ALL OF THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF WEDDING BANDS FOR MEN, EXPLAINED

Let's face it: when it comes to wedding rings, men haven't always had a lot of options. Typically, they could choose from only one or two styles of men's wedding bands, usually made of gold, platinum, or sometimes tungsten.

Fortunately, the era of boring men's wedding bands is over. Men no longer have to settle for a simple gold band. Modern jewelers understand that men want to express their style and personalities just as much, if not more, than women. Today, men can choose from a variety of unique and fun options, such as knife-edge wedding bands or diamond bands. Let's explore the different aspects of men's wedding band styles to help you find the perfect ring.

Men's Wedding Band Styles: The Aspects You Need to Know

Having choices is always beneficial, especially when selecting wedding rings. When shopping for men's wedding bands, several factors must be taken into account, such as:

Width

 

Width is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a men's wedding band. Unlike women's engagement rings, which typically have consistent band widths, men's bands offer a wider range of options. This variability is due to men generally having larger hands, influenced by factors like height and weight. Thicker bands are often more comfortable for men with larger hands or those engaged in hands-on professions. Conversely, narrower bands (ranging from 1.5mm to 3mm) are better suited for men with smaller hands and slimmer fingers.

Thicker bands (6mm to 12mm) make a bolder statement on the hand, being larger and more noticeable. For men unaccustomed to wearing rings, a thinner band might be more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and which width feels most suitable.

On average, men's wedding bands are approximately 8 millimeters wide, equivalent to the width of four stacked nickels. However, widths can vary widely, ranging from 2mm to 10mm. For a visual comparison, Stienhardt offers a range of options: the Classic Low Dome Wedding Band is thinner at 4mm, while the Channel Set Men's Wedding Band is thicker at 7.7mm. Stienhardt provides diverse widths to ensure you find the ideal wedding band for you.

Metal

Not all metals are alike. Although every metal used in men's wedding band styles is crafted to be durable and withstand daily wear, each metal has its own distinct qualities.

Platinum

Platinum is highly favored as a metal choice for men's wedding rings due to its attractive soft white color and exceptional durability—it is about 20 percent denser than white gold. Another advantage of platinum is its ability to resist showing scratches, unlike its gold counterparts. However, its density contributes to a higher cost compared to other similar metals.

White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold

While not as robust as platinum, both yellow gold and white gold are excellent choices for men's wedding bands. Despite both being derived from pure gold, they differ in composition and each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Yellow gold is the traditional and timeless option for men's wedding bands, crafted from pure gold mixed with silver and copper. It radiates a warm hue that never goes out of fashion and enhances the brilliance of diamonds.

In contrast, white gold presents a more contemporary aesthetic by blending pure gold with metals like palladium, silver, nickel, copper, and zinc. Its white color complements the sparkle of diamonds on the ring, creating an illusion of larger and brighter stones.

The drawback of yellow gold and white gold lies in their strength. However, there is good news: rhodium plating can enhance the durability of white gold while adding luster and reflectivity. It's important to note that this plating wears off over time and requires reapplication every few years. Stienhardt offers a lifetime warranty that covers replating and repolishing.

If you find it difficult to choose between yellow gold and white gold, consider two-tone men's wedding band styles that incorporate both metals in the same ring. The specific combination of metals varies by style: for instance, designs like the Carved Dome Two Color Men's Band may feature more yellow gold than white gold, while others might predominantly showcase white gold with accents of yellow gold.

Rose Gold

In addition to the traditional options of yellow or white gold, men can opt for rose gold for their wedding band. Rose gold is crafted from a blend of pure gold and copper, resulting in a distinctive reddish or pinkish hue. Many find rose gold to be particularly romantic due to its soft, pink-like tone. The addition of copper not only contributes to the metal's beautiful color but also enhances its durability, as copper is a robust metal. When shopping for rose gold, similar to white or yellow gold, you will typically find options in both 14kt and 18kt varieties. The next section will explain the significance of karat gold and the distinctions between various karat weights.

What does Karat Gold Mean?

Whether opting for white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold, considering the karat is crucial. Gold wedding bands are typically available in both 14kt and 18kt variations. The karat number indicates the proportion of gold in the metal alloy. For instance, a 14kt gold men's wedding band contains 14 parts gold out of a total of 24 parts (with the remaining 10 parts being other alloy metals). In contrast, 18kt gold consists of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other alloy metals.

The karat weight affects factors like durability and appearance. Lower karat gold, such as 14kt, tends to be more durable because it contains a higher proportion of other metals that strengthen the alloy. Pure gold is inherently soft, so mixing it with alloys like copper and silver in yellow or white gold enhances its durability, making it more resistant to everyday wear and tear.

In terms of appearance, higher karat gold appears brighter because it contains a greater percentage of pure gold. However, it is also softer and more prone to scratches compared to lower karat gold. The choice between 14kt and 18kt ultimately depends on your preferences for durability versus the richness of color and shine.

Stainless Steel

Another option available for men's wedding bands is stainless steel. Stainless steel is notably more economical compared to metals like platinum and gold, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable wedding band. However, stainless steel bands may have limited style options, and resizing can be challenging.

Ultimately, there is no definitive "best" metal for a wedding band. Each metal comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. The key is to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each metal so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Finish

You've selected the metal for your wedding band, but now it's time to decide on the finish. While women's engagement rings and wedding bands often share the same finish, men's wedding bands offer a range of options to suit your personal style.

• High polish - This is the most popular finish for wedding bands, giving the ring a shiny, reflective surface that catches the light. It creates a striking and appealing appearance, though some polished metals, like white gold, may be prone to scratching.
• Matte - A matte finish provides a flat, non-reflective look that lacks shine.
• Satin - Similar to high polish in smoothness but without the reflective quality, satin finish reduces flashiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a more understated ring.
• Brush/Cross Satin - This finish lacks the shine of high polish and satin but offers a textured appearance reminiscent of brushed metal or cross-hatching. It's a unique choice for a wedding band that adds character.
• Sand blasting - For a rugged look, sandblasting creates a rough texture on the ring with no shine or reflection whatsoever. It's perfect for those seeking a more gritty aesthetic.

Structure

A wedding band may seem straightforward, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Men's wedding bands are all circular, yet they offer various options in terms of structure. At Stienhardt, our men's wedding bands are categorized into three distinct styles:

• Dome - Also known as D-shape, a dome structure gives the wedding band a rounded appearance on both the surface and edges, providing a comfortable fit that many men prefer.
• Flat - A flat shape is exactly as it sounds: a band with straight edges and no curves along its surface, offering a sleek and modern look.
• Concave - In contrast to a dome, a concave structure features a surface that curves inward at the center of the ring, creating a bold and distinctive silhouette.

Detailing

Enhancing a men's wedding band with additional details can elevate its appeal, creating a truly distinctive look that reflects your personality. Here are a few options for detailing:

• Diamonds - Diamonds aren't just for women's rings. In men's wedding bands, diamonds are often integrated seamlessly into the setting, like in the Satin Princess Diamond Men's Wedding Band. Some designs, such as the Floating Three Stone Wedding Band, feature intricate arrangements, while others use smaller pave diamonds as accents rather than focal points.
• Milgrain - Adding tiny metal beads known as milgrain to rings adds a touch of texture and detail. This classic technique from the early 20th century is experiencing a resurgence in modern designs, as seen in the Brushed Center Milgrain Diamond Wedding Band.
• Carving - Carving adds depth and intricacy to a ring without the use of gemstones. Designs range from simple carvings, like in the Concave Carved High Polish Men's Wedding Band, to highly detailed patterns depending on your preference.

How much do Men's Wedding Band Styles Differ by Price?

 

The good news is that the width, finish, and detailing of men's wedding bands typically do not significantly affect their price. So, what factors do influence the cost? The choice of metal plays a crucial role. Platinum, for instance, is generally more expensive than yellow gold or white gold. Additionally, any inclusion of diamonds, such as pave diamonds, can also impact the price, similar to their effect on women's engagement rings.

At Stienhardt, our expert gemologists are ready to assist you in navigating the various styles of men's wedding bands, ensuring you find the perfect ring that fits both your style preferences and budget.

 

Wedding Band Average Cost

As mentioned earlier, several factors influence the price of a wedding band. A gold band featuring diamonds will be more expensive than one without diamonds, just as a band with intricate and unique designs like pave or two-tone styles will cost more compared to simpler designs. While men's wedding bands can range in price from $100 to $2,000, the average cost typically hovers around $600.

With Clarity Men's Wedding Bands Style Guide

Here are some examples of different styles, widths, finishes, and designs offered by Stienhardt.

Classic Low Dome Men's Wedding Band

A timeless design at 3mm width, available in white gold, yellow gold, and platinum.

Split Satin Top Men's Wedding Band

A statement piece at 5mm width, combining polished and satin finishes, available in white gold and platinum.

Carved Dome Two Color Men's Band

Combines yellow and white gold tones in a 5mm width, perfect for those who want both metals.

Classic Knife Edge Wedding Band

Sleek design with an optical illusion, available in white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, giving the appearance of a thinner ring at 5mm width.

Satin Round Diamond Men's Wedding Band

Adorned with 8 round-cut diamonds, this 5mm width band is available in white gold and platinum, perfect for those seeking a bit of bling.