When it comes to weddings, brides usually take the helm – they choose everything from the dress, the caterer and the venue. But when it comes to picking a wedding ring for the groom, it’s usually the man’s prerogative.
Some men just buy whatever their jeweller recommends. But if you want something that truly represents your love and commitment, it’s better if you handpick something yourself. Here’s a quick guide on selecting the perfect wedding accessory, as well as a list featuring 7 of the best pieces you can buy in Sydney and around the country.
RELATED: How Much Should I Spend On An Engagement Ring?
Men’s Wedding Rings, Explained
Wearing a wedding ring may seem mandatory, but that wasn’t always the case for grooms. Historically, the piece was only worn by brides as a symbol of their commitment to their husbands. It was only from the mid-20th century that it became the norm for men to return the gesture. The second World War is credited as one of the catalysts for this shift – soldiers wore the accessory to remind them of their loved ones.
Now that you know why the tradition exists, it’s time to ask the most important question: who buys the groom’s ring? Traditionalists insist on couples purchasing the wedding accessory for each other, but it’s also extremely common for people to shop for it together. If you’re doing the latter, you can opt for matching his-and-hers wedding rings, but there’s also no harm in buying something uniquely yours.
How to Choose A Wedding Band
There are countless guides on how to choose an engagement ring or wedding band for women. But the Internet’s a little quiet when it comes to choosing pieces for men. How do you know which one’s right for you? Here are the factors you should consider. You can also use this guide when choosing men’s engagement rings.
Material
The single most important decision you’ll have to make when it comes to choosing among men’s wedding rings is the material. Take your pick among the following.
Platinum
Platinum is the strongest of all the precious metals used for jewellery. The hypoallergenic material resists damage and corrosion, making it the best choice for men who do a lot of manual labour. But all of these impressive qualities come at a price – platinum is a rare mineral that’s usually considered a premium option.
Palladium
If you want the look and feel of platinum at a third of its price, go for palladium. The corrosion-resistant metal is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for people with active lifestyles.
Gold
Nothing beats the charm of yellow gold. Since this element is extremely soft, it’s combined with metal alloys for greater durability. Depending on what type of metal you mix it with, you can produce white or rose gold.
Each ring’s purity is measured by karat. 24-karat is purest in the scale, though fine jewellery often comes in 14 or 18-karats.
Silver
Popular and affordable, silver is one of those classic materials that should always be on your list of options. But be warned – this metal needs a lot of TLC. You have to clean and polish it regularly to prevent it from getting tarnished.
Tungsten
Black rings, anyone? While it may seem like a crazy idea at first, it’s more common than you think. Men’s wedding rings made from tungsten have a distinct dark colour that’s both attractive and mysterious.
Style
Shopping for men’s wedding bands doesn’t mean your choices have to be plain and boring. Many styles exist specifically for the male population.
One of the first things you should consider is the ring’s width. Traditionally, wide rings are viewed as more manly. But purchasing a bigger accessory can jack up the price since they require more metal to produce. To work around this, try choosing a less pricey material.
Next, you have to choose a finish. High-polish rings come with a traditional reflective surface. Matte rings are the exact opposite – they’re smooth and free from shine. More recently, hammered rings have become a popular option as well. Manufacturers pound the metal surface to create a textured effect.
If you can’t find anything that strikes your fancy, you can have a custom piece made. This is perfect for men who have a bold, one-of-a-kind style.
Top 7 Men’s Wedding Bands You Can Buy In Australia
It’s easier to know what you want once you’ve seen your options. For your reference, here are the top 7 wedding rings, ranked depending on style, price and prestige.
7. My Irish Jeweler’s Celtic Band
The traditional Celtic knot symbolises eternity. My Irish Jeweler’s Celtic ring is a two-tone piece that features a Celtic knot that runs parallel to the band.
Price: $448.67 (or $AUD651.00)
6. Zamel’s Diamond Detail Panel Ring
One of Zamel’s most popular wedding rings for men, this diamond detail panel ring has a classic yet unique style. It features a traditional 9-carat yellow gold band and a round diamond on its side. Its asymmetrical design makes it perfect for men who want a ring with an understated but intriguing look.
Price: $USD968.00 (or $AUD1,399.00)
5. Prouds The Jewellers Titanium Flat With Rail Ring
Get the premium look and quality of titanium at a fraction of the price. This relatively cheap and simple rail ring is perfect for any busy and practical man on the go.
Price: $209.07 (or $AUD299.00)
4. Michael Hill Men’s Ring With Diamonds In 10-Carat White Gold
Sometimes, it’s good to strike a balance between simplicity and elegance. This one-of-a-kind Michael Hill ring features a popular white-gold band, set with two princess-cut diamonds. If you want something that’s not too bold but also far from generic, this should be your number one choice.
Price: $USD829.78 ($AUD1,199.00)
3. Tiffany & Co. Essential Band Satin Finish Ring
Simple, clean and elegant – these are hallmarks of the Tiffany & Co. brand. And these qualities are strongly reflected in the Satin Finish Ring. This basic platinum band features a single baguette diamond at the centre.
Price: $USD3,414 (or $AUD4,950.00)
2. Vera Wang Collection Gents Ring at Mazzucchelli’s
Your wedding ring is something you’ll wear for the rest of your life – why not purchase something that you’ll cherish as much as your future partner? If that sounds exactly like what you’re looking for, try the Vera Wang Love Collection 18-carat white gold ring. It comes with two princess-cut blue sapphires on either side of a string of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Vera Wang created this collection with the vision of “making timeless, elegant pieces.” Every diamond is set by hand and has a matchless, near-colourless quality.
Price: $USD3,720 (or $AUD5,399.00)
1. Cartier Trinity Wedding Band
Nothing spells luxury like Cartier – and for good reason. The company has an unmatched history of producing high-end watches and jewellery for people across the globe.
The classic Cartier trinity wedding band is a popular choice among men. It’s made with three precious metals: white gold (which symbolises friendship), yellow gold (which represents loyalty and fidelity) and rose gold (which stands for true love).
Since any successful marriage should have all of these qualities, having a wedding band that represents them is a very poetic choice.
Price: $USD1,220 (or $AUD1,770.00)
Think Hard!
A wedding ring is something you’ll wear for the rest of your life. That should be enough of a reason for you to consider your options carefully.
RELATED: 5 Best Places To Buy Diamond Engagement Rings
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