When it comes to wearing jewelry, men usually aren’t the first in mind. However, there is one certain piece that you’ll have to consider when your wedding is coming up. Women typically get two rings: an engagement ring and a wedding band.

But since their rise in WWII, men’s wedding bands are now a part of a wedding ceremony. So, what are the questions that you need to take into consideration when choosing a man’s wedding band?

What Kind of Metal Would It Be?

Like most kinds of jewelry, men’s wedding bands can be crafted from a variety of materials. The metal types alone are quite numerous, but the most common ones are made of gold (white, rose, or yellow), platinum, or the contemporary metal variations of stainless steel, tungsten, or titanium.

The main differences between these metals lie in their aesthetics, durability and, of course, corresponding price. While white gold is usually the first choice of many, you should note that it contains nickel.

Nickel allergy is a surprisingly common thing, as evidenced by people who experience it when wearing watches with nickel in them. So, if you have this allergy, consider getting a platinum band instead for a higher cost.

How to Measure for It?

Another important consideration is sizing. Because there’s usually no ideal way to measure for a wedding band, the best option is for you to actually go to a jewelry store and have your finger measured with a sizing tool.

It would be good if you visit several stores and have your ring size measured by them to confirm your size, as there can be a discrepancy in their sizing tools.

For the most part, they are pretty much standard, but it wouldn’t hurt to be sure, especially if you’re purchasing a ring online.

What Style Should You Pick?

There are several points of consideration when it comes to the style of your ring. First and foremost, it should match your bride’s own ring.

While you may opt not to get the exact his and hers bands for a perfect match, you are able to choose bands of similar material or get matching engravings on your rings. Second, your lifestyle should also match your ring.

You have to ask yourself:

Is there something in your lifestyle – whether occupational or recreational – that could pose any harm to your ring?

If so, you probably need a wedding band, which is made from durable material. Lastly, your chosen band should fit your personality. By initial appearance alone, you will have an idea if it’s something that appeals to your tastes.

However, your ring’s material can also speak a lot if you’re more of the traditional type, or more modern and adventurous. Tungsten rings are particularly known for being available in non-traditional colors like blue or black.

What’s Your Budget?

Perhaps the most important question that you need to ask yourself before picking your wedding band is your budget. You are able to get quality wedding bands without breaking the bank, though it is important to know that price is usually determined by the material your ring is made of.

Titanium and stainless steel are usually the cheapest options on the market and can do the trick if you’re on a limited budget. However, if you have bigger financial freedom, you are able to choose the more traditional materials, as they are more durable.

Barring any allergy concerns, traditional gold rings usually come at a good price point. However, if you’re after durability and a metal that is hypoallergenic, then a pricier platinum band may be what you need.

If you want to go for the platinum or white gold look for a lower cost, then you may also get a ring made from Palladium.

Can You Trust the Lifetime Warranty?

Most rings are offered with a lifetime warranty for better security, but at what point should you take this warranty with a grain of salt?

Unless you’re purchasing from a name brand like American Tungsten, you’ll have to do a careful assessment of the offered lifetime warranty to determine if you are able to trust it.

For instance, you have to think about what happens when the manufacturer or the establishment closes up within said lifetime. So, look into the fine print of the warranty to determine what kinds of losses or damages are covered.

Lifetime warranties that come in writing and not just in the form of implied arrangements are far more trustworthy. For instance, some manufacturers provide individual warranty cards for each of their rings.

Conclusion

In choosing what may be the most important piece of jewelry in your life, careful planning can ensure that you won’t regret your choice in time. If in doubt you can always ask your closest friends and family for advice, your jeweler or your wedding planner.

The market for men’s wedding bands is continuously growing and trends are changing over time, but there are still some tried and true styles that are timeless.