When it comes to wedding rings, much of the focus is inevitably onbride engagement ring. When it comes to marriage, wedding rings for the bride and groom are rather an afterthought. A few decades ago, there simply wasn't much variety in men's rings. The options basically came down to a simple gold or silver band with perhaps a decorative flower or gemstone. That was it.
There has been an explosion of men's options on the market in recent years, which means you have more to think about – in a good way! Honestly, the look and materials available for men's rings have never been so stylish. Of course, this goes hand in hand with lots of colorful options made from odd materials and/or niche/unique designs. To guide grooms-to-be through the options and selection process, below we've covered everything you need to know to choose the perfect men's wedding ring.
Thanks to the guys frommale bandsfor providing some information and photos. This is NOT a sponsored article; I simply drew from his experience to find out what a man should consider when choosing a ring.
¿Combine or not combine?
The first question to consider when choosing a wedding ring is whether or not you and your spouse-to-be want matching rings. Traditionally, husband and wife bands were joined because they were a symbol of their union and partnership. But that tradition has largely faded today, and the choice to have the same or different bands is entirely up to you. Matching bands continue to be a strong symbol of unity, but different bands allow each couple to choose something that suits their personal style.
If you like the idea of matching rings but don't want to choose identical bracelets, consider buying different but complementary rings, made of the same material or with the same gemstone, to wear in different ways. Or draw the same saying on the inside of each band.
your personal style
When it comes to your wedding ring, it all comes down to your personal style. There are not necessarily better or worse options; All you have to do is browse and decide what you really like.
Beware of a design or material that looks great at first, but may look gimmicky in a decade or two. Sure, you might like baseball, but you do it.ActuallyDo you want a lifetime baseball red dot engraved ring? You should also think about your future self.
However, men's rings are a bit different than women's engagement rings and you can certainly switch them up later as your personal style changes (like mine did in my 10 years of marriage). More on this in the "Budget" section below.
While some men might get over the ring choice – “Oh, I don't care, just buy me whatever” – I encourage you to think and think about it. Get something that you will truly love to wear for the rest of your life.
Material
When it comes to men's wedding rings, there is a wide range of materials and colors to choose from. In addition to classic precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), there are also modern metals like tungsten and titanium, as well as more exclusive materials like wood, meteorite, and even dinosaur horn/bone. Silicone rings are also becoming more popular. Let's look at each of these materials and first consider whether you want a diamond or some type of gemstone.
diamonds/gemstones
with this option, the diamond is set in rose gold, with a meteorite inlay.
One of the first questions to consider when it comes to materials is whether you want to set a diamond or some type of gemstone in the ring. In a woman's diamond engagement ring, the gemstone is usually set over the ring itself; The point is that the diamond is the star of the show. In men's rings, diamonds are placed within the ring as an addition to the overall image and not as a focal point. Diamonds (and other gemstones) obviously add a small price tag, but they can look really sharp and elegant if you have the budget for it. However, diamonds can seem too flashy for most grooms and are certainly still in the minority when it comes to men's wedding bands.
in the precious year
Gold (yellow, white, pink).The most traditional option and almost certainly the one that your father and grandfather have/had. It is easier to resize than other materials because it is a "soft" metal; this also means that it scratches quite easily. The price is usually still quite high unless you use gold plating or a lower karat.
Talk.The other classic option for the material of the alliances, although no longer so common. Like gold, it is a softer material that will wear and show its age after a decade or two. It is cheaper than other precious metals. Most of the silver rings you'll find on the market today are made of white gold or hard metal (see below).
Platinum.Platinum is the most expensive of the classic metals, but it's super durable—a platinum ring will probably last a lifetime and look just the same. Platinum also has a beautiful natural shine.
years of modernity
These materials are not nicknamed "modern" because the materials are truly modern, but rather because they are used in wedding rings. They all have a similar appearance and are usually combined with inlays of other materials such as carbon fiber, turquoise, some precious metal, etc.
a titanium ringinlaid with turquoise.
Titan.The hardest natural metal available, which also means it's hard to resize. It is mostly scratch resistant (although not entirely) and quite light. More affordable than the precious metals mentioned above.
Wolfram.The hardest and most durable material for rings. This artificial metal is silver (although it can be mixed with other materials to create other colors) and is virtually unbreakable. It also makes it almost impossible to resize. It's denser than the other metals here, which makes it just a little heavier, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, the ring will be more noticeable on your finger.
Some other metals you will find are cobalt, steel, and tantalum. With these metals, it's really just a matter of style and budget - they're all durable and quite affordable on their own (ie without inlays or gems).
exclusive materials
There is a growing selection of more unique materials that do not fall into the metal category:
ceramics.Although it is basically clay, it is super hard and almost as durable as the cemented carbides described above. Ceramic retains its original shine longer than other materials and is very affordable. It also has a more upscale look and comes in more color options. Again, though, it's hard to resize and can break on particularly strong impacts.
A ringwith wooden inlays flanked by resistant ceramics on the sides.
Madeira.It may seem strange to walk around with a wooden wedding ring. Won't it break? Are you more vulnerable to the elements (including sweat)? Well, in reality, most wooden rings are not usually made entirely of wood (although there are 100% wooden rings); Instead, only the inlay is made of wood, and that inlay is protected by more durable materials, such as the metals listed above, either on the outside or inside of the ring. A wood inlaid ring offers unique variations in color and pattern and ages with a more noticeable patina than metal. It can also chip/scratch a bit more easily, especially if it's a wooden ring. However, a wooden ring is still very durable, slightly less so than a carbide one.
Meteorite/Horn/Bone.If you come across a material that looks a bit complicated, it's almost always reinforced with metal (like wood). In my opinion, these materials add to the price (though not always) and don't necessarily offer a completely unique look (you might know you're wearing a dinosaur bone on your finger, but chances are no one will). . But if you really like space and want to have a meteor on your finger, you can definitely do it.
silicone rings,like thisThey come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures.
Silicone.This rubber-like material is quickly becoming an increasingly popular choice for wedding bands, particularly as a "back-up" ring for adventures, machine work, weightlifting, vacations, or any setting where a price high is expensive, the traditional ring can be lost. , damaged or stolen. But some gentlemen choose a silicone ring as their main wedding ring. Can'tto feelSo cool or meaningful, but some guys like it, it represents their more laid-back, low-key version of life.
Silicone rings are incredibly affordable (under $50!), interchangeable, comfortable, and just get more stylish with each passing year as the market grows. Basic options are plentiful, but there are some companies likeEnso, which fuses silicone with some metal to create a prettier, more unique ring (that's still under $50).
ring width
Same 4mm, 6mm and 8mm width hoop.
The width of your wedding ring will probably make a bigger difference to your overall look than you might think. Most rings are between 4mm and 8mm wide, although there are exceptions at both extremes. Many men tend towards the higher end of this range; 4mm and under tends to look a bit dainty (though not always), while an 8mm ring feels sharper and more durable.
When thinking about the width of your ring, the first thing to consider is the size of your hand and fingers. If you have small hands, an 8mm strip might be too big and stick out too much. I have small to medium sized hands and wore an 8mm ring for a long time before trying a 6mm ring; the latter feels much better and more proportionate on my finger. On the other hand, a small 4mm ring looks quite out of place on a man with meaty hands and fingers.
The other main factor in ring width, as with all of these other categories, is your personal style. A wider ring is a bolder option and is inherently a bit more flashy. A thinner ring is more subtle and naturally blends in a bit better rather than standing out.
fit/size
There are two ways the ring fits on your finger:standard and comfort. The pattern, as you can imagine, is how each ring used to look and it simply means that the inside of the ring, the part that comes into contact with the finger, is completely flat. The standard fit is a little harder to get on and off at the ankle and can be a little slippery on the toe.
The vast majority of rings these days are tight fitting. This means that the inside of the ring is slightly curved, which makes it easier to put on and take off and ensures that the ring fits a little better.
Measuring your finger size for a ring is pretty basic these days. Most companies, especially here in the COVID era, offer to send you a free or very cheap ring size guide, which is basically a key chain with different ring sizes for you to try on. There are also apps that will do the trick.
Budget
While the average engagement and wedding ring combination for a woman is well over $6,000 (wow!), the average wedding ring for a man is around $500 below that figure. If he has the money and desires, he can easily spend $2,000 to $3,000, and more, on a combination of unique materials, inlays, and/or gemstones. On the other hand, there are many really beautiful, durable and elegant rings that cost around $200 or even less.
The big question really is how to set a ring budget in the first place. Those monthly salary rules have always been nonsense; in fact, De Beers created the 2-3 month salary rule because they wanted men to spend more money on engagement rings. Unfortunately, there is no correct formula. You need to look at your current financial situation, determine what you (and your fiancée) are happy with, and go from there. While a diamond engagement ring can last forever, in the world of men's rings it's all too easy to trade it in after a few years (or a decade or two) if your first ring was cheap (although you can be sentimental about rings). , which are exchanged at the altar).
You are now prepared to make an informed decision about which ring you will wear until death do you part - and not even then, since you will likely be buried with it!
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FAQs
What type of wedding ring should I get man? ›
Classic. Classic wedding ring styles typically feature an all-metal band that is either smoother or has a bit of texture. Timeless and traditional, classic wedding bands are one of the most popular options for a men's wedding ring.
How much should a man's wedding ring be? ›Average Wedding Band Cost for Men
The average cost of a wedding band for men is about $510, according to The Knot. The price can vary significantly based on the metal used. Titanium is the least expensive, while platinum costs the most.
Decide On The Size & Fit
The most important thing while picking a ring is to maintain the proportion of rings to your hands. In simple words, slim or smaller hands need compact or small rings while large rings look good on larger hands.
The average width size for a men's wedding band is 6mm and is suitable for most grooms. When in doubt, go with a 6mm wedding band. 6mm rings make a nice visual statement, without being too flashy. They are comfortable, easy to wear and tend to look good on on hands of all sizes, no matter what they are made of.
Who buys the groom's wedding ring? ›Tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring. So in a traditional wedding, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's ring.
How much should you spend on a wedding ring? ›How much money should I spend on a wedding ring? Engagement rings cost more. But you'll need to add wedding ring costs to your budget if you're opting for both. On average, wedding bands cost about $1,100 for women and around $550 for men, according to one estimate from The Knot.
What time of year is best to buy wedding bands? ›Early Autumn - September and October are a couple of the slowest months in the jewelry industry. That makes this season potentially the best time to buy a wedding ring, as many retailers run promotions to drum up business and clear old stock before the holidays come.
What Colour should wedding ring be? ›White gold is a traditional and popular choice for an engagement ring. That's because it's timeless, classic and easy to style. And, it's a colour that easily complements the sparkle of any diamond you choose, and is a slightly more affordable alternative to platinum.
What is the average men wedding band? ›The average ring size for men is a size 9.
How much does the average groom's ring cost? ›Anticipate around $400 to $600 for a gold wedding band. In fact, $600 is the overall average paid for men's matrimonial rings, so this might be a good baseline to gauge the products you find against, regardless of your budget.
How much should a man spend on a ring? ›
General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
What color should a men's wedding band be? ›The most common choice for a men's wedding band remains 14 karat gold as it's not as soft as 18 karat or platinum. While yellow gold still remains a common choice for men's wedding bands, white toned metals such as white gold, platinum and palladium have gained popularity among the masses in the US.
What does a ring on a man's right ring finger mean? ›The left ring finger is reserved for wedding bands. However, the right ring finger is a popular site to wear specific association, club, or fraternity rings.
Where do men wear wedding ring? ›Traditionally in most countries worldwide: the USA, Britain, New Zealand, and Australia, men wear their wedding rings on the left hand. Some people try and explain the concept by claiming that the wedding ring is worn on the left hand's fourth finger because a vein runs from the finger to the heart.
Is your shoe size your ring size? ›The truth: shoe sizes and ring sizes have no connection to each other – any similarities are pure lucky coincidence.
Is titanium ring better than tungsten? ›As we mentioned, titanium rings are softer than tungsten rings, meaning they're able to withstand a bit more give and take. It is one of the most durable metals and will show much greater resistance against cracking, which should gift you more security if you're intending to take it on and off frequently.
What size ring do guys usually wear? ›The average ring size available for men ranges from size 6 to size 13. The most commonly purchased men's rings range between size 8 to 10-½. Size 9 is the most popular.
Does the groom pick his wedding band? ›Traditionally, each person pays for their partner's ring. A groom would pick a ring for his bride, and the bride would pick a wedding band for the groom. But with the paradigm shift in all things wedding-related, everything from ring design to the number of rings is up for a modern interpretation.
What is the purpose of a garter at a wedding? ›Traditionally, the wedding garter most often symbolizes love and luck. In the Middle Ages it was more tied up with notions of virginity and the consummation of marriage; these days it's more of a fun, lighthearted wedding way to show off the couple's chemistry and interact with their guests.
Who pays for honeymoon? ›Who Traditionally Pays for the Honeymoon. "'Traditional' older etiquette states that the groom and his parents are supposed to fund the honeymoon because the bride and her family are paying for the wedding," explains Forrest Skurnik while noting that these rules no longer apply.
How many carats is the average wedding ring? ›
According to a study done by The Knot in 2021, the average engagement ring diamond was 1.5 carats. 50% of those who participated in the study purchased rings between 1 and 2 carats. Only 25% of rings were over 2 carats.
What is the 3 month salary rule? ›It's known as the "three months' salary" rule, and it implies that a buyer should put three months of their salary toward a sparkler for their future spouse. For context, The Knot 2021 Jewelry and Engagement study found that the average cost of an engagement ring in the US is $6,000.
How long between ring purchase and proposal? ›Your Ready to Propose!
If you're going with a pre-designed ring, make sure to purchase that at least one month before your proposal date, while two months minimum should be allotted for a custom ring.
What generally works is to start shopping about three or four months before the wedding, then make the actual purchase at the six-week mark, at the latest. If you're engraving the rings, it may take a few extra days until they're ready.
When should I stop wearing my wedding ring? ›There is no right or wrong answer for this. Some people will take their wedding ring off as soon as they are going through a rough patch with their partner and others may wait until they are officially divorced. It really depends on your own thoughts and preferences.
When should you buy your man a wedding band? ›The groom usually buys the bride's wedding band, and the couple gives them to each other during the wedding ceremony. The groom buys an engagement ring before he proposes, but couples usually wait until a few months before the wedding to buy the wedding bands.
What is more important on ring color or clarity? ›Clarity is more important in shapes like emerald, princess, and asscher. Colour is important for cushion, radiant, pear and oval. Generally speaking, as long as you choose an eye-clean diamond, your diamond will still look beautiful in terms of clarity.
What is the most popular wedding ring color? ›Gold. Gold is the most common and classic choice for wedding and engagement rings—and for good reason. Whether it's yellow, white, or rose gold, this metal provides you with many options.
Does a man's wedding band have to match? ›In the past, wedding bands were made as sets to honor a partnership. But today, there are no rules that say your wedding bands have to match.
How much should a engagement ring cost? ›How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost? A one carat engagement ring typically costs around $5,500, but most couples spend over $6,000—and 7 percent spend over $10,000.
Is the wedding band the engagement ring? ›
The wedding ring, or wedding band, is presented during the wedding ceremony. The band is usually of less monetary value than the engagement ring as they're typically more simple pieces of jewelry. Traditionally the wedding ring is worn above the engagement ring, so as to be closer to the heart of the bride.
How much does an average engagement ring cost? ›The average couple spent $5,225 on an engagement ring in 2022. Breaking it down, 19% spent less than $1,000. Twenty-nine percent of couples spent between $2,000 and $5,000, while 9% spent over $10,000.
How much should an engagement ring cost 3 months salary? ›In fact, the typical American puts down just two weeks' salary, according to the New York Times. Following that three-month guideline, a person earning $61,937, the current U.S. median household income, would have to spend around $15,500 before taxes on a ring.
How much does groom's wedding band cost? ›There really are phenomenal options at every price point. At RING BEAR, the average for a tungsten band is $200-300, gold is $350-1,000 depending on the karat, and platinum can be found at $700-$1,200. Picking out a groom's wedding band is an important purchase as couples plan for their wedding day and beyond.
Is 10k too much for an engagement ring? ›$10,000 is not too much for an engagement ring, as long as it fits in with your budget, as you can design a stunning ring with a well-cut diamond that's over 1 carat with this budget.
What is 1 carat diamond worth? ›On average, the retail price for one carat diamonds can be anywhere between $2,000 to $16,000, and between $8,000 to $72,000 for two carat diamonds . And of course, the retail price and the resale value of a diamond are very different things.
Which diamond clarity is best? ›What is the best diamond clarity? The best diamond clarity rating is Flawless (FL). These are the rarest diamonds in the world; less than 0.05% of all diamonds are Flawless or Internally Flawless.
What is the difference between wedding ring and engagement ring? ›An engagement ring is usually given as part of the proposal or, if not, at an early point in the engagement. By contrast, a wedding ring is traditionally a plain metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive when you exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony.
What ring color is best for men? ›- Yellow Gold. Yellow gold is a classic choice for men's wedding bands. ...
- White Gold. Another classic men's wedding ring option is white gold. ...
- Rose Gold. Rose gold has become more popular over the years for its soft brilliance. ...
- Platinum. ...
- Cobalt. ...
- Comfort-Fit. ...
- Square Edge. ...
- Polished.
Men can and do wear wedding bands with diamonds. Again, it's a matter of preference and taste. Some men prefer to wear rings inlaid with a beautiful diamond or similar rare stone, while others prefer a simpler, more clean looking ring without them.
What is the most comfortable ring shape? ›
Court shaped - Court shaped rings are renowned for their comfort which is mainly as a result of them being slightly rounded on both, their outside and inside. The court shaped ring is the most popular and traditional choice in the wedding band industry.
What is a divorce ring? ›A divorce ring is a piece of jewelry that symbolizes the end of a marriage. It can be worn on the finger of the hand that once held a wedding ring, or it can be placed on a necklace or bracelet.
Why do some guys wear their wedding ring on their right hand? ›This is because it is believed that the right hand represents virtue and honor, just as the Bible mentions Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. In Jewish tradition, during the wedding ceremony, the wedding ring is placed on the index finger of the right hand.
What does a black ring mean? ›Black can signify power, courage, or strength, as well as show conviction or belief. In relation to marriage, a black ring can symbolize the power of love. Wearing black rings can be a way for a couple to show that they are dedicated to their marriage and that they believe in the strength of their union above all else.
Why do some men not wear wedding rings? ›As for whether a groom's decision to forgo a wedding ring is considered discourteous to his bride, both experts agree that it simply comes down to a personal preference and has nothing to do with etiquette .
What does not wearing your wedding ring mean? ›You know, one of the first symbolic acts when somebody files for divorce is to take off their wedding rings. Certainly, the wedding ring is a symbol that you are betrothed, you're taken, you're off the market. And so not wearing one could be sending the signal that you are available.
Where Do Not married men wear rings? ›The Little (Pinky) Finger
This is often the first choice for a man who wants to wear a “statement” ring. Pinky rings have a couple of advantages. First, they don't have religious or cultural associations in most cultures (unlike the ring finger), though family crests are often worn on the pinky finger.
Those with cool skin tones generally look best in lighter colored metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver. Those with warm skin tones tend to look best in warm metals such as yellow gold and rose gold. If you have a neutral skin tone, you'll look great with either type of metals.
Should men's wedding rings have diamonds? ›Men can and do wear wedding bands with diamonds. Again, it's a matter of preference and taste. Some men prefer to wear rings inlaid with a beautiful diamond or similar rare stone, while others prefer a simpler, more clean looking ring without them.
What color wedding ring for a man? ›White gold is a more contemporary choice for men's wedding bands over the more traditional yellow gold. It's worth noting that white gold is a man-made metal since it's created using a mixture of yellow gold, mixed in with white metal alloys such as silver or platinum.
Do men's wedding rings have to be gold? ›
“While most people think wedding bands are only made with precious metals, there are alternative options as well,” advises Elliott. Don't feel like you need to get a gold band just because it seems traditional—select what's best for your budget and lifestyle.
What's the best wedding band for a hardworking man? ›- Titanium – Titanium is a durable metal that offers a sleek and stylish look. ...
- Tungsten – Tungsten carbide bands can also be a solid choice.
The color of the watch's metal should complement the metal accents of your other accessories — rings (wedding ring excepted), cuff links, shoe buckle, belt buckle, etc. — so that all your accessories are either gold or silver. The colors don't have to match exactly.
What does a black wedding band mean? ›Black can signify power, courage, or strength, as well as show conviction or belief. In relation to marriage, a black ring can symbolize the power of love. Wearing black rings can be a way for a couple to show that they are dedicated to their marriage and that they believe in the strength of their union above all else.
Do most men wear their wedding ring? ›While it may not have always been the case, there's no denying now that in today's world, men wear a wedding ring more often than they do not. Though a lot of it may stem from pop culture and what's in style, there are other reasons men choose to wear a wedding ring too.
Why are men's wedding bands plain? ›Rings to suit the man
Traditionally men's wedding bands were plain metal bands as most men worked with their hands. As the tradition of men wearing wedding rings has evolved, customized mens wedding rings have become increasingly popular.
Many men choose to wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of the right hand. Others may even choose to wear it as a necklace strung from a simple chain. However you may want to wear it, the consensus is that there are no rules - you can be as traditional or unique as you want.
What carat for men's wedding ring? ›If you're sensitive to alloys or desire a gold wedding band that can stand up to everyday wear, then 18-Carat Gold is the best choice - especially for a men's gold wedding band. Other benefits of 18K Gold wedding band include: Can maintain a higher monetary value.
What size wedding ring should I get men? ›The average size of a men's wedding band sits between 5mm - 7mm. If your finger size is under 9.0 then we recommend a 6mm ring so that it doesn't over power your fingers. The best way to make a decision on the size of your men's wedding band is to go and try the different band widths.
What does it mean if a man doesn't wear his wedding ring? ›Him not wearing it usually means something other than a lack of commitment. Some men have occupations and hobbies that would make the ring uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous. Add to this that most men are quite active and fear losing it.
Is white gold or platinum better? ›
Although not as dense as Platinum, White Gold is intrinsically strong and fine details have more rigidity. If a design features hand engraving, mill grain or square edges, these details will be retained by White Gold better than Platinum. The downside of White Gold is that it is more susceptible to wearing away.