Choices for men’s wedding bands range far beyond basic gold bands. Men’s rings can be vibrant, textured, colorful, and eye-catching, standing out as a focal point of their wardrobe. They might match the partner’s ring or simply speak for themselves. However, they don’t have to be expensive. In an era when people spend over $1,000 on wedding bands, many appealing options sell for $200 or less. Plus, their distinct identities help to make your wedding a true once-in-a-lifetime event.
1. Black Rings
In the midst of silver and gold rings, black wedding bands make a bold statement. From black-tie events to informal get-togethers, black offers timeless elegance that blends with any wardrobe. They come in a wide range of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, silicone, Damascus steel, and carbon fiber, giving you plenty of options for your taste and budget.
The simplest rings are plain black with no textures or inlays. On the maximalist side, you’ll find rings with shimmering stones, exotic metals, and iridescent patterns. Some options fall in the middle, offering a light texture or engraving that gives the ring character. You can also choose from matte finishes and bright, shining bands that catch the light.
2. Tungsten Rings
When you’re seeking a low-maintenance ring, tungsten bands feature one of the strongest metals in the world. Tungsten is sturdy, scratch-resistant, and resistant to high temperatures. Plus, tungsten carbide’s hypoallergenic properties make it safer for people with sensitive skin. While tungsten isn’t the cheapest metal, it’s more affordable than many other options and equally stunning.
3. Titanium Rings
Like tungsten, titanium is durable, hypoallergenic, and scratch-resistant. Titanium also resists corrosion and rust, so your men’s titanium wedding band will dazzle for years. Titanium’s key benefit is its lightweight, malleable structure. Instead of weighing down your hand, titanium feels light and breathable.
Bold and sleek, this metal boasts a modern design. Many titanium rings have a minimalist appearance, highlighting the material’s bright, vibrant sheen. Silver, yellow gold, and rose gold add color to the piece while considering the metal’s durability. For texture, look for rings with a “brushed” appearance.
4. Wooden Rings
This wood doesn’t chip or crack; instead, it adds a warm, rugged aesthetic to men’s wedding bands. Typically, these rings start with a base metal, such as silver, tungsten, or stainless steel. The manufacturer adds wooden inlays, sometimes with a third material in between.
Whiskey barrels, Hawaiian koa wood, and sandalwood are a few of the materials that shine alongside fire opals, elk antlers, guitar strings, and abalone shells. Black or dark brown metals bring out the wood’s earthiness. Wooden bands are particularly valuable because they often have personal meaning, evoking memories of camping trips, hiking trails, and hunting weekends. If your spouse loves the outdoors, these bands bring the forest wherever they go.
5. Rose Gold Rings
Despite its association with modern design, rose gold actually originated in 19th-century Russia. Cartier made rose gold a jewelry staple in the 1920s. Today, rose gold offers a softer alternative to yellow gold, making it popular for wedding gifts.
Copper gives rose gold its characteristic pink hue. Yellow gold and copper percentages vary, with a higher copper percentage increasing the reddish tint. Some pieces contain silver, zinc, and other materials that alter the shade. Men’s rose gold rings shine with a subtle warmth. The copper adds durability, making rose gold ideal for active lifestyles. If the shade is too bright, look for pieces that offset the gold with black stripes or a textured surface. However, plain rose gold bands exist for those who prefer simplicity.
6. Silicone Rings
Silicone rings are some of the toughest and most affordable rings on the market. They feature stretchy, breathable material that’s unlikely to break or get caught on objects. Electricians may wear silicone rings because they don’t conduct electricity as well as metal.
Similarly, silicone’s flexible, durable design makes it suitable for hard labor and strenuous workouts that could crack a metal ring. Women choose silicone rings while pregnant because the stretchiness accommodates swelling. Better yet, if you have a metal allergy, silicone ensures that you can still wear a band.
If you prefer a metal ring, silicone bands make great backups for risky situations. However, you could save hundreds of dollars by marrying with a silicone band. This material is much cheaper than traditional rings, and it’s nearly indistinguishable from metal at first glance.
Silicone comes in unique shades, such as hot pink, teal, white, and forest green. Stand out with a brilliant band that matches your colorful wardrobe, or opt for one of the subdued versions. For an extra touch, order a ring with a raised pattern.
How to Choose Men’s Wedding Bands
When buying a ring for another person, consider their unique style. What are their favorite colors? How do they usually accessorize their outfits? Do they prefer extravagant jewelry or quiet minimalism? They’ll wear this ring daily, so consider how it would look with the rest of their wardrobe.
Whatever the case, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Some original, creative rings are more affordable than diamond-studded bands.
