A guide to men’s wedding ring styles

Here, Jack Jahan from Ramsdens Jewellery explains what you need to know about men’s wedding ring styles, so you can choose the perfect piece to suit your needs.

It’s incredibly important that you put plenty of thought and research into choosing your wedding ring. Not only will it hold a lot of sentimental value for the rest of your life, but you’ll also want to wear it every day, so you need to make sure it’s comfortable and timeless.

Before starting your search, you could be forgiven for thinking most men’s wedding rings look very similar. However, once you start shopping around, you’ll soon discover that there are a lot more differences than you might have originally thought. Here, we’re going to talk you through men’s wedding ring styles, so you’re prepared when you do start looking for yours.

Choosing the right metal is incredibly important

When you’re shopping for your wedding ring, in order to narrow things down a little bit, the first decision you should make is which metal you want your ring to be made from. They all have their own pros and cons, so here’s what you need to know: 

• Yellow gold is probably the most classic choice, and it’s easy to see why it’s always been so popular. It’s timeless, goes with everything, and exudes a feeling of luxury. However, yellow gold can be quite malleable, which means it’s typically mixed with other metals to produce a stronger alloy. You can tell how pure gold is by the carat rating. The higher this is, the more expensive your ring is likely to be, but it could also be less durable. So, opting for a more affordable gold ring can often be a smart choice.
• Sterling silver is another timeless and popular choice. Plus, it tends to be one of the most affordable options, which means it can be the perfect option if you’re on a tight budget but still want a high-quality ring. Just make sure you still invest as much as your budget allows so you can ensure your chosen ring will last.
• Platinum is a very shiny cool-toned metal. It’s a stylish choice but, due to the fact that it’s rare and incredibly durable, it can be on the pricier side. When you’re shopping for your wedding ring, you’ll probably find that platinum designs are the most expensive that you come across, as they are very much luxury items.
• White gold is an alloy consisting of yellow gold and other silver metals. It’s then coated in rhodium, which gives it an impressively shiny finish.This could be a great option if you like the look of platinum, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far. Just be aware that white gold does sometimes need to be replated every few years in order to keep it looking its best.
• Palladium is a darker metal that can make a great choice for your wedding ring, as it has a particularly masculine look. Like platinum, it’s very durable and has a lovely shiny finish, but it’s more affordable. 

Consider how different profiles will feel and look

While a lot of wedding rings might look quite similar from afar, they can actually look very different up close. And the main difference will typically be the band profile — this is how the band itself is shaped, which can have a huge impact on how it feels when worn.

Domed bands tend to be the most popular, and these have a smooth rounded shape that almost resembles the letter D. They’re typically very comfortable to wear and have a sophisticated appearance. There are also flat rings, which have the same thickness all the way around. This can give your jewellery a more masculine look but, because the edges are almost squared off, you might find that this type of ring feels quite sharp and uncomfortable. I would always recommend trying rings with a different profile on before making a decision, because you’ll be wearing yours for the rest of your life. So, you want it to be comfy as well as stylish. 

Go with a design that suits your style and personality

Once you’ve chosen your precious metal and the type of profile that’s going to suit you best, you need to consider what kind of design will reflect your style and personality. Plain bands are a timeless and popular choice that are perfect if you prefer simple accessories that won’t draw too much attention. But they’re not your only option so, if you would rather have something more decorative, go for it!

There are three main alternative designs of men’s wedding rings: carved rings, gemstone rings, and signet rings. As the name suggests, a carved ring will be etched with some detailing, which will add some extra visual interest and texture, giving your jewellery a look that’s slightly out of the ordinary. You could even add a touch of sparkle to your ring finger by picking out a piece of jewellery that’s decorated with some gemstones. A diamond will look simple but stylish, while the likes of emeralds and rubies can add a dash of colour to your chosen jewellery. Finally, you could go for a particularly unusual choice with a signet ring that is decorated with an attractive design you’re drawn to. 

Your wedding ring will be the most important piece of jewellery you ever buy, so put plenty of time and research into picking out the right one. While you might have previously thought that most wedding bands look the same, there are actually lots of little differences you need to consider to ensure your chosen accessory suits you perfectly.