasn’t until the early to mid-20th century that they indeed took off, primarily when men started going away to war. Today, men’s wedding bands are more than an afterthought or a sentimental token while abroad.
Many men are devoting more time and consideration to the ring they’ll wear every day for the rest of their lives. And not just in regards to how comfortable it feels but also its style and what kind of statement it makes. Thankfully, as demand has increased, so have the options to choose from.
There are many different designs, such as classic men’s wedding bands or modern silicone rings. From personal experience, I understand it can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t fret!
This helpful guide will hopefully inspire you as it includes our favorite picks for men’s wedding bands with consideration for both comfort and personal style.
11 Best Wedding Bands for Men
Below you’ll find twelve wedding bands for men in various styles, colors, and shapes.
Choosing a Men’s Wedding Band – Things to Consider
The options can be mind-boggling. And, if you’re not as into shopping as your significant other, wading through all the types of rings can be overwhelming. Here are the basics of selecting a wedding band.
Material
Obviously, metals tend to be the most popular pick for wedding rings. Gold is the classic choice. You can opt for yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Pure gold tends to be quite soft, so it is mixed with other metals to form an alloy.
The percentage of pure gold in the mixture is how jewelry gets its karat designation. 18k and 14k tend to be strong yet valuable enough for men’s wedding bands.
If gold doesn’t suit you, there are a handful of other options. Modern metals like tungsten, tantalum, and cobalt are both strong and beautiful. Sterling silver is a budget-friendly choice that still appears sophisticated.
Some of these materials can be given a different hue or finish, altering the look of your ring. Remember, it’s important to note how allergenic it is when considering metals.
Alternatively, you don’t have to select a metal material at all. Silicone rings are affordable, safe, and very versatile when it comes to color and pattern. They’re ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle or can’t wear metal rings due to their jobs.
Band Type
Wedding bands come in several designs, though they’re all circular. Here are the most common:
- Dome. Also known as a D-shape, this style ring has a rounded exterior and edges that can be more comfortable on his finger.
- Flat. Instead of rounded edges and curves, a flat band has straight edges and a modern look.
- Concave. The opposite of a D shape, the edges curve inwards instead of rounding outwards for a unique appearance.
Width
Choosing the width of the band is all about comfort and style. Depending on your finger size, different widths may look and feel more or less appealing to you. Standard widths for men’s wedding bands are anywhere from 2mm to 10mm.
The lower end of that spectrum is considered a thin band with a wide band falling closer to 8mm. The average width of a man’s wedding band is around 6mm.
Finish
After you’ve chosen your material and band shape, it’s time to consider the finish. Finish describes the appearance and texture of the exterior of your band. Here are a few finishes you may want to consider.
- High polish. Lustrous and shiny, the reflective surface of this ring is smooth and polished. However, it may be prone to scratching depending on the metal type.
- Matte. Not shiny or reflective matte finishes are contemporary and chic.
- Satin. A compromise between polish and matte, satin is a little shiny but not as reflective as a high polish.
- Brushed. Brushed rings aren’t reflective and flashy but aren’t as flat as matte rings. The brushed finish adds an appealing texture to the surface.
- Stone or sandblasted. Instead of the cross-hatching texture of a brushed ring, a stone finish adds a rough look and feel to the ring. It has no reflection and is more like a textured matte.
Details
If you desire a simple and sleek plain band, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, some men desire a little more flashiness and detail in their ring. You have a variety of options here that can take your ring from casual to opulent.
- Gemstones. Diamonds and other gems are a fantastic way to add sparkle and value to a ring. You can opt for classic colorless stones or choose colorful gems symbolic to you.
- Milgrain. Milgrain refers to metalwork that results in small balls. It used to be popular in the early 20th century and is seeing a resurgence as a way to add interest to a ring without adding gemstones.
- Carving. Much like the feather ring on this list, carving and scrollwork can take all sorts of forms and enhance a ring’s aesthetic without boosting the price.
Conclusion
Men’s wedding bands have come a long way. Seriously, look up the early examples, and you’ll find a sleek, unadorned band crafted from common metal. But now, men have choices and options when it comes to finding the perfect ring.
There are various types of metals in different shades and finishes. You can opt for detailing on the band or choose to include gemstones.
You’re selecting a ring you’ll wear every day for the rest of your life? Why wouldn’t you want it to be representative of your taste and style?
We know you can actually have too much of a good thing (like choices). Therefore, we hope this guide gave you a little direction and inspiration in finding the perfect band.
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