Men’s Wedding Rings - What should you consider?

Choosing the perfect wedding ring is a significant decision for any modern man. It's a symbol of love, commitment, and also your unique personality. Precious metal wedding rings have long been the standard for their durability,  and timeless appeal. However, with a variety of precious metals to choose from, each with it’s unique characteristics, making the right choice can be daunting. In this blog post, we will explore the key points to consider when buying high-quality precious metal wedding rings for the modern man, and how Eli Speaks can cater to your particular requirements.

• Metal Type Matters

The first and foremost consideration when choosing a wedding ring is the type of precious metal. The most common choices for men's wedding rings are:

a. Gold: Gold is a classic choice, available in various colours such as yellow, white, and rose gold. It's known for its timeless appeal and durability. Gold wedding rings are available in different carats (not carrots!), with 18ct and 9ct being popular choices due to their balance of strength and beauty.

b. Platinum: Platinum is a heavy, dense metal known for its durability and rarity. It is naturally white, doesn't tarnish, and is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for men with sensitive skin.

c. Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic metal. It is not a precious metal. It's corrosion-resistant and highly durable, making it suitable for active men. However, it cannot be resized, or forged in any way, and it has a contemporary, industrial appearance.

Other options you might consider:

Palladium: Palladium is similar to Platinum, but more lightweight. However, it has some limits on design possibilities.

Zirconium: Zirconium is not a precious metal, and is similar to Titanium in that it is affordable, and can’t be resized. It has a darker, sometimes even black appearance. It can’t be handmade or forged, so can only be purchased as a pre-made product, without alteration.

• Style and Design

The design of the wedding ring should reflect your personal style and preferences. Consider factors such as width, thickness, and detailing. A standard ring width is 5-6mm. Some men prefer a classic, simple band, perhaps something like their Father wore, while others may opt for more intricate designs with engravings, textures, or gemstone accents. What you do for work is an important consideration in the design and type of ring you wear. Do you spend your day at a computer? Any design will be fine here. Are you a tradesperson? Then consider something that can be easily removed, less bulky and detailed, or only worn outside of work hours.

• Comfort Fit

Comfort fit wedding rings are rounded on the inside, providing a more comfortable wearing experience. This feature is especially important for men who are not accustomed to wearing rings. Comfort fit rings are less likely to pinch or irritate the skin. A comfort fit inside is always provided on an Eli Speaks ring, unless specified otherwise.

• Ring Size and Adjustability

Ensuring the correct ring size is crucial. While resizing is possible on precious metal rings, it's best to get it right from the start. At Eli Speaks we will carefully check your finger size, and also offer a free resize within the first 3 months just in case! Keep in mind that wider rings may require a slightly larger size for a comfortable fit. Titanium and Zirconium rings cannot be resized. This is important, because we all change our finger size over time. If you opt for a non-precious metal ring, you will need to purchase an entirely new one when your hands change size.

• Budget

Wedding rings come in a wide range of prices, depending on the metal type, design, and any additional features like gemstones. Set a realistic budget and explore options within that range to find a ring that meets your expectations while staying within your financial comfort zone. Men’s rings are often 2-3 x the weight of a woman’s ring, so be aware that it will be 2-3 x the cost of them. An approximate guide for a men’s precious metal ring is $1500-$3500. Titanium and zirconium are usually around $300.

• Maintenance and Care

Different metals require different levels of maintenance. Gold and platinum, for example, may develop a patina over time but can be easily polished to restore their luster. Titanium, zirconium and palladium are more resistant to scratches and wear. Understanding the maintenance needs of your chosen metal is essential for long-lasting beauty. A common misunderstanding is that a brushed finish will NOT show up scratches, however, if you get a scratch that is running in the opposite direction to your brushed finish, it can actually be more obvious than a scratch on a polished finish. Scratches are inevitable. We lead busy lives these days, so expect a few scuffs and marks to accumulate over time. Isn’t that fitting for a lifetime of learnings and growth?

• Customisation

One of the main benefits of choosing Eli Speaks for your ring, are the many customisation options, allowing you to create a unique and meaningful wedding ring that really expresses your personal story.  We can combine different metal colours and finishes, we can even use your family gold incorporated in the new ring. We can add personal engravings, initials, or significant dates to make the ring even more special to you. We are all about unique and one-off designs at Eli Speaks, and can offer a variety of design options you won’t see at a chain store.

In conclusion, choosing a high-quality wedding ring for the modern man involves careful consideration of metal type, design, comfort, size, budget, maintenance, and customisation. Ultimately, the perfect wedding ring should not only symbolise your love and commitment but also reflect your personal style and preferences. Take your time to explore your options with us in a private consultation, and make a choice that you'll cherish for a lifetime.