While most men are concerned about picking the right engagement ring, the choice of wedding bands is an afterthought. This is especially true of guy’s wedding bands. But, since you expect to be wearing your wedding band for the rest of your life, it should merit a degree of consideration similar to the engagement ring. While basic yellow gold wedding bands are OK, there are other options and a few more things to consider. Here is a little advice about how to pick men’s wedding bands.
What Precious Metal Do You Want for Your Mens Wedding Ring?
Although gold is a traditional choice for men’s (or women’s) wedding bands, there are more options.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal that is very hard and hypoallergenic. That means if you are prone to skin rashes from jewelry, you are generally safe with this precious metal. It is whitish silver and will stand up to years of wear and tear. Most platinum wedding bands are 95% platinum and 5 percent iridium, or 10% gold or 10% cobalt. All of these are hypoallergenic, very durable, and striking choices.
Palladium
This metal is similar to platinum but less expensive. It is also silver or white in color. Palladium is often added as an alloy to gold to make “white gold.”
Gold, but What Kind of Gold Do You Want?
Gold in wedding bands comes as white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Each of these is a gold ring but has a different metal mixed in as an alloy. The reason why gold alloys are used for wedding bands and other jewelry is that pure gold is rather soft. It is beautiful but does not stand up to the abuse that a wedding band will suffer over the years. By adding other metals the ring is still shiny and beautiful but will stand up to years of wear and tear.
Men’s White Gold Wedding Band
This is gold with silver, palladium, or nickel as an alloy.
Men’s Yellow Gold Wedding Band
Yellow gold is gold with copper and silver as alloys. It has a warm, yellow hue that is a classic choice.
Rose Gold Mens Wedding Band
By adding enough copper to gold, rose gold is the result. The band can be pink or even reddish. This is popular with those who like a vintage or antique look.
Choose That Style of Band that Fits Your Style
There are four options here:
- Classic bands are simply the shiny band
- Carved bands have etched designs that can be very impressive.
- Diamond bands are a unique statement of style with one more diamonds set on precious metal
- Alternative choices include using precious metals like titanium or a chrome and cobalt alloy
Other Wedding Band Features
Wedding bands can be narrow or wide, domed or flat. A “comfort ring” is rounded on the inner aspect as well as the outer. The choice is yours. Ask to see a few examples before choosing a band.
A Final Thought
It is perfectly OK to go with a classic yellow gold band or choose whatever band matched that of your beloved. However, you will be wearing this symbol of your love and devotion for a long, long time. Give a little though to something a little special.
For ideas, drop by our store at 15 W. 47th street just a three-minute walk from Rockefeller Center or take a look at our selections online.