You’ve probably thought long and hard about the type of engagement ring you want, but what about your guy? For many men, a wedding band is the only piece of jewelry they own. So vow to find just the right ring for him.
What’s His Style?
Flashy: If he has a life-of-the-party personality, he might want a touch of bling, maybe a row of inlaid diamonds or just a single diamond accent.
Traditional: If he’s the quiet type, check out simple gold bands.
Modern: If his style is hip, look for a cool two-tone design or clean, contemporary lines.
Consider his heritage. For a groom with an Irish background, a Claddagh or Celtic ring might be the perfect choice.
One of the biggest factors in choosing a men’s wedding band is the color and type of metal.
- Gold—Not just yellow anymore! Consider white or rose gold
- Sterling Silver—Always classic
- Tungsten Carbide—Super tough. Second in hardness only to diamonds
- Titanium—Lightweight, hypoallergenic and as strong as steel
- Stainless Steel—Tarnish-resistant with shine that never quits
Where Does He Work & Play?
Some mechanics and construction workers don’t wear a wedding ring on the job because they’re concerned about the ring getting caught on equipment. So if he’s only going to wear his ring after 5 and on the weekends, he might want one that’s dressier or more unique.
If your guy works with his hands or loves to play football, consider a scratch-resistant titanium ring or a textured, heavily detailed ring that’s less apt to show scratches.
What’s His Size?
If it’s no prob for him to palm a basketball, look for an average or wide band. Those look great on large hands or bigger fingers. If his hand is smaller or his fingers are slender, a ring that’s around 5mm will be proportioned just right.
When it comes to his actual ring size, don’t just guess. Have his finger professionally sized. You don’t want to have to pay for resizing later, and some rings, like tungsten and ceramic, cannot be resized. And if you’ve engraved his ring and then have to resize it, it would be crushing to lose part of your heartfelt sentiment.
Do You Want to Match?
You like the sentiment of matching rings, but you don’t want to give up your dream ring to do it. We get that. Choose a matching metal. You can have that gorgeous white gold ring with the showstopper cluster of fiery diamonds, and he can complement it with a white gold band with classic detailing. That’s what’s called happily ever after.
How Will It Feel on His Finger?
Women are used to wearing jewelry. Most men aren’t, so he might initially be bothered by how a ring feels on his finger. Yes, he’ll get over it, but there also are ways to up the comfort factor.
Even if a ring has an angular look on the outside, it’s the inside that affects how it fits and feels. Look for one that has gentle curves inside or is categorized as a comfort fit ring.
Depending on the length of his fingers, a ring that is 8mm or wider might not be as comfortable as a skinnier band.
What’s Your Budget?
While a band that blazes with diamonds can rival the cost of a woman’s engagement ring, most men’s wedding bands are surprisingly affordable. In general, 14K gold is more expensive than 10K, but tungsten carbide, sterling silver, stainless steel and ceramic bands all deliver a sharp look at a price that won’t break the bank.
What style of wedding band will he appreciate as much as he does you? Show us what you love at #JCPstyle.