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Men's Wedding Band Buying Guide

Men's Wedding Band Buying Guide

Planning a wedding is complicated. Often, the question of how and where to buy men's wedding bands gets put off in the face of more pressing concerns, like choosing a venue and limiting the guest list.

When it comes to deciding who buys the men's wedding band and what material to choose, many couples become overwhelmed. They might find themselves with less time than they'd like and more questions than anything: what type of men's wedding band should I get? What is the best wedding band for men?

The experts at Larson Jewelers are here to help with all this and more. We've broken the process down into four easy steps, and we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about men's wedding bands.

1. Choose a metal.

This step used to be a no-brainer because virtually all men's wedding bands were made of yellow or white gold. But it's no longer so simple to out and say what is the best wedding band for men. Here's the low-down on the metal options for modern groom's rings:
  • Tungsten - Pros: most scratch-resistant metal on earth, hypoallergenic and affordable. Cons: not as white as platinum, can break under force and not resizable. Choose this for men who work with their hands, prefer the weighty feel of gold and are on a budget.
  • Ceramic - Pros: just as scratch-resistant as tungsten, won't set off metal detectors because it's not metal, hypoallergenic and color goes all the way through. Cons: lighter weight can feel cheap, and it will break under force. Choose this for men with metal allergies who want a bold, unique look.
  • Cobalt Chrome - Pros: same whiteness as platinum but much more affordable, hypoallergenic and won't crack under pressure. Cons: scratches more easily than tungsten and must be sawed off in an emergency. Choose this for men on a budget who want a tough, stunning statement ring.
  • Titanium - Pros: lightweight but durable, hypoallergenic, can be made into virtually any color. Cons: not as durable or scratch resistant as tungsten, more difficult to fit to unique sizes and cannot be resized. Choose this for men with a standard size who prefer a uniquely colored ring.
  • Platinum - Pros: has the most luxurious look and feel of all metals, hypoallergenic and very true white color. Cons: most expensive of the metals and scratches easily. Choose this for men who do not work with their hands and prefer an opulent statement.
  • Gold - Pros: most traditional wedding ring metal, retains value, malleable for resizing and offered in many colors. Cons: expensive, scratches easily and colored plating can scratch off and will need to be replaced. Choose this for men who prefer the weighty feel of gold and view this ring as a long-term monetary investment.
  • Silver - Pros: Least expensive precious metal, hypoallergenic and very white color. Cons: scratches easily, tarnishes and must be cleaned regularly. Choose this for men who prefer a dazzling white ring and don't mind routine maintenance.

2. Pick your width.

Wedding rings are available in widths of two to 20 millimeters. As you think about what type of men's wedding band to get, the width of the ring is a personal decision. There's no right or wrong width, but men commonly opt for eight millimeters. Keep proportion in mind, meaning men with larger hands may prefer a wider ring.

3. Decide on the details.

To diamond or not: A diamond is expected in a woman's engagement ring, but they are entirely optional for men. Choose diamonds or other gemstones to accent a ring for men with a strong sense of style who like a little bling.

An engraving decision: Regardless of the style or metal you choose, engraving a phrase, date, fingerprint or image makes a wedding ring truly unique. Laser engraved words or images can go on the inside or outside of your ring.

Finish it: A polished, hammered or brushed finish can transform a plain band into a beautiful statement. What is the best wedding band for men in terms of finishes? Whichever one he likes the look of most!
4. Find your size and fit.

Now that you've done the hard work of choosing a metal, width and design, the only job left is determining his size. How should a men's wedding band fit? Comfortably but snugly. Choose standard fit for precious metals like gold and platinum and comfort fit for tungsten and titanium.

FAQs About Buying Men's Wedding Bands:

  • How much should you spend on a men's wedding band?

This really depends on your budget and preference. The average is about $500 for a men's wedding ring, but platinum rings can be several thousand dollars while some tungsten selections start under $100.

  • Who buys the man's wedding band?

Traditionally, the man in a couple picked out and purchased the lady's engagement ring and both wedding bands. That has changed in modern times with some brides selecting their fiancé's band as a gift and many couples ring shopping together. The best way to determine who's responsible for this is for the couple to discuss it and do what's comfortable for both of them.

  • Which hand for men's wedding bands is traditional?

For most American men, the left hand is home to a wedding band. However, your family's cultural traditions may indicate otherwise. For example, in the Eastern Orthodox church, wedding rings go on men's right hands.

  • How should a men's wedding band fit?

A wedding ring should be snug but comfortable. A standard fit ring is flat along the inside edges like a pipe. Many men prefer the newer comfort fit, which is domed on the interior to slide more easily over the knuckle. Choose comfort fit for metals like tungsten that cannot be resized and for men who take their ring off frequently.

  • Does a men's wedding band have to match his spouse's?

No! This is another one of those personal decisions that reflects the two of you as a couple. Matching wedding band sets can be a way of showcasing your unity, but differing rings make a statement about your individuality. Remember that your wedding rings are only a symbol - and only you can decide how they will tell your unique love story.

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