Did you know that wedding bands date back to Ancient Egypt, where couples exchanged rings made of woven reeds or hemp as a symbol of eternal love?
In recent years, wedding band styles have expanded to include everything from classic gold to modern, unconventional materials like tungsten carbide and carbon fiber.
This guide explores the different aspects of choosing a wedding band, from comparing popular brands to understanding various materials. We’ll also look at design options and key factors to consider when making your choice.
Comparison Guide
Brands | Ridge | David Yurman | Vrai | Grown Brilliance | KATKIM |
Price Range | $150 - $325 | $500 - $5,000 | $195 - $1,295 | Varies (Customizable) | Varies |
Material | Carbon fiber, tungsten carbide, titanium | Gold, Titanium, Silver | Gold | Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold | Gold |
Unique Features | Complementary silicone ring, dual-layer design, beveled outer edge, convex inner surface | Signature Cable Motif | Sustainable, Ethically Sourced | Lab Grown Diamonds, Ethically Sourced | Minimalist, Modern Designs |
Customization Options | Engravings | Limited | Yes | Design Your Own, Truly Custom | Varies |
Popular Styles | Minimalist, Modern | Classic, Signature Designs | Modern, Sleek | Classic to Contemporary | Modern, Avant-garde |
1. Ridge Wedding Band
Wedding bands from Ridge combine rugged durability with a sleek, modern design.
Made from premium materials like carbon fiber, tungsten carbide, and titanium, these mens wedding bands are built to last and are crafted for comfort.
Features:
Complementary silicone ring: Included at no extra cost for active wear.
Dual-layer design: Beveled outer edge and convex inner surface for a seamless fit.
Lifetime warranty: Two exchanges for resizing or replacement, ensuring a perfect fit over time.
Price Range: $65 - $295
2. David Yurman Wedding Band
David Yurman offers a distinguished collection of men's wedding bands that blend classic elegance with contemporary design.
Crafted from premium materials such as 18K gold, platinum, and titanium, these bands are renowned for their signature Cable motif, adding a unique touch to each piece.
Features:
Signature cable motif: A distinctive design element that sets these bands apart.
Customization: Limited engraving options are available for personalization.
Price Range: $375 - $14,750
3. VRAI Wedding Band
VRAI offers a collection of men's wedding bands that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with ethical craftsmanship.
Each band is meticulously crafted from sustainable materials, including recycled gold and platinum, and features VRAI-created diamonds produced in a zero-emission foundry.
Features:
Sustainable materials: Crafted from recycled gold and platinum, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Lab-grown diamonds: Uses diamonds created in a zero-emission foundry, ensuring ethical sourcing.
Customization: Offers engraving options and a variety of finishes to personalize each band.
Price Range: $500 - $6,300
4. Grown Brilliance Wedding Band
Grown Brilliance offers a diverse selection of wedding bands that blend classic elegance with modern design.
Their collection features lab-grown diamonds set in various precious metals, providing ethically sourced and environmentally friendly options.
Features:
Lab-grown diamonds: Ethically sourced diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
Material options: Available in gold (yellow, white, and rose) and platinum settings.
Customization: Offers design-your-own and truly custom options to create a unique piece.
Price Range: $345 - $7,895
5. KATKIM Wedding Band
KATKIM offers a collection of wedding bands that blend minimalist aesthetics with avant-garde design.
Each piece is handcrafted in Los Angeles using high-quality materials, ensuring both elegance and durability.
Features:
Modern designs: Sleek and innovative styles that stand out.
Quality craftsmanship: Handmade with attention to detail.
Material options: Available in various gold tones and platinum.
Price Range: $900 - $30,850
6. Melanie Casey Wedding Band
Melanie Casey offers a collection of delicately handcrafted wedding bands that blend timeless elegance with modern design.
Each piece is meticulously crafted in-house, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Features:
Handcrafted quality: Each band is made in-house by skilled artisans.
Material options: Available in 14k gold (yellow, white, and rose) and platinum.
Customization: Offers engraving options and a variety of finishes to personalize each band.
Price Range: $230 - $7,800
7. Ashley Zhang Wedding Band
Ashley Zhang creates wedding bands rooted in ethical and sustainable practices.
Using recycled, sustainably produced, and fully traceable raw materials, the brand ensures that each piece contributes to a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Features:
Ethical sourcing: Crafted from recycled and fully traceable 14k and 18k gold or platinum.
Timeless craftsmanship: Adheres to high standards for design and manufacturing, promising lasting quality.
Personalization options: Offers bespoke designs and unique customization features beyond standard engraving.
Price Range: $450 - $5,250
8. Brilliant Earth Wedding Band
Brilliant Earth offers a thoughtfully curated collection of men’s wedding bands, featuring everything from classic gold to modern alternatives like forged carbon and tungsten.
Crafted to the highest standards, each ring promises to be a meaningful heirloom that can be cherished for generations.
Features:
Diverse styles: Options range from traditional gold to bold diamond and gemstone designs.
Modern materials: Includes forged carbon and tungsten for those seeking something unique.
Ethical Craftsmanship: Created with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Price Range: $420 - $3,290
9. Mejuri Wedding Band
Discover Mejuri’s striking collection of men and women’s wedding bands that elevate everyday style with durable yet refined designs.
Crafted from solid 14k gold and sturdy titanium, these minimalist bands break away from conventional looks.
Options like the Black Onyx Square Signet Ring blend form and function, while the Slim Rectangular Signet Ring in titanium stands out for its lasting durability.
Features:
Material options: Solid 14k gold and titanium.
Distinctive designs: Minimalist elements with standout options like signet rings.
Versatility: Ideal for daily wear while maintaining sophistication.
Price Range: $98 - $1,200
10. Blue Nile Wedding Band
Blue Nile’s collection of men’s wedding bands provides a stylish foundation for a lifetime.
From classic gold and platinum bands to diamond-studded designs and modern alternatives like tungsten, their range caters to every taste.
Each band is crafted to heirloom quality, offering a variety of designs, price points, and sizes to suit your needs.
Features:
Material options: Gold, platinum, and alternative metals like tungsten.
Design variety: Classic, diamond-accented, and contemporary styles.
Heirloom quality: High craftsmanship standards for lasting value.
Price Range: $210 - $7,030
11. James Allen Wedding Band
James Allen offers a wide selection of gold wedding bands for men, featuring diverse styles and finishes.
From grooved and two-tone designs to satin finishes, cross-hatch patterns, and diamond-accented details, each ring is hand-crafted to ensure quality and elegance.
Features:
Variety of finishes: Options include satin, grooved, two-tone, and cross-hatch designs.
Diamond accents: Select bands feature subtle diamond details for added sophistication.
Hand-crafted quality: Each ring is meticulously made to ensure lasting beauty.
Price Range: $600 - $1,980
12. Catbird Wedding Band
Catbird’s collection of men’s wedding bands offers timeless elegance and unique designs.
Crafted with precision and care, each band balances classic simplicity with distinctive style, making it easy to find one that complements your personal taste.
Features:
Timeless collection: Options range from minimalist to more intricate designs.
Quality craftsmanship: Each ring is made with precision to ensure durability.
Versatile styles: Designed to complement any wardrobe or aesthetic preference.
Price Range: $248 - $2,500
Understanding the Basics: Materials Used in Wedding Bands
Choosing a wedding band involves considering both traditional and modern materials, each with unique qualities.
Classic options like gold (yellow, white, or rose) offer timeless appeal but vary in durability, with white gold often needing rhodium plating and higher-karat gold more prone to scratches. Platinum is durable and hypoallergenic, though it can develop a matte patina over time.
Modern materials, such as titanium and tungsten, are scratch-resistant and ideal for active lifestyles. Titanium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant but difficult to resize, while tungsten’s high durability comes with the risk of cracking if dropped. Ceramic bands provide a colorful, contemporary look but can be brittle.
Sustainable options, like recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds, allow for environmentally friendly choices, and mixed-material bands—like gold with carbon fiber or titanium with wood—offer a distinctive, personalized touch.
Design and Personalization
Design and personalization add meaning to a wedding band.
Classic gold or platinum bands offer timeless elegance, while modern designs feature bold patterns, matte finishes, or mixed metals.
Gemstones and custom engravings, like dates or symbols, add personal touches that reflect your unique style.
Unisex bands provide versatile simplicity, and vintage-inspired styles bring nostalgic charm with intricate details.
Ensuring Durability
With proper care, a wedding band can stay beautiful for a lifetime.
Clean regularly with mild soap and a soft brush, and avoid harsh chemicals, especially if your ring has gemstone. Store it in a soft-lined box when not in use, and remove it during activities that could cause damage, like heavy lifting or high-impact sports.
To minimize wear, remove your ring during activities like heavy lifting, cleaning, or sports that could expose it to chemicals or impact. If your ring becomes dull from scratches and wear and tear, professional polishing can help restore its original shine.
Consider brands with warranties for added protection. Many offer lifetime resizing, polishing, or even replacements for lost or damaged rings.
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
Choosing the perfect wedding band requires balancing several important factors, from your daily lifestyle to your budget and how well it matches your engagement ring.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your profession and hobbies can heavily influence the material you choose for your wedding band.
If you have an active job or engage in hands-on activities like sports or manual labor, durability is key.
On the other hand, if you work in an office or have minimal physical demands on your hands, classic options like gold or platinum could be ideal.
Budgetary Constraints
Setting a budget early in the process can help you narrow down your choices without feeling overwhelmed.
Wedding bands come in a wide range of prices, influenced by factors like material, design complexity, and any additional features, such as diamonds or engraving.
If you’re working with a limited budget, consider metals that offer great durability at a lower cost, like titanium or tungsten. These materials are budget-friendly and very resilient.
If you’re looking for a classic metal like gold but want to keep costs down, 14k gold is more affordable than 18k gold and still provides an elegant look.
Matching with Engagement Rings
Coordinating your wedding band with your engagement ring can create a cohesive and polished look.
Consider the metals and design elements of your engagement ring when selecting your band. If your engagement ring is made of white gold, a white gold band will complement it beautifully. If your ring features diamonds or intricate designs, a simple and elegant band can create balance.
Stackable bands have also become a popular trend, allowing for versatility and the option to add more bands over time.
Start Your Journey with the Perfect Ring
Choosing a wedding band is a big decision that marks your lifelong commitment.
From classic gold to modern tungsten, understanding the materials, styles, and personalization options can help you select a band that complements both your lifestyle and your engagement ring.
As you consider your daily wear needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences, keep in mind that your wedding band should be a comfortable and lasting part of your life.
Ridge wedding bands are known for their combination of modern style, durability, and trendy features. Explore our collection of men’s rings. We offer a range of styles, designs and colors. Make sure to reference the size chart to find the perfect fit.
FAQs
How much should you spend on a wedding band?
The amount you spend on a wedding band depends on your budget and preferences. On average, couples spend anywhere from $500 to $3,000, but there are plenty of high-quality options both below and above that range.
What wedding rings hold the best value?
Wedding rings made from durable and timeless materials, such as platinum, 14k gold, and tungsten carbide, tend to hold the best value.
What's the difference between men's and women's wedding bands?
Men's wedding bands are typically wider, thicker, and simpler in design. Women's bands tend to be more delicate, with options for diamond or gemstone embellishments. Many modern designs cater to unisex preferences, allowing couples to choose styles that best fit their taste.
What are the return or exchange policies when purchasing rings online?
Return or exchange policies vary by retailer, so it’s important to check the specific terms before purchasing. Many reputable jewelers offer a return window ranging from 30 to 60 days, often with free resizing or exchanges. Some brands also provide lifetime warranties that cover resizing, repairs, or even replacements.
