Did you know that men’s wedding bands were uncommon until the mid-20th century? With a wide selection of bespoke jewelry styles, however, it’s clear that the modern tradition has really taken off. When choosing a wedding ring for your husband, there are a number of options to take into consideration, including sizing, material, personal style, and even lifestyle choices. With careful personalization, your future partner will have a perfect, one-of-a-kind wedding band that lasts a lifetime.
How Thick Are Men’s Wedding Bands?
You’ll first need to determine the width. Since this he’ll be wearing this for the rest of his life, encourage him to try on a few bands in varying widths. This will help determine a more comfortable fit and an aesthetically-pleasing ring. Most of our male customers select rings that are at least 4mm wide, but a thinner band is preferable to other clients. It’s entirely up to the wearer. Remember: Wider rings tend to use more precious metals, so they’re likely more expensive. By establishing the size and width of his wedding band, you’ll choose a piece that fits perfects –and fits within your personal budget.
How to Size Men’s Wedding Bands
Jewelers will obviously have a ring gauge to provide the best fit. A ring should sit comfortably on your finger –it shouldn’t be too tight or loose enough that it could fall off. By shipping our branded ring gauge to you, Jaume Labro ensures that each client’s wedding band fits them perfectly. Since fingers can swell (in hot weather, for instance), we recommend measuring your finger a few times before settling on the one you want.
What Are Men’s Wedding Rings Made out of?
Wedding ring material is more important than just aesthetics: A person’s lifestyle also needs to be taken into consideration. For occasional handymen, a men’s gold wedding band might be an excellent option. Say you’re looking at men’s wedding bands for construction workers or outdoors-men: Platinum, palladium, and tungsten are far more enduring and scratch-resistant.
Men’s Gold Wedding Bands
For someone with a simple aesthetic, you really can’t go wrong with a simple gold band – but with a slight twist on tradition.
Yellow Gold Wedding Ring
The Aponi Mokume Gane ring is a fine example of painstaking craftsmanship, balancing 18K yellow and white gold in a swirling Mokume pattern. Traditionally, yellow gold is the most popular choice for jewelry. Choose a 14k or an 18k gold ring to ensure a more durable structure (though scratches in gold rings eventually require polishing). Jewelry experts always recommend removing gold wedding rings before performing any manual tasks or working with chemicals.
White Gold Wedding Band
Over the last decade, white gold wedding rings have increased in popularity. They’re an excellent, budget-friendly choice for a person who’s attracted to platinum. If the ring is rhodium plated and regularly worn, it may require a new layer every decade or so. Rose Gold Wedding Bands
The Valley Mokume Gane ring incorporates 18K rose and 18K white gold with silver, and is delicately trimmed with 18K rose gold. A popular emerging trend is the vintage allure of rose gold wedding bands. Produced from a gold-copper alloy, they have a more durable composition than their yellow and white counterparts. And unlike white gold, rose gold doesn’t require replating, though this may not be the best choice for people with certain metal sensitivities. Platinum Wedding Rings
The Eros platinum ring is accented with a swirl of Mokume Gane along the band. One of the rarest elements in the world, platinum withstands unbelievable wear and tear. Even when scratched, platinum maintains its shine and color, developing a gorgeous patina over time. This is also one of the best choices for hypoallergenic jewelry. Platinum wedding bands, however, cost a great deal more than gold, silver and palladium pieces. Palladium Wedding Bands
The Momiji wedding ring is crafted with 18K yellow and white gold with a contrasting palladium trim. Though relatively new to the jewelry world, palladium is a resilient, hypoallergenic metal that’s far more affordable than gold and platinum. With little need for upkeep, this metal maintains its naturally white appearance. Most jewelers are currently unfamiliar with caring for palladium rings, but that’s poised to change in coming years. Mixed Metalwork: Mokume Gane Men’s Wedding Bands
The Yugen Mokume Gane wedding band delicately fuses 18K rose gold, 18K white gold, and silver into a kaleidoscope of colors. Wedding bands don’t have to be made from a single type of precious metal, and a combination of colored gold can create incredible, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. To create a Mokume Gane men’s wedding band, various precious metals and colored alloys are hand-hammered, twisted, and forged into strong, intricately-patterned pieces. Because no two combinations are the same – and each wedding ring is made to your exact specifications – a custom Mokume Gane ring is as unique as the bond between you and your loved one.
How to Embellish a Men’s Wedding Ring
Once you’ve chosen the width and metals of your partner’s wedding ring, it’s time to select any embellishments to personalize it.
Gemstones
Over the last few decades, men’s wedding ring designs have expanded to include single and multiple stone settings. While precious stones (like rubies and sapphires) are excellent choices for men’s wedding bands, semi-precious gemstones like onyx, peridot, and garnet are both affordable and masculine. For men who work with their hands or play sports, gemstones may catch on clothing and materials. Instead of prongs, a flush or channel setting may be a better choice.
The Izanami Mokume Gane ring sets two conflict-free diamonds in a stunning pattern of silver, 18K white gold, and 18K yellow gold.
Surface Finishes
When finishing the outside of a wedding ring, a high polish is typically the go-to aesthetic. A highly reflective surface is a wonderful choice, especially on metals that hold up to general wear and tear (like palladium and platinum).
Our Zeus and Hera hammered gold rings are a stunning fusion of 18K gold and platinum. A matte finish makes surfaces less “flashy” and scratches are far less noticeable on a men’s wedding band for outdoorsmen or handymen. Platinum and gold hammered rings are also a great fit for men who appreciate more handcrafted looks.
Wedding Band Engraving Ideas
Most jewelers will offer to engrave your ring with a favorite quote, wedding date, initials, or even small icons. Whatever you choose to include, your story is a part of your husband’s wedding band forever.
Selecting Matching Wedding Rings
Rather than picking two distinctly different designs, many modern couples choose matching wedding bands. Whether your bespoke jewelry designs are identical or revolve around the same concept, Mokume Gane wedding rings that are forged from the same metal billet ensure a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Design Your Future Husband’s Wedding Ring
Choosing your husband’s wedding band may feel daunting, but our design team is here to help you create a custom ring that perfectly showcases your love and commitment. Contact us to start the next chapter of your lives.