Men’s Wedding Rings

Men’s wedding bands are commonly between about 4 and 6 millimetres wide, but the right width depends on the hand. Broad hands and long fingers carry a wider band; slimmer fingers often suit something narrower. Try a few widths on: a millimetre makes more difference than you would expect.

The profile is the shape of the band in cross-section. A court band, rounded inside and out, is the most comfortable and slides over the knuckle easily. A D-shape is flat inside and rounded outside, a classic look. A flat court gives a modern flat top with a rounded, comfortable inside. For a ring that will never come off, comfort matters as much as looks.

Platinum is heavy, durable and naturally white. 18k gold, in yellow, white or rose, is lighter and warmer. Choose a metal that suits the hand and the life, and, if you like the idea, one that matches your partner’s ring.

The finish changes the character. Polished is classic and bright. Brushed or satin is understated and hides everyday marks. Hammered gives a textured, handmade look. Two finishes can be combined, such as a brushed band with polished edges.

A single flush-set diamond, a row of small stones or a hidden stone inside the band are all ways to add something personal without changing the ring’s quiet character. Engraving inside the band, a date, coordinates, a few words, is the most private detail of all.

Wider bands fit more snugly than narrow ones, so a wide band often needs to be a little larger. Size at the end of the day, when hands are warm. A ring in a precious metal such as gold or platinum can usually be resized later if fingers change. Some alternative materials, such as tungsten, cannot be resized at all.