For some women, searching for the perfect wedding ring may be one of the highlights of wedding preparations. Yet for some men, this may make them feel conflicted. On the one hand, there are many men’s wedding rings that are available off the shelf. But if their partners are particular about matching rings, then this hunt may take a while.
What To Know When Buying Men’s Wedding Rings
If you are on your way to hunt for wedding rings, it’s good to remember a few things to help with the hunt. Make sure to know the significance of the ring, the different factors you need to consider, and the options available in the market.
History of Men’s Wedding Rings
Wedding rings may be part of most weddings in this day and age. However, historically, it has held specific meanings, with the look and symbol of the ring evolving with every culture the practice gets incorporated in.
As you prepare for your own wedding, it’s good to know the history of a practice you’ll be participating in. Despite the simplicity of the act and exchange of rings, this is actually a tradition that went through different variations and additions throughout the years.
Wedding rings across time and cultures
Wedding rings as a custom for the occasion did not exist at the get-go. According to Men’s Wedding Bands, the practice began as early as the time of the Egyptians. They crafted rings out of available materials like leather, bone, and ivory, and chose the circle for its significant symbol of eternity.
The early Egyptians believed that a vein runs from the heart to the fourth finger of the left hand. Putting the couple-binding on this finger supposedly makes this romantic connection stronger. So if you have ever wondered “What finger does a married man wear ring?” a good example to look at would be this early practice and its more romantic significance.
Other cultures like the Romans also had their own tradition of ring-giving. The groom will give the ring to the bride’s father as a symbol of payment and ownership of his bride. This meaning evolved into a better significance later on. The groom would give the bride the ring as a symbol of entrusting his possessions and himself to her.
Some cultures, like in Asia, would see rings as more of a contract than a romantic symbol. The wedding ring came in the form of a puzzling ring, which, when taken off, will fall to pieces. This immediately signals when a wife has been unfaithful enough to take off the ring when the husband was not there.
Diamonds that signify a couple’s forever
Diamonds came into the scene in 1477 with the marriage of Archduke Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. Instead of an exchange of rings during the ceremony, the archduke gave his betrothed a betrothal ring with her initial on it.
This began the trend of diamond rings given to one’s betrothed. Diamonds became the main gemstone used for these special rings in the 1930s. Beyond tradition, marketing aggravated the growth of its market segment Celebrities pushed forward the idea of diamonds as the sign of forever, in the same way that couples would want their marriages to last a lifetime.
Men’s wedding rings with diamonds
Over time, men also got to be on the receiving end of such jewelry. During the second world war, wedding rings for men became even more significant. They would take them to the wars, sometimes looped in a necklace to be worn close to their hearts. This served as a reminder of the wife that they left back home and be a fuel for them to return as much as possible.
Following these harsher times, the wedding ring evolved with the pulse of fashion. New styles emerged, and new materials started to become accessible and available to create more unique rings. While some couples would still prefer more traditional, simple matching bands, men’s wedding rings started to incorporate gemstones into the equation.
The Right Style Makes The Right Ring
With the emergence of new ring styles, different variations of rings also started the trend of more personalized rings. Even the ready-to-wear industry started offering different styles to choose from so that couples can still have their special bands signifying that special bond that’s unique only to them.
When choosing the right ring for your man and yourself, consider these different facets, and see which ones can further progress your ring hunt faster and more efficiently.
Match made in metals
Usually, the first thing that guys would look for in wedding rings would be the metal used. Some metals can be more durable than others. For those who have an active lifestyle, this can definitely be a deal-breaker, especially if it can interfere with your everyday activities.
Gold may remain the favorite, given its classic appeal and fairly durable characteristic.
This metal also makes up for the majority of traditional-looking wedding rings in the market. Couples who may want matching rings will more likely get the same metal for the band, and more traditional brides may prefer this particular type.
For the active gentleman, some newer metals may hold more appeal. For example, platinum has been sought-after for its durability regardless of its rarity. Some owners do not even have to worry about re-plating their wedding bands because the beauty and shimmer of platinum remain even after years of wear.
Less expensive options: Tungsten and Palladium
If gold and platinum may be deemed as the gold standard of metals used, an exemplary metal for the clean and modern feel would be palladium. It is quite close to platinum in durability and finish. Newer crafting techniques also allow for engraving on the actual band for a personal touch.
For those who are asking, “What kind of wedding rings do guys get?” it would be safe to assume that designs that maximize the metal’s sturdiness would be the best bet. Those who cannot be bothered to keep removing their wedding rings, but would want to maintenance to a minimum, tungsten is also a good metal choice. Compared to other metals like silver, tungsten will not tarnish.
This metal also comes in a wide range of shades, including white, gray, and black. Those who want to get creative with the wedding band can even incorporate other metals and materials into the actual band, given the dynamic component of tungsten in terms of ring design.
Find the right finish
Once you have decided on the metal, your next concern would be deciding on the band’s finish. Couples who prefer matching wedding bands also need to choose the same finish. In some cases, different shades or even different metals used can be better tailored as a couple ring, if you choose the same finish for both rings.
Those who want the traditional shine of unique mens wedding bands can opt for the polished finish. However, note that this finish will show scratches and marks more. It’s best to avoid pairing this with non-durable metals like silver or rose gold.
Men who prefer an elegant flat finish will do well with either a matte or satin finish. A matte finish does not shine but it gives the ring a mint finish. Satin finish appears to be a cross between the former two. It has a certain sheen and smoothness that is not directly flashy. Some prefer a textured version like brush or cross satin. This transforms a very simple band into its own unique design, making it the ideal finish for those who may opt to put smaller or no stones on their wedding bands.
Adding Details To Your Wedding Ring
If you already have the basics of the ring down, then the next step would be to take care of the details. Some assume that the answer to the question, “What is the best wedding ring for a man?” is that it should be as simple as possible, then you may be missing out on a number of good styles to make that ring memorable even for your beau.
Diamonds or engraving?
The first question may be to ask if you and your partner will do complementary rings or go for the same design. Some women’s wedding rings may look better with diamonds or colored stones. However, some men may prefer a simple engraving without other flairs. Make sure to discuss this before heading to your favorite jeweler. Or if you cannot make up your mind yet, consult with your trusted jeweler and ask for tips.
Statement or simple?
Some men may prefer to keep it simple, especially since they will wear their wedding rings every day. If you feel that your own preference in your ring may clash with his, then it might be time to evaluate the look you want for your wedding bands.
Remember, there is no rule enforcing the same look for both party’s rings. If you want a more striking ring but beau says otherwise, try to find a way to blend your sensibilities. Personalized jewelry carries a certain convenience because you can easily ask your jeweler to design specific details for your ring.
Smart choices: What men consider when buying wedding rings
Contrary to what some people may expect, even men have their own takes on wedding rings. Just because the more common approach to men’s wedding ring design is a simple band, it does not mean they will not have any other design in mind.
In recent times, men have started to join the trend of personalized ring styles. The combination of small stone-specific finishes can create a wide array of ring options. For example, the piece in this TrendHim review has all the hallmarks of a modern ring. The blending of gold and silver metal colors also makes it a good match for any wear.
Ever wondered how to match a rose gold ring? Some brides may not want to go with a pink stone and rose gold combination for their wedding band because it may not be the most versatile color for a man’s wedding band. However, like the one in this Kay Outlet review, the blend of dark gray and black stainless steel is highlighted with a thin pink plating. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it, too?
Before Shopping: The Big Talk With Your Partner
More couples have started to prefer simpler and more intimate weddings. This is because doing so makes the ceremony feel even more special for the people they share it with. In addition, more intimate weddings can mean more budget to go around for other parts and aspects of the wedding.
For starters, couples can start reassessing and spreading their budget around. What’s important about weddings is that they are shared with people who are important to the couple. Everything else can be devoted to the things that will last beyond the wedding day.
One of the most important pieces of memorabilia of this special day would be the wedding rings. Previously, the woman’s ring tends to get the bigger share of the spotlight. Beyond the style and finish of the actual wedding ring, women’s engagement rings also tend to be in the spotlight as well. Thus, some may commonly assume that men’s wedding bands should merely follow or complement their partners’ style.
Before embarking on a ring hunt, it’s best to discuss with your partner how you plan to choose rings. From the budget to the general style and material, it pays to be on the same page as your partner as early as day one. In this way, both of your wants will be laid out on the table as you move your plans for purchase along.
Dividing tasks: Conquering the marriage quest together
With many wedding practices changing in recent times, finding that common ground in the wedding ring search can save you time and energy. It helps to consult various catalogs that showcase different styles. Be clear on what you are looking for—and this goes for both men’s and women’s wedding rings.
Among the first question to be asked, especially for couples buying bargain matching couple rings, is “Who buys the man’s wedding ring?” While there are no hard and fast rules about this particular practice, taking the time with your partner to buy rings can make the wedding planning process even more fun and organized.
The big question: What’s an average price for unique men’s wedding bands?
Budget first depends on the couple in question. This is the figure that you set even before you start your ring hunt. The other factor that you need to consider would be the price of the metal. The intricacy of design, additional stones, and certain finishes may all factor into the cost.
If your future groom is very adamant about working with a single price tag, Wedding Stats state that the average cost of a man’s wedding band is somewhere in the $450 ballpark. While this may not be the exact number for every ring you will find, set aside this much as you embark on your next shopping trip.
Go for comfort fit
If you are the type to prefer a no-frills approach to buying a wedding ring, follow the comfort fit style of choosing a ring. Some men may not be used to wearing rings before having a wedding ring. As such, some jewelers create a comfort fit-style band.
According to Brides, this type of wedding band will have more material so the ring slips on easily without pinching. It may add to the price tag, but this will certainly prevent chaffing and unpleasant sensations when you wear your wedding ring.
With modern weddings and among more couples, men’s wedding bands have started to diversify to cater to more customers. Whether your style is more traditional or modern, jewelers now offer more ring styles. This lets the men’s rings take the spotlight and become a great complement to the more intricate women’s wedding bands.
If you want to know more about diamond alternatives to use for your wedding bands, read our article “Six Top Diamond Alternatives You May Not Know About.”