Men's Wedding Band Buying Guide

Choosing men's wedding bands

A man's wedding band is a symbol of eternal love more than it is fashion jewelry, but it will be worn every day and should feature a design you will appreciate for a long time. Fortunately, the variety among men's wedding rings has increased in recent years. To help you and your soul mate sort through the options, first decide whether you want traditional or modern wedding rings.

Traditional wedding rings for men usually bring to mind the plain yellow gold band with a polished finish -- the classic and most recognizable of men's wedding rings. Traditional rings also include white gold, platinum and other precious metals, although silver is less common. The wedding band may have decorative features such as matte finishes, beveled edges or beading. A traditional ring doesn't have gemstones.

Modern men's wedding bands feature more style options than the traditional rings. A popular trend in men's jewelry is the use of the industrial metals titanium and tungsten carbide. A tungsten or titanium wedding band satisfies the guy who doesn't care for the bright shine of yellow gold or white platinum, but who still wants to wear a simple wedding ring after he is married. On the other hand, a bridegroom who wants a truly distinctive look can find many men's rings that sparkle with diamonds and/or gemstones.

Common metals for men's wedding bands

Men's rings are available in several metals. Each metal has unique qualities that make it a good or poor choice for the consumer. High-quality men's wedding bands exist in each category. To learn more about jewelry materials, read our metals buying guides.

Gold

Pros: Gold is the traditional metal for wedding jewelry, and quality rings are available in 18-karat, 14-karat and, for the budget conscious, 10-karat versions. Gold can be polished to a bright shine and is available in several colors including yellow, white and rose. It is easily engraved, too. If a couple wants to express their unity with matching bands, matching gold rings are widely available.
Cons: Gold is durable but not as durable as some of the industrial metals; it is easily scratched. Many people are allergic to gold.

Platinum

Pros: The most valuable of the precious metals, platinum has a gleaming white color. As a pure metal that is not alloyed with common allergens, platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic.
Cons: Platinum is easily scratched. It is more expensive than other precious metals and this cost may be prohibitive to those on a budget.

Sterling silver

Pros: Silver is the most reflective of the precious metals, and a polished finish on a simple band showcases silver's beauty. Be sure to choose sterling silver which is 92.5 percent pure silver.
Cons: Silver tarnishes, so it requires more maintenance than other metals.

Titanium

Pros: An industrial metal, titanium is very durable yet is the lightest in weight of the jewelry metals. Its medium gray color is more subtle than the bright whites and yellows of platinum or gold. A titanium ring resists tarnish and discoloration and is hypo-allergenic.
Cons: An industrial metal doesn't have the prestige of the precious metals though this may change as titanium jewelry becomes more common. The polished metal does not shine as much as gold or silver.

Tungsten carbide

Pros: This is another very durable industrial metal; the ring will last a lifetime, possibly for eternity, and resist scratches and tarnish. It is hypo-allergenic.
Cons: Tungsten is heavier than titanium and even stainless steel. Its dark gray color may not be pleasing to the eye over many decades

Palladium

Pros: A member of the platinum group of metals, palladium has a silvery white color. It resists tarnish.
Cons: This metal is not widely available yet as jewelry and is expensive.

Tip: Purchase the bridal rings and groom's wedding band at least two months before the ceremony. This allows time for you to receive the rings and make any changes or returns.

Men's wedding band terminology

A men's ring seems quite plain, but the wedding band actually features several styles. This section clarifies some of the terms used to describe different rings.

• Comfort fit: A comfort-fit band has a curved inner surface which means less of the band surface touches the skin. The design slides easily on the finger and is more comfortable than a flat band; it is a good option for men not used to wearing a ring.
• Half round: One of the more traditional weddingbands, the half-round ring has a curved exterior.
• Pipe: A pipe band has flat surfaces with straight edges. The ring resembles the cross section of a cut round pipe. This is a popular design for many wide wedding bands.
• Finish: The finish is the final treatment to the exterior surfaces of metal jewelry. A shiny polished finish, known for its light-reflecting appearance, is the most common jewelry finish.
• Matte: Matte is a non-reflective finish that doesn't shine but can have a subtle shimmer that many find especially attractive on gray metals. The matte finish is formed by chemical abrasion, tumble polishing or by hand-rubbing an abrasive on the surface. Scratches stand out on a matte surface.
• Brushed: A matte finish with a slight texture of fine lines on the surface, the brushed texture is sometimes called a satin finish.
• Millegrain: This is a texture of small metal beads that often accentuates the lines of a piece of jewelry. Sometimes the tiny beads hold small gemstones in place. On a wedding band, the millegrain beading decorates the edges.

The correct ring size

Know your ring size before you start shopping for the wedding band. If you already have a ring of a similar style, use that size. Most jewelry stores have sizing rings that visitors can try on. Also, you can use our convenient ring sizing chart to find your correct size.

Click here to access a printable version of this ring sizing chart. The printable version includes instructions on how to use the chart correctly.

Caring for your wedding ring

Metal jewelry actually requires just a little regular maintenance. Clean a metal ring occasionally by soaking it in a mild solution of water and dish soap, avoiding harsh detergents. Rinse the ring in fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Platinum and gold weddingrings are easily scratched, and silver builds up tarnish over time. It may be necessary to take wedding rings made of these metals to a jeweler once in a while for a thorough cleaning. A professional jeweler can buff out scratches and repair finishes.

Most men rarely remove their wedding bands; but when it is necessary, place the ring in its own box or compartment of a larger jewelry box. This helps prevent the ring from loss and scratches.

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