The Ultimate Guide to Male Wedding Bands and Promise Rings
Are you a future husband? If so, have you put much thought into your wedding band or promise ring? You're probably clueless. Here's your guide to the best male wedding bands.
When it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring for a potential fiance, most men put in plenty of time and thought into the process.
But the same can't always be said for the time and effort put into selecting their own wedding band. In most scenarios, it may seem like an afterthought. don't you think this ring carries the same importance and meaning as the other?
Whether it's because you're a little clueless about what to choose or the style you like, a wedding band is just as important as an engagement ring.
In this blog, learn more about what to look for in male wedding bands and make the best choice to last a lifetime, while sporting a great look that fits your style.
Male Wedding Bands: What to Consider
If there's one thing to remember when it comes to selecting your wedding band- it's a piece of jewelry you'll wear for the rest of your life. This means you will want it to fit your everyday style and be comfortable.
If you aren't a fan of men's jewelry, this also means it's the one and only jewelry item you'll wear. So with this in mind, you better be 100% comfortable with your choice!
Essentially, you should be as proud to wear your wedding band as your fiance is to wear their engagement ring. One is just as valuable as the other.
Here are some of the top considerations to keep in mind:
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Wedding Band Width
The width of your wedding band largely depends on the size of your hands and your personal preference.
If you're looking for something more subtle and classic, a thinner wedding band is your best choice. If you want something a bit more robust and hard-wearing, a thicker band is the way to go.
Also keep in mind that thinner bands have less surface are and may be less likely to catch or snag on objects.
We have seen that the most popular band with for men seems to 8mm. This size has a stout look but is so large that it feels cumbersome.
Just keep in mind with metals like gold and platinum the thicker your wedding band, the more it will cost. However, this can be balanced out by choosing a less expensive metal, such as stainless steel or Tungsten.
- Wedding Band Metal Choice
Your choice of metal will depend on your budget and personal preference. Some of the most common metal choices include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, palladium and most recently, tungsten and stainless steel.
Platinum is extremely popular due to its durable nature and the fact that it's one of the rarest elements found on earth. It's also hypoallergenic and won't cause skin reactions. This is one of the most expensive options for metal but they are great looking.
White gold is also quite rare and is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal (usually nickel, manganese, or palladium- which is also a member of the platinum family. This gives white gold its beautiful white coloring.
White gold is a little more affordable than platinum but may require an updated rhodium plating after a decade or so.
Yellow gold is one of the most classic options to go for when it comes to wedding bands and is a little more affordable than both platinum and white gold.
Palladium is also a member of the platinum family and actually looks almost identical to this element. The plus is that also costs far less!
Stainless Steel is affordable, durable and the most affordable. Also this metal allows for many different colors and designs.
Finally, tungsten is a new, up-and-coming trend in wedding band metals. Tungsten is typically black or dark grey and makes for a trendy, modern wedding band choice.
Tungsten is a tough metal, harder than both steel and titanium and is one of the most affordable on the market today.
- Wedding Band Fit
Wedding band fit refers to the shape of your ring and how you want it to sit on your finger.
If you're looking for something a little edgier, then go for flat-edged rings which form right angles at the sides of the ring.
One of the most popular fits, however, is the gently rounded edge which makes for a great choice for men you are not accustomed to wearing jewelry.
Your best bet is to visit a jeweler and try out a few different ring fits, then decide which is most comfortable for everyday wear.
- Wedding Band Finish
The finish of your wedding band refers to the texture of the metal you choose, which also determines its overall look and feel.
Some of the most common finishes include high polish, matte, combination and hammered.
A high polish finish is one of the most popular for male wedding bands and lends a beautiful shine and reflective finish to the ring.
A matte finish is increasing in popularity and offers a less reflective, more subtle and understated sheen to the ring. This is perfect for men who are a little more conservative.
A combination finish marries both high polish and matte finish together. Normally the outer edges are glossy, while the center of the ring has a matte finish.
Hammered rings offer a creative flare where the metal looks like it's been pounded to create a textured effect. This is ideal for men who want to make a real statement with their wedding band.
- Wedding Band Detailing and Engraving
Back in the day men's promise ring and wedding band detailing was extremely limited- all you really had to choose from was different metals!
But in today's day and age, the sky is the limit. If you're looking for a little bit of embellishment, flash or a personalized touch, it can be done.
From sapphire accents to vertical stripes, diamond embellishment, engraving and knot designs, you just need to find a capable jeweler to do it justice.
Engraving
The personalization of wedding bands and promise rings for guys has become extremely popular in recent years, with engraving at the top of the list.
There are numerous ways to add a personal touch to your wedding band through engraving. You can have your wedding date, fiance's initials, a favorite lyric, line of poetry or bible reading engraved on your ring.
You can also choose to have this engraving on display on the outside of the ring or choose to keep it private on the inside of the ring.
Just keep in mind this all comes at an extra cost and will depend on your budget!
Looking to Personalize a Wedding Band?
At Think Engraved we offer a one-of-kind service by personally engraving and decorating jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
From male wedding bands, couples rings, custom promise rings to name bracelets and personalized prayer rings, we are experts in the field of jewelry personalization.
View our range of engraved men's wedding bands here.
