10 Most Popular Wedding Band Metals For Men

If you are scouring the internet, looking for men’s wedding band options: Congratulations! You are getting married and one step closer to getting the ring of your dreams.

Long after the hangover has died down and you’ve shipped your in-laws back home people start to realise – just like the person you’re about to wed, your wedding band is with you for life.

We often get caught up in the day; the vendors, food, dress, bridal party, and on and on. We spend so much time focused on the big day we forget about what will actually stay with us for life.

If we look back in time, men didn’t use to wear wedding rings at all. It wasn’t until the Korean War that soldiers started wearing rings to remember their loved ones. It has brought a beautiful sentiment to this old-age tradition of wedding bands (and an entire market).

Thankfully, we now have unlimited options when choosing a wedding band for our loved ones. But with these countless options comes a few challenges. So, before you head out to pick the wedding band, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Wedding Band

Whether you are shopping for a wedding band for yourself or your partner, remember to factor in these tips before purchasing.

Durability

You might not have thought too much about the durability of the metal. It is metal – should be durable enough, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. While your wedding band may not completely break off, it can be prone to scratches or cracks.

When selecting your wedding band, assess the toughness and hardness of the ring metal. A tough metal won’t crack and chip, while a hard metal will be scratch resistant. Wedding bands should be designed for daily wear, therefore, should be sturdy enough for regular use.

Fit

Men’s wedding bands usually come in two fits; comfort fit and standard fit. Comfort fits are…well, more comfortable, as its name suggests. They have a rounded inside that makes it easier to slide up and down the knuckle.

Width

A standard size for men’s wedding bands is 4mm to 6mm. Anything above 6mm should be reserved for people with long and thick fingers, as it can make your fingers look short and round. Moreover, if you are not used to wearing a ring, it’s better to opt for a narrower ring.

Maintenance

While intricate and unique designs look beautiful, they are high maintenance. To clean the ring, you will need to let it soak in warm water and gently brush it to clean debris stuck in the ring. If it sounds like too much work for you, go for a sleek and simple design for easy cleaning.

Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle before deciding on your wedding band. With an active lifestyle, you will want to opt for a tough metal. If you work with your hands a lot – carpentry, welding, or other, go for a ring that is scratch resistant.

Workability

Some metals can withstand intricate designs and laser engravings, while others can’t. Decide on what you are looking for in a ring before settling on a metal.

Metal

And now, perhaps the most important decision of all when it comes to wedding bands; choosing the metal type. Your metal will make or break your idea of a perfect wedding ring. So read along to find your perfect wedding band.

Top Wedding Band Materials for Men

Jewelers are offering a variety of choices of metals, from gold to cobalt chrome and platinum to silver. However, the most popular metal options remain Yellow Gold and White Gold. But we suggest you step out of the ordinary and have a look at all the other options in the market.

1. Yellow Gold

When you think of gold metal, you probably think of yellow gold, as it is literally golden in color. Gold wedding bands are the most popular choice for men. It is the classic choice and a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

14 karat and 18 karat gold is optimal for wedding bands, as anything above could be too soft and perishable for daily wear. Copper and zinc metals are used as alloys in the making of gold bands. An 18-karat is 75% pure gold, making it warmer yellow than a 14-karat.

Yellow Gold is a safe choice. It is flattering on almost all skin tones, has a sentimental history, and is low maintenance. Because of its popularity, it also comes in many different styles – intricate engraving, workings, gemstones, or other options. You could easily find your dream ring in yellow gold.

2. White Gold

White Gold is much similar in appearance to platinum or silver, without the high price. It works as a great alternative metal to the pricy platinum. Alloys used in white gold are nickel and palladium, hence the silver color. It gives off a lustrous color with a hint of gold that works well with diamonds.

If you are looking to match with your partner, white gold is the best choice. It looks fabulous on both men’s and women’s rings with intricate detailing.

While yellow gold compliments tanned skin tones better, white gold looks flattering on rosy pink and lighter skin-toned people. White gold is also sturdier than yellow gold and more scratch resistant. It is coated with a plating of rhodium which may flake away with wear and tear. Therefore, it requires periodic replating.

3. Rose Gold

In recent years, rose gold has seen a surge in popularity in the United States. It might be an ode to the era of millennial pinks. But it is largely because rose gold has a universal style to it. It looks flattering on every skin tone and doesn’t stand out as much as yellow and white gold, which makes it a perfect choice for muted jewelry lovers.

Since it is made using an alloy of copper, it is more durable than white and yellow gold. However, because of its alloy, it is not considered hypoallergenic.

Rose gold is a newer option than yellow and white gold; therefore, design options are fairly limited. You will have to look around to find your perfect ring.

4. Platinum

Platinum bands are perhaps the most favorite choice of metal for men’s rings. It has a sturdy and distinguished feel to it. Rarer than gold, it is also one of the most expensive metals on our list.

It is associated with wealth, luxury, and integrity, making it quite a luxe choice. If budget is not a problem, platinum is one of the most durable and workable metals. It shows hardly any signs of wear and tear after years of use. As a hypoallergenic metal, it is the best metal to avoid allergic reactions.

Pure platinum also ages like fine wine. It develops a beautiful patina over time. You can also have your platinum wedding band polished for a better and shinier effect.

Platinum is also one of the densest metals, so if you are looking for a ring with substantial weight, a platinum ring is a great option. As a symbol of everlasting love and integrity, it is a perfect metal for a wedding ring.

5. Palladium

Another member of the family of platinum: palladium is another great choice for wedding ring metals. It has the appearance of white gold and the shine and luster of platinum.

Unlike platinum, it is a lightweight metal, making it a very comfortable fit to wear on a regular basis. It is also durable and versatile, perfect for people with active lifestyles.

Palladium is also one of the few hypoallergenic metals in the market, so if allergies are a concern, palladium is a good choice.

With its shiny looks and practical features, paired with its affordable price, this metal is quite a steal.

6. Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide might not seem an obvious choice, but keep a watch out for this great metal. It is expected to overtake titanium, ceramic, cobalt, and others. It is also swiping market share off of gold and platinum.

Its top feature is its hardness and durability. As one of the strongest metals, it scores a whopping 9 on the Mohs scale, it is only one band lower than diamonds.

Tungsten rings are a lustrous, affordable, and durable option for a wedding ring. However, it is not resizable, so make sure you have the perfect size for the wedding ring.

It is recommended to avoid engraving and intricate designs on tungsten carbide, as they can be brittle. Tungsten bands make for a heavy wedding ring. If you are looking for a lighter-weight men’s wedding band metal, tungsten carbide may not be the best material for you.

7. Titanium

Titanium is another super durable metal for wedding bands. While it is not as strong and sturdy as Tungsten carbide, it holds up quite well with scratches and tarnishes. This makes it great for men with active lifestyles.

Titanium comes in a variety of colors: black, rose, and white metal. The common gray titanium looks very similar to tungsten carbide. If you prefer a unique look, a black titanium ring could be the deal for you. There are also a variety of intricate designs, etchings, and engravings in titanium wedding rings.

Metals like Titanium and Tungsten carbide are too hard to be resized since they aren’t malleable enough. You could get away with resizing your softer metals, like gold and platinum rings, but with titanium and tungsten, it is wise to get the perfect fit in one go.

8. Silver

Silver or Sterling Silver is the most affordable option when it comes to men’s wedding rings. You could rock the look of a white gold ring at a much lower price point.

Sterling silver rings are made with an alloy of copper that gives it a higher durability, meaning it doesn’t tarnish or discolor as quickly as pure silver would.

Sterling silver can be quite high maintenance as it requires regular cleaning and is prone to scratches and wear and tear. However, if you are working with a tight budget, sterling silver rings are an excellent choice. They look great on the finger and have a wide array of unique designs.

9. Cobalt Chrome

Another great option is the cobalt chrome ring. Consider it the cheaper version for a simple white gold, platinum, or palladium ring. Like other materials on our list, cobalt is not a pure metal either. It is alloyed with iron, tungsten, and chromium to improve durability and malleability. These alloy metals also make it hypoallergenic, which is a win if you are suffering from any allergies.

Black cobalt is also a popular metal to add a unique touch to your wedding ring. Like other contemporary metals, it is extremely durable but hard to resize.

10. Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is another popular choice for a wedding or engagement ring. It has the best ratio of strong and lightweight metal. Most strong metals tend to be heavier on the scale, but carbon fiber is a lightweight strong metal with great durability. It is three times lighter than a titanium ring.

The black gives off a very edgy and stylish look while also being affordable. For anyone who works with their hands, and looking for metal with scratch resistance, carbon fiber rings are an obvious choice. No amount of pressure would tamper these rings, so give them a tough time, if you will.

Conclusion

All in all, the most important thing to consider when buying a wedding band is the groom’s personality, lifestyle, and personal preference. Whether you opt for a traditional metal, like gold or platinum, or a contemporary metal, such as tungsten or cobalt, make sure to factor in your style, budget, and comfort.

A wedding band is a beloved piece of jewelry on your finger for the rest of your life, a symbol of your everlasting love and bonding. You will want it to be true to you and, frankly, easy on the finger as well as the eyes.