A man's guide to choosing the perfect wedding ring

If your big day is fast approaching, you'll need to pick out a wedding ring — but, with so much choice out there, that can be easier said than done. In this article, Jack Jahan from Ramsdens Jewellery, shares the considerations to bear in mind when shopping.

For many men, a wedding band will be the most important and meaningful piece of jewellery they ever own. And that means the pressure can be quite intense when it comes to choosing the right one. After all, it needs to be something that can be worn every single day with any outfit and that speaks to your personal sense of style. Plus, you'll need to make sure it's high-quality enough to last a lifetime, as well. So, it’s very important to put plenty of thought into your decision.

Here, I'll share my tips for choosing a wedding band which will stand the test of time, and that you'll simply love to wear.

Pick a precious metal

The type of precious metal you decide to go for is perhaps the single biggest decision you'll need to make when choosing your ring. This will influence everything from the cost of the ring to how long-lasting and durable it’s going to be. While it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference, each type of material has a number of pros and cons that you should bear in mind before making your choice. I've outlined the key things to remember below.

Yellow gold

Yellow gold is possibly the most popular choice for a wedding band for both men and women — it’s versatile, timeless, and stunning. Higher quality golds look beautiful, but they also tend to be one of the more malleable precious metals when compared to silver or platinum. So, be aware that these may scratch or show other signs of wear and tear over the years.

White gold

This is an incredibly stylish alloy made from gold and white metals such as silver, palladium, or nickel, often with a rhodium plating. This makes it a more durable option than pure gold, and a more "precious" alternative to silver. However, it might need to be re-plated with rhodium every few years in order to maintain the high-shine finish.

Rose gold

Whoever said pink was just for the ladies? The popularity of rose gold has sky-rocketed in recent years, and many fashion-forward men are embracing this striking, coppery toned metal. It's a great choice if you want something a little different, and is more hard-wearing than pure yellow golds, too.

Sterling silver

Silver is a timeless choice, and it's a fantastic option if you’re shopping on a tight budget. Just be sure to go for the best quality you can afford to make sure your ring will last.

Platinum

This brilliant, high-shine white metal makes a wonderful choice for a wedding band. It’s easily the most durable metal and is very resistant to tarnishing, so you can be confident your ring will last. Naturally, this quality comes at a price, so platinum bands are on the pricier side.

Decide on a ring profile

You could be forgiven for thinking that all wedding bands are fairly similar in terms of shape: after all, it’s just a simple, unadorned band, right? But there are actually all sorts of designs out there. Of particular importance is the profile of the ring, which refers to the shape of the band.

Popular types of wedding band include court rings, D-rings, flat rings, bevelled rings, and concave rings, to name just a few. All of these look and feel very different when worn, so it's a good idea to try a few different styles on to get an idea of what sort of thing you like.

D-shaped and classic court rings tend to be the most popular type of wedding band, because they're both comfortable and timeless. But, as with every aspect of your wedding, there's no need to follow convention if it's not your cup of tea!

You could go for a chunkier flat ring — these are great if you prefer a bold, masculine look. Or, you could even go for an etched or hammered band, if you prefer to stand out from the crowd. There are loads of options out there, so there's sure to be something that speaks to your personal style.

Your budget

You'll probably already have a rough idea of how much you can afford to spend on your wedding ring, but it's still sensible to sit down and get an exact figure before you start shopping.

Lots of factors influence the cost of a wedding band, from the size and thickness, to the type of metal, and even the designer or brand. So, if you’re on a budget, it will help to work out exactly what your priorities are: for instance, is it more important to have an expensive metal?

Or would you prefer a chunkier band? Then, you can make this the focus of your search.

Remember, if you're on a budget, you can always go for a pre-owned or vintage ring, as this allows you to buy a higher quality item for a lower price. Plus, it can stand in as your traditional "something old" for the ceremony!

Personal touches

 

Some people like to add a few personal touches to their ring to make it all the more meaningful and unique. For instance, you could have the band engraved with your initials, the date of your wedding, or even some song lyrics or a quote from your favourite book — anything that holds a special meaning for you and your partner.

For an extra special touch that will add another layer of symbolism to your wedding bands, you could engrave the first half of your quote on one ring, and the second part on your partner's ring, creating a truly special set of matching bands.

Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love for another, and you'll likely be wearing it every day for the rest of your life. So, it’s only sensible to put plenty of thought into your decision! Bear these tips in mind when shopping and you should have no problem finding the perfect wedding band