Fortunately, the era of monotonous men’s wedding bands has ended. Men no longer have to settle for a plain gold band. Contemporary jewelers acknowledge that men desire to express their style — and their personalities — just as much (if not more!) than women. Beyond the simple band, men now have the option to select something distinctive and enjoyable, like a knife edge wedding band or a diamond band. Let’s delve into the different aspects of men’s wedding band styles to guide you toward the ideal ring.
Men’s Wedding Band Styles: Key Elements to Consider
Having choices is great — especially for wedding rings. When purchasing wedding bands for men, various factors come into play, including:
Width
Width is a critical consideration when buying a men’s wedding band. Unlike women’s engagement rings that usually feature bands of similar width, men have a wider range of options. This is because men generally have larger hands, which can vary significantly based on factors such as height and weight. Thicker bands often offer more comfort for men with bigger hands or those engaged in hands-on professions. Conversely, thinner bands (1.5 mm-3 mm) are suitable for men with smaller hands and finer fingers. Thicker bands (6 mm-12mm) make a bolder statement due to their size and visibility. For those unaccustomed to wearing rings, a thinner band may be more comfortable. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference and determining the best width for you.
Typically, a men’s wedding band is around 8 millimeters wide, equivalent to the width of four stacked nickels. However, they can range from 2mm to 10mm. Need a better visual? Artful Bracelets’s Classic Low Dome Wedding Band is on the thinner side at 4mm, while the Channel Set Men’s Wedding Band is thicker at 7.7mm. Artful Bracelets offers various widths, allowing you to find your perfect wedding band.
Metal
Not all metals are created equal. While all metals used in men’s wedding bands are designed to be durable and withstand daily wear, they each have distinct characteristics.
Platinum
Platinum is a favored choice for men’s wedding rings due to its aesthetic appeal (with its soft white hue) and durability (being about 20 percent denser than white gold). Another advantage is that platinum doesn’t show scratches as readily as gold, though its density means it tends to be pricier than other similar metals.
White Gold, Yellow Gold
While not as durable as platinum, both yellow gold and white gold are reliable options for men’s wedding bands. Although both are derived from pure gold, they have differences with their own pros and cons. Yellow gold is the traditional, timeless choice, made from pure gold mixed with silver and copper, emitting a warm hue that never goes out of style and accentuates diamonds. White gold offers a more contemporary look, combining pure gold with other metals like palladium, silver, nickel, copper, and zinc. The white color of white gold enhances the sparkle of diamonds, making them appear larger and brighter.
The downside to yellow and white gold is their strength. However, rhodium plating can enhance the durability and luster of white gold, though it requires periodic replating. Artful Bracelets offers a lifetime warranty that covers replating and repolishing. If you can’t decide between the two, two-tone bands combine both white and yellow gold in a single ring. The exact blend depends on the style: some, like the Carved Dome Two Color Men’s Band, feature more yellow gold, while others might predominantly be white gold with yellow gold accents.
Rose Gold
Besides the traditional yellow or white gold, men can opt for rose gold rings. Rose gold is a mix of pure gold and copper, giving it a reddish or pinkish tint. Some consider rose gold the most romantic due to its pink hue. The copper not only imparts its unique color but also adds strength to the metal. Typically available in 14kt and 18kt, the following section will discuss what karat gold means and the differences in karat weights.
Understanding Karat Gold
Whether white, yellow, or rose gold, considering the karat is important. Gold wedding bands are generally available in 14kt and 18kt. Karat indicates the number of parts of gold in the metal. A 14kt gold band comprises 14 parts gold and 10 parts of other alloys, while an 18kt band has 18 parts gold and 6 parts of alloys. The karat weight impacts durability and appearance; a lower karat makes the metal more durable due to less pure gold content, as pure gold is relatively soft. The higher the karat, the brighter the gold appears, as it contains more pure gold.
Stainless Steel
Another material for men’s wedding bands is stainless steel. It’s more affordable than platinum or gold, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly band. However, styles can be limited, and resizing can be challenging.
Ultimately, there’s no “best” metal for a wedding band. Each has its pros and cons. It’s essential to understand the features of each metal to make the best choice for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Fit
Generally, a men’s wedding band should slide over the knuckle smoothly while fitting snugly on the finger. The…
The type of metal you select can influence the fit, particularly in terms of weight on your finger. Dense metals like platinum tend to feel heavier. Pro tip: If you’re concerned about ring weight, consider designs specifically made to be lightweight, such as the Carved Satin Light Weight Men’s Band.
Finish
After choosing a metal for the wedding band, the next step is deciding on its finish. While women’s engagement and wedding rings typically share the same finish, men’s wedding bands offer various options to suit different styles.
- High polish – High polish is the most favored finish for wedding bands, giving the ring a reflective, shiny surface. This look is striking and appealing, but polished metals like white gold can be prone to scratching.
- Matte – A matte finish provides a non-reflective, flat appearance.
- Satin – Satin finishes resemble high polish but without the light reflection, offering a smooth yet less flashy look, ideal for those who prefer understated elegance.
- Brush/Cross Satin – Similar to the satin finish, this option lacks the shine but adds a textured look, resembling a pattern made with a wire brush—giving it a unique edge.
- Sand Blasting – Sand blasting uses an abrasive to create a rough, non-reflective finish, adding a rugged touch to the ring.
Structure
Though all wedding bands are circular, men’s wedding bands can vary significantly in structure. Artful Bracelets offers three main styles:
- Dome – Known as a D-shape, the dome structure offers a rounded appearance on the ring’s surface and edges, providing added comfort for many.
- Flat – As the name suggests, a flat style involves no curves, featuring straight edges throughout the ring.
- Concave – Opposite of dome, the concave structure curves inward in the middle, creating a striking and unique shape.
Detailing
Adding extra details to a men’s wedding band can significantly enhance its uniqueness. Some detailing options include:
- Diamonds – Diamonds aren’t exclusively for women. Men’s wedding bands can also incorporate diamonds, usually seamlessly embedded into the band, like the Satin Princess Diamond Men’s Wedding Band.
- Milgrain – Milgrain detailing, involving tiny balls of metal work, was popular in the early 20th century and is making a comeback in modern designs. The Brushed Center Milgrain Diamond Wedding Band is a noteworthy option.
- Carving – Like milgrain, carving adds depth and character without additional gemstones. It can range from simple to intricate, such as in the Concave Carved High Polish Men’s Wedding Band.
How Much Do Men’s Wedding Band Styles Differ by Price?
Good news: attributes like width, finish, and detailing don’t significantly impact the price of men’s wedding bands. However, the type of metal chosen plays a major role in pricing. Platinum, for instance, is pricier than yellow or white gold. Similarly, added diamonds, including pave diamonds, can affect the cost, much like they do with women’s engagement rings.
The expert gemologists at Artful Bracelets can help you navigate the various styles and options to find the perfect ring that suits both your taste and budget.
Wedding Band Average Cost
The cost of a wedding band varies based on several factors, such as metal type and additional detailing like diamonds. A gold band adorned with diamonds will naturally cost more than a plain gold band. Similarly, intricately designed bands, such as pave or two-tone bands, are more expensive than simpler designs. Men’s wedding bands can range from $100 to $2,000, with an average cost around $600.
Artful Bracelets Men’s Wedding Bands Style Guide
Below are a few examples of the different styles, widths, finishes, and designs offered by Artful Bracelets.
Classic Low Dome Men’s Wedding Band
This timeless band, with a 3mm width, suits those who prefer a subtler appearance. Available in white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, this design never goes out of style.
Split Satin Top Men’s Wedding Band
If you’re seeking a more pronounced yet simple look, this 5mm wide wedding band, available in white gold and platinum, features a unique design combining polished and satin finishes.
Carved Dome Two Color Men’s Band
This 5mm wide band, featuring both yellow and white gold, offers the best of both worlds. Its eye-catching design makes it a distinguishing piece of jewelry.
Classic Knife Edge Wedding Band
The sleek design of this ring creates an optical illusion, making it appear thinner than its 5mm width. Available in white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, it offers a unique touch for those who prefer a thick ring’s feel but a thinner look.
Satin Round Diamond Men’s Wedding Band
For those who love a bit of sparkle, this 5mm wide band, adorned with 8 round cut diamonds, is an excellent choice. It is available in both white gold and platinum.
