Dad might have chosen a simple flat gold band, but times are a-changing. Modern grooms have the option to show a lot more personality with their wedding rings. Use our guide to wedding band materials, styles and trends to shop with confidence and get a ring you’ll love as much as her.
MATERIALS
1. GOLD
Yellow gold is the traditional choice, and today’s grooms are sporting gold alloys like gleaming white gold or warm and rich rose gold.
2. TITANIUM
Durability and lightness are this metal’s main upsides, and with its grayish hue, it carries an understated but dignified appearance. And although we’ve heard it’s impossible to get one of these bad boys off your finger in the event of swelling, rest assured this is just a rumor.
3. TUNGSTEN
Although it can be polished to a shiny finish and is extremely hard, a high impact might crack or shatter a tungsten ring.
4. PLATINUM
A white gleam makes this rare precious metal a popular choice for wedding bands. It’s more likely to scratch than harder metals, though, but a buff by an experienced jeweler can take it right out.
5. OTHER
Unfortunately for the groom wanting a simple decision, groom’s bands are now appearing in almost every material imaginable. Rustic wooden rings are now available, as are bands made of recycled materials, ceramics and more.
EMBELLISHMENTS
6. PATTERNS
Sculpted edges, inlays and textured finishes can create interest on an otherwise traditional ring. Classic choices include milgrain – a beaded pattern – as well as hammered, brushed and grooved, but the options are nearly endless and range from subtle and stately to bold and contemporary.
7. STONES
They’re not just for the bride anymore. Inlaid stones, including white and black diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and more are becoming increasingly popular on the groom’s side of things. One potential caveat, though: since stones can get damaged or fall out, grooms who work with their hands might want to get a band without them.
8. ENGRAVINGS
Many couples engrave their wedding dates, pet names or religious messages on the insides of their wedding bands. It’s a little something special to make the wedding band you choose even more meaningful.
GET IT IN WRITING
9. A TATTOO?
Some grooms are taking “till death do us part” to a whole new level with indelible tattoo rings. Instead of or in addition to their wedding band, grooms and their brides are inking the deal with a tattooed band, a cross, initials or a heart on their ring fingers. Fitting for the alternative bride and groom, indeed.
