When it comes to men’s wedding bands, the choices are more varied than you might think. From the type of metal to the finish and style, there’s a lot to consider. Men’s wedding bands come in a range of precious metals like platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and even alternative metals like tungsten carbide and titanium. Each metal has its own unique properties, so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. For instance, platinum is heavy and durable but tends to be more expensive, while tungsten carbide is extremely durable and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles.
When shopping for a men’s wedding band, it’s essential to consider the style and finish that best represents you. You can opt for a high polish for a shiny, reflective appearance or go for a matte finish for a more subdued look. The cost depends on the type of metal, design complexity, and whether the ring includes any diamonds or gemstones. Therefore, it’s advisable to set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Reputable vendors like James Allen and Blue Nile offer a wide range of options and are known for their quality and competitive pricing.
Steps in Choosing A Wedding Band for Men
- Choose Your Budget- Prices for men’s wedding bands can vary significantly, ranging from around $150 to $3,000 or more.
- Determine Your Lifestyle – Are you active and need something durable like tungsten, or do you prefer the classic appeal of gold?
- Choose Your Style – Do you want a high-polish ring that shines or a matte finish that offers a subdued elegance?
- Select Your Metal – Men’s wedding bands come in a variety of precious metals, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, tungsten carbide, titanium, and palladium.
- Customize it – Would you like to add special details like engraving to make the ring uniquely yours?
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Men’s wedding bands come in all sorts of styles and metals. Take for example this Cross Hatch Design from James Allen or this Black Matte Hammered band from Blue Nile. Above all, it’s important to buy your wedding band from a reputable vendor to ensure its quality, longevity, and competitive price. From our years in the industry, we’ve found James Allen and Blue Nile to be the most reliable and affordable.
The earliest record of wedding rings dates back thousands of years to ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt. The first documented diamond engagement ring came in the early 1400s and the modern exchange of wedding bands became common during the 20th century.
When spouses exchange wedding rings at their wedding ceremony, it symbolizes lifelong love and commitment. The wedding rings are a reminder of their devotion to one another.
Wedding bands nowadays are also a representation of a couple’s love story and their personal style. Some couples choose traditional wedding rings. Others opt for a more unique, modern band. Some couples buy coordinating wedding rings, while others select individual bands.
A lot of time and money often goes into choosing an engagement ring, but men’s wedding bands are just as important. Some might be surprised to learn there are lots of options for men's wedding rings. There are several styles and metals available to help ensure you have a ring that’s both comfortable and stylish. Check out our list of best men’s wedding bands of 2024.
In this post, we outline the many types of wedding bands, the most common metals for male wedding bands, and tips for choosing the best wedding ring for you.
Blue Nile is now running a 50% off Mother’s Day sale on jewelry.
Types of Wedding Bands
Men’s wedding bands come in a variety of precious metals, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, tungsten carbide, titanium, and palladium.
The most common metals used for making wedding bands are:
Platinum
Platinum is a heavy, durable metal that looks like white gold and is hypoallergenic. Platinum wedding rings are made of 95-98% platinum mixed with other metals like palladium and copper. Platinum men’s wedding bands tend to be more expensive than other materials because platinum is more durable than gold and it’s rarer. This comfort fit ring from James Allen is an example of a classic platinum band, while this grooved band from James Allen offers more modern flair.
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White Gold
White gold rings are made mostly of pure gold mixed with other metals like silver and nickel. White gold is more affordable than platinum and offers a classic look.
Men’s wedding bands often come in 14K or 18K white gold, like this comfort fit ring from Blue Nile that's available in both.
When it comes to choosing between 14K and 18K gold, there’s no “best” choice for everyone. As the AGS explains, 14K gold is “14/24 or 58.3% gold, with 10/24 parts of an alloy metal.” 18K gold, on the other hand, is more pure, at 75% gold. 14K gold offers greater durability and may be a better choice if you have an active lifestyle, while 18K gold provides a slightly higher purity level at the expense of some scratch resistance.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is pure gold mixed with other metals like zinc and copper. The amount of alloy metals depends on if it’s 14K or 18K gold. Yellow gold is the purest color of all golds and is easiest to maintain, although it’s slightly less durable than white gold. Here’s a stunning example of a yellow gold groom wedding band from Blue Nile.
Rose Gold
Rose gold wedding rings are made of pure gold mixed with metals like silver and copper — giving it its rosy shade. Rose gold can be 14K or 18K and is considered a romantic metal. It tends to be less expensive than other metals, yet is very durable. Rose gold wedding bands come in many styles like this hammered ring from James Allen.
Tungsten
Tungsten carbide is an extremely durable metal mix that includes titanium. Because it’s one of the strongest metals for male wedding rings, it’s a great choice for those with an active lifestyle because it won’t scratch or bend easily. Tungsten carbide is often grayish silver, but also comes in other colors like black, as seen in this brushed and polished ring from Blue Nile. Due to the hardness of the metal, tungsten rings cannot be resized.
Titanium
Titanium is a durable, light gray metal that can either have a shiny or matte finish. Titanium wedding rings tend to be more affordable than rings made of other metals. Because of their durability, titanium rings are a great choice for those whose lifestyle is very active, but be aware that they cannot be resized. Sometimes titanium is combined with another metal, like tantalum, such as in this matte ring from Blue Nile.
Palladium
Palladium is a silvery-white metal that’s both durable and lightweight. As the GIA explains, it’s also resistant to tarnishing. Due to its rarity, palladium can sometimes be more expensive than platinum. There’s usually a smaller number of palladium male wedding bands available, so it can be harder to shop for.
Cobalt
Cobalt resembles white gold or platinum in color, but is much more durable and also more affordable. Sometimes referred to as cobalt chrome, these rings are made of a cobalt alloy that often includes nickel, tungsten, and iron. This matte modern cobalt ring from Blue Nile is a perfect example of a classic-looking ring that will hold up well to everyday wear.
Tantalum
Tantalum is a grayish metal that is darker than platinum and offers a natural luster. As a hypoallergenic metal that is also shatterproof and somewhat rare, tantalum rings like these from James Allen tend to be more expensive than tungsten and titanium rings, but less expensive than platinum. Tantalum makes an appealing and unique choice for a men’s wedding band, and seems to be only growing in popularity.
Different Styles and Finish for Men’s Wedding Bands
Male wedding rings go beyond just the metal they’re made of. There are finishes and styles to choose from as well. Take a look at the finishes, styles, and shapes to hand select a ring you love.
Men’s Wedding Band Finishes
The finish refers to the texture, look, and feel of the ring. Each metalsmithing technique plays a role in how the ring looks and feels. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular finishes.
High Polish
A high polish is the most popular finish for wedding rings and jewelry. Polishing involves smoothing the surface to clear away scratches and irregularities. It gives the metal a shiny, reflective appearance, like in this yellow gold groom wedding band from Blue Nile. With a high polish look, you may see imperfections over time with small scratches or nicks, but you can repolish it or leave the ring as is to show its character.
Matte
A matte finish, also known as a brush finish, is a popular finish for those who prefer a more subtle, low-profile look. The matte finish features a slight texture and you may be able to see brush marks on the surface. Scratches don’t show up as easily on matte rings. Matte rings can range in style from this low dome comfort ring from Blue Nile to this classic rose gold matte ring from Blue Nile.
Hammered
A hammered finish provides a unique, dimpled look. Hammered finish rings tend to have a more rustic appearance than a shiny, glossy look, such as this tungsten carbide ring from Blue Nile. The size of the hammered indents depends on the technique used. Scratches are more easily concealed with this finish style.
Satin
A satin finish is a smooth finish but isn’t as reflective or shiny as a high polished ring. If you want a smooth ring without the shiny luster of a polished ring, a satin finish may be a good choice. Here’s an example of a sharp-looking gray tungsten carbide satin ring on James Allen.
Combination
A popular style for men’s wedding rings is a combination of two or more finishes. Rings might be crafted with both hammered and matte finish, like this comfort fit wedding band from Blue Nile. A combination offers more options for personalization.
Men’s Wedding Band Styles
Ring style refers to the shape and features a ring has, such as it being round or flat on the inside and whether it has diamonds. Each style offers something unique — one isn’t better than the other. Choose a design that matches your personality and lifestyle and maybe one that matches your partner’s ring if that’s what you like.
Classic Court
Classic court rings are traditional rings that are rounded both inside and out. Classic court rings fit naturally to the finger for extra comfort, like this comfort fit tungsten ring from Blue Nile. Both wide and slim bands are offered in the classic court style. Court style rings are unlikely to snag on furniture and other items.
Flat Ring
A flat shaped ring is flat on both the inside and outside. It offers a modern, understated appearance. This white gold groom wedding band from James Allen is a beautiful example of a flat ring.
D-Shape
A D-shaped ring has a band that is rounded on the outside with a flat edge on the inside, like in this traditional white gold ring from James Allen. If you were to cut a slice in the band, you’d see that the shape resembles the letter D. The flatter inside of the ring allows for a comfortable, closer fit, while featuring a rounded exterior. D-shaped wedding bands are a popular choice due to their comfort and classic appearance.
Diamond Ring
Male wedding bands can also feature diamonds, such as eternity rings or channel set rings. Diamonds can provide additional style and sparkle to an otherwise neutral band.
Pattern Rings
Patterned wedding bands feature a unique design, such as arrows like in this wedding band from James Allen or a hand-engraved motif like this 14K gold ring from Blue Nile. With a patterned ring, you can find something that speaks to your personality and will be one-of-a-kind.
Tradition Rings
Certain cultures and religions have rings that represent a part of tradition. You might also have a family heirloom ring passed down to you, such as a ring from your father or grandfather.
Men’s Wedding Band Prices
Men’s wedding bands cost approximately $500 on average, but can cost anywhere from $90 to $3,000 or more. The price depends on the metal, style, vendor, designer, and if there are any diamonds or gemstones in it. For example, this 5mm low dome ring from James Allen costs $460, while this channel set diamond eternity ring from Blue Nile costs $3,390.
Best and Unique Wedding Bands For Men
The best male wedding rings are ones that speak to you and match your style. We’ve compiled a list of the best and most unique men’s wedding bands for you to browse.
Classic
1. Traditional Slightly Curved 5mm Wedding Ring
2. Comfort Fit Flat Wedding Band
3. Brushed Inlay Wedding Ring
4. Rose And White Gold Vintage Script Band
5. Braided Center Comfort Fit Band
6. Matte Beveled Edge Wedding Ring
7. Low Dome Comfort Fit in Tantalum
Diamond
1. Monique Lhuillier Matte Single Diamond Wedding Band
2. Geometric Channel Set Diamond Ring
3. Black Diamond Wedding Ring
4. Satin Finish Diamond Band – 8 mm
5. Channel-Set Diamond Eternity Ring
6. Double Inlay Diamond Wedding Ring
7. Tantalum Channel Set Diamond Comfort Ring
Alternative
1. Blackened Log Knot Pattern Comfort Fit Ring
2. Sholdt Twisted Root Wedding Band
3. Brushed and Polished Comfort Fit Wedding Ring
4. Rose Gold And Grey Tantalum Edges Split Wood Texture Center 8mm Ring
5. Ribbed Chevron Pattern Band
6. Games Of Fantasy 3 Wedding Band
7. Black Ceramic Center Cobalt Wedding Band
Tips for Choosing Men’s Wedding Bands
Decide on a great wedding band by knowing what styles you like, your ring size, and which vendor to buy from.
1. Shop with a reputable vendor
Finding a trustworthy vendor is critical to ensuring you’re getting a high-quality wedding band at an excellent price. If you go with James Allen, Blue Nile, or Brian Gavin, you won’t have to worry about the quality or price. You can shop their entire selection of men’s wedding rings with peace of mind.
2. Decide on your style
Check out several styles of wedding bands, from classic court rings to pattern rings. Look at ones that include diamonds or gemstones, and ones that are a solid band. You’ll also want to decide on the width you prefer. Do you like a thin band like this one on James Allen or one with a wider band?
3. Select a metal
Decide between rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, tungsten carbide, titanium, platinum, and palladium. Refer to our section above to learn more about each metal. Consider the color, durability, and style.
4. Choose your finish
Do you like the matte look or a satin finish? How about a hammered ring like this one from Blue Nile? You might also prefer a combination style that includes two or more finishes.
5. Determine your perfect size
Use Blue Nile or James Allen’s free ring sizer for an exact measurement. Or wrap a piece of paper around your finger and measure the length to determine what ring size you are. With certain metals like tungsten carbide and titanium, the rings cannot be resized because of their hardness. Not to mention, you want the right size ring to wear on your wedding day.
6. Add special details
Consider adding intricate details or engraving to your groom’s wedding band. You could engrave your wedding date, names, or special words on the inside of your ring.
7. Order your ring
Place your ring order at least a few weeks in advance of your wedding date, or earlier if possible. You want to ensure your ring comes in time for your big day. You’ll also want time to look over your wedding band to ensure it fits right and looks great.
Best Places to Buy Men’s Wedding bands
With our collective decades of experience in the jewelry industry, we’ve vetted many retailers, both online and offline. We’ve come across the best vendors that offer consistency, great prices, and beautiful, long-lasting products. Most importantly, we’ve found that buying wedding bands online offers the best prices. Due to low overhead costs, you can find stunning jewelry at a fraction of the price of bricks and mortar stores.
Here are the best vendors for buying male wedding bands:
James Allen
- Superior selection of men’s wedding rings of all styles and metals
- Excellent customer service and hassle-free return policy
- Competitive prices
Examples of James Allen men’s wedding bands:
Blue Nile
- Huge selection of men’s wedding rings of all metals and styles
- Great customer service, easy returns
- Competitive prices
Examples of Blue Nile men’s wedding rings:
Brian Gavin Diamonds
- Large selection of unique men’s wedding bands
- Superior wedding rings and jewelry
- Great customer service
Examples of Brian Gavin men’s wedding bands:
Frequently Asked questions
How much should a man’s wedding ring cost?
On average, a couple spends 3% of their wedding budget on wedding rings, meaning approximately 1.5% would be spent on the man’s wedding band. If your wedding budget is $30,000, it means you’d spend approximately $450 on a wedding band. However, it’s up to you how much you spend. The average cost of a men’s wedding band is $500, but prices can range from $90 to $3,000 and higher.
What is the toughest men’s wedding band?
The toughest men’s wedding band is tungsten carbide, with titanium coming in second. Both are extremely durable metals that protect against scratches and damage. These metals are also exceptionally difficult to break.
What is the best metal for a man’s wedding band?
The best metal for a man’s wedding band is gold for a classic look, and tungsten carbide for a more durable, modern choice. Yellow gold and white gold are classic colors, while rose gold has a romantic appeal. Above all, choose a metal for your groom’s wedding band that matches your style and will hold up to your lifestyle.
How much is a men’s platinum wedding band worth?
A men’s platinum wedding band is worth between $400 and $4,000 depending on the style, width, and intricacy of the ring. For example, this channel set diamond platinum wedding band costs $2,450, while this classic platinum wedding band from Blue Nile costs $650.
Is white gold good for wedding rings?
White gold is a great choice for wedding rings because of its timeless appeal and durability. Both 14K and 18K white gold are mixed with other metals to make it durable enough to wear every day. White gold requires some periodical maintenance, such as polish and cleaning to keep it looking like it did on day one.
Here are other wedding related topics to browse:
- Which metal is best for your Wedding ring?
- Engagement ring vs. Wedding ring – What’s the difference?
- How to buy a Wedding band
- How much should you spend on a Wedding ring?
- What are the best Wedding bands for a Halo Engagement ring?
- What are the most popular wedding rings for men?
- What is a bridal set?
- Where is the best place to buy matching wedding bands?
- Which metal is better for wedding bands: platinum or palladium?
- Pros and cons of a baguette wedding band
- Wedding gift ideas for parents and wedding party
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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