Posts Tagged ‘wedding rings for men’

Handwoven Wedding Rings: Beauty in Simplicity

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Many years ago, the Celts created hand woven items such as jewelry, as an offering to their Gods.  Since that time, Celtic knot and rope symbols have come to symbolize relationships, the joining of two people in marriage, or our eternal lives as spiritual beings.  Handwoven wedding rings have been used for centuries.  In fact, the first wedding rings in recorded history were woven hemp bands used by the Egyptians.  Today, when you purchase a handwoven or knotted wedding band made of precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, you are buying a symbolic and timeless piece of jewelry that represents rich cultural history.

 

Another benefit to choosing a handwoven wedding ring is that while simple, it is also delicately detailed and more unique than a standard wedding band.  The tightly woven strands of gold create a chiaroscuro effect, or a contrast between light and shadow, allowing the piece itself to create the design, as opposed to engraved pattern.

 

Handwoven wedding bands are also very versatile.  You can select a handwoven wedding ring that incorporates more than one color of metal, such as gold and white gold, so it is sure to match everything in your jewelry collection.  You can even find a handwoven wedding band that uses three colors, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, such as this example here.

 

Contemporary Tri-Color Handwoven Wedding Band

Contemporary Tri-Color Handwoven Wedding Band

 

Handwoven rings are great choices for both men and women, and offer the bride and groom a way to tie the look of their rings together.  The woman can select a handwoven wedding band that is small and delicate, while the man’s wedding ring can we woven with heavier strands of gold, or in a wider band, giving him a more masculine wedding ring.

 

To create a handwoven ring, the strands of gold, platinum, or silver are heated to increase their pliability and allow the jeweler to bend them to the desired shape.  Metal working tools are used, but the jeweler must also have incredible hand strength in order to produce a well-made handwoven wedding ring.  After the metal is woven, the artist then fuses the ends together, creating a seamless and beautiful wedding ring.

 

Take a look at some of these beautiful examples of handwoven wedding rings.

 

Two-Tone Handwoven Gold Wedding Band

Two-Tone Handwoven Gold Wedding Band

Handwoven Gold Wedding Band

Handwoven Gold Wedding Band

Handwoven Platinum Wedding Ring

Handwoven Platinum Wedding Ring

Tri-Color Handwoven Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Tri-Color Handwoven Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Two-Tone Handwoven Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Two-Tone Handwoven Comfort Fit Wedding Band

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Wedding Ring Trend: Stainless Steel for Men!

Friday, December 11th, 2009

Ladies, do you already have your perfect wedding ring selected and are now looking for that perfect masculine men’s wedding ring for your groom?  We may desire the expense of platinum and the sparkle of diamonds, but your guy may not be looking for something so flashy.  Don’t feel you need to match his ring to yours, consider sliding a stainless steel wedding ring on his finger during the ceremony.  Stainless steel rings are very beautiful, but also very practical. Some benefits include:

 

  • Cost.  Stainless steel wedding rings costs much less than gold or platinum wedding rings.
  • Durability.  Precious metals such as gold and silver are much softer.  Stainless steel wedding rings are extremely strong and much more scratch resistant.
  • Style.  There are many beautiful stainless steel wedding rings on the market, so you will not be sacrificing style.
  • Customization.  Stainless steel wedding rings can be engraved and sized, where another alternative metal like Tungsten, cannot.
  • Sustainability.  Stainless steel’s production process is much less harmful on the environment than other precious or alternative metals and can easily be recycled.

 

Take a look at some of these great stainless steel wedding rings for men:

 

Mens Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Band with Polished Finish Center Band and Brushed Edge Bands

Men's Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Band with Polished Finish Center Band and Brushed Edge Bands

Mens Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Ring with Recessed Center Inset Rubber Stripe

Men's Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Ring with Recessed Center Inset Rubber Stripe

6.25mm Mens Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Piston Ring Design Wedding Band

6.25mm Men's Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Piston Ring Design Wedding Band

6.25mm Mens Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Ring with Inset Rubber Stripes

6.25mm Men's Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Ring with Inset Rubber Stripes

Mens Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Band with Knurled Pattern Inner Rings

Men's Stainless Steel Comfort-Fit Wedding Band with Knurled Pattern Inner Rings

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Should a Man Wear a Wedding Band?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Should a man wear a wedding ring?  The question may seem strange to some of you, but the truth is that up until recent years, it was very uncommon, and there are still many cultures today where it is not practiced.  Traditionally wedding rings were given to women as a symbol that she was “off the market.”  During World War Two, by some urging by the jewelry industry, many US soldiers began wearing a band on their left ring finger as a token of devotion to his wife while he was away at war.  These wedding rings publicized the GI’s marital status and told his wife back home that he intended to remain faithful and devoted to her.  Because this was not a common practice, the act of a man wearing a wedding band made a stronger statement.  In fact, prior to the Great Depression, only 15% of grooms wore a ring, and after the end of World War Two the percentage increased to 80%.  Today, while it is almost unheard of the groom foregoing the ring, some men have a little anxiety over the concept of permanent jewelry.  This is not likely because they will be advertising their unavailability, but because many men have never worn jewelry before, and the feeling on their hand can seem strange.  Also, many men are working in industries where a ring could get in the way, and damaged easily, so it becomes impractical.  I think most new brides and grooms want both parties to wear a wedding ring symbolizing their love and devotion to one another, so here are some things that may make the transition from the naked ring finger, to the adorned one.

 

 First of all, consider comfort.  Men’s wedding bands of the past were rather rigid, and pinched the finger, making wearing one rather uncomfortable.  Today there are many comfort fit rings on the market designed to be much more ergonomic.  The interior is curved, so it doesn’t pinch the skin.  Second, consider durability.  Metals such as Stainless Steel, Titanium and Tungsten are incredibly strong, and won’t scratch and bend like Gold or Platinum.  These metals are great for men that work in dangerous trades.  Finally, consider the style.  Diamonds are no longer just for a woman’s wedding ring, but some men prefer a simple band with no detail.  His ring should reflect his personality, which will make it much easier to wear daily.  It is important to realize also, that regardless of the comfort, durability, or style, men may need to take their ring off from time to time.  Some men cannot do their job with a ring; others may prefer not to wear one in the gym while lifting weights.  Ladies, if they do remove their rings for reasons like these, remember, it is not because they hope the woman next to them on the treadmill strikes up a conversation, it is only due to man’s inert concern for practicality.

This simple, Titanium, Comfort Fit ring would be perfect for any man.

This simple, Titanium, Comfort Fit ring would be perfect for any man.

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Durable Wedding Rings for Men

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

For men who work in particularly demanding jobs or simply lead active lifestyles and are hard on their jewelery, there are several types of durable wedding rings for men who need extra protection against damage.

 

Titanium

 

Titanium wedding rings are quickly becoming a popular choice for men, especially because of  the metals durability. When combined with different alloys, titanium is actually one of the strongest metals available for jewelry.

 

If you have metal allergies or a particular sensitivity to other metals, titanium is a great choice because of its hypoallergenic properties. What’s more, titanium wedding rings are extremely light weight and more resistant to damage than softer metals.

 

If you are interested in a titanium wedding band, you should be aware that titanium can still become scratched despite its durability. While you do not have to worry about rust or corrosion, rough activities can still damage the metal. To avoid potential problems, simply store the ring in a safe location away from other jewelery that can scratch the metal, and take it off before strenuous activities.

 

Tungsten

 

Tungsten wedding rings are not only strong, but they have a distinctive look that makes them a very popular choice for men’s wedding rings. What’s more, they are highly affordable when compared to other metals.

 

Tungsten offers unsurpassed strength and durability, making it the perfect material to craft men’s wedding rings from. In fact, it is the hardest metal available for commercial jewelry making!

 

Whereas softer metals may become damaged, scuffed or scratched during physical or labor-intensive activities, tungsten is resistant to scratches and makes them an ideal choice for men who lead active lifestyles.

 

Even though tungsten is a very strong metal, the fact that it is so strong actually means the metal is more brittle than others. Avoid exposing tungsten wedding rings to repeated blows, as this can cause the ring to fracture.

 

Platinum

 

While nowhere near as strong as tungsten or titanium, platinum wedding rings can still be a good option for men who can’t find those metals elsewhere. Platinum is more durable than gold, but also comes with a heavier price tag because of its rarity in comparison to more available precious metals.

 

However, if you are buying matching wedding bands and the bride-to-be’s band is made from platinum, then this metal does resist damage much better than softer metals, such as yellow gold.

 

With a little persistence and some effort, finding durable men’s wedding rings isn’t as difficult as you might think. Even for men who lead very active lifestyles or work in labor-intensive jobs, metals like tungsten and titanium can resist damage much easier than softer metals, and still look great as a wedding ring!

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Diamond Wedding Rings for Men

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

While diamond wedding rings are usually thought of as a woman’s domain, diamonds are becoming a popular gemstone used to adorn men’s wedding rings, as well. Even though diamond wedding rings for men are usually simpler, they still offer a variety of styles for any type of personality and budget.

 

Types of Metals Used

 

Diamond wedding rings for men are surprisingly common, and there are a number of metals used for them.

 

Yellow or white gold are still just as popular for men’s diamond wedding rings as they are for women, but two-tone designs are becoming a novelty among male wedding rings because of their unique and distinctive look.

 

Platinum is favored for its durability, but titanium is usually popular above all other metals for men’s diamond wedding rings.

 

Settings

 

Diamond wedding rings for men may be popular, but they are often a lot more simply designed than female wedding rings. This doesn’t mean they are boring, though – it just means that they are designed more practically for an active lifestyle.

 

Typically, the settings used in diamond wedding rings for men are the most secure. Channel settings and invisible settings are popular choices for male wedding bands.

 

Other Things to Consider

 

Buying a diamond wedding ring from the groom-to-be is just as important as purchasing the bride’s wedding band, so you should keep a few things in mind before making such a critical purchase.

 

For one, you should only shop at a reputable jeweler that you have carefully researched and know as legitimate. Whether you shop at a brick-and-mortar store or online, it’s important to know who you are dealing with.

 

You should also take the time to learn about the 4 C’s of diamond quality so you are able to judge the quality of the stones you are using to incorporate into the design of the groom-to-be’s wedding ring.

 

Of course, you also want to choose a wedding ring that will fit into the groom’s lifestyle. If he is particularly active, obviously you will want a diamond wedding ring that is practical for that type of lifestyle.

 

His personal tastes will also play a role in selecting the perfect wedding ring, as well. A good fitting ring will complement the hand and finger it is placed on, so make sure you shop around and have the groom-to-be try on several different rings so he gets a feel for the style of ring that works best for him.

 

Diamond wedding rings for men may be simpler than their female counterparts, but it is just important to search for a quality ring for the groom-to-be as it is for the bride.

 

Choosing a ring that is not only practical but reflects his personality as well is key to selecting a wedding ring that will undoubtedly be a cherished possession for years to come, long after the wedding is over!

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Tungsten Wedding Rings for Men

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Tungsten wedding rings for men are actually an unusual choice, but highly attractive because of its unique gray color. While tungsten rings can not entirely be called mainstream yet, there’s no denying they are becoming a popular choice because of the many benefits tungsten wedding rings offer the wearer.

 

The Benefits of Tungsten Wedding Rings

 

Tungsten is one of the hardest metals available for commercial use in jewelry, and they make exceptional wedding rings for men. In fact, tungsten wedding rings are so resistant to damage that you can wear them even in the most labor-intensive job and it will resist normal nicks or scratches that softer metals simply cannot.

 

What’s more, tungsten’s natural gray finish is considered pretty much permanent, and will not wear away even with frequent wear like other metals can.

 

Tungsten Wedding Ring Styles

 

While not surprising, the vast majority of tungsten wedding rings are actually specifically created for men. Knowing that, it’s not that surprising to see how popular these rings are becoming for men who need a durable, strong wedding ring for their active lifestyle.

 

Because they are primarily designed for men, they often include a much wider or thicker band and less detailing than a woman’s wedding ring.

 

Styles Include:

 

Metal inlays, where a different type of metal such as gold or silver, is incorporated into the tungsten band for a distinctive, polished look. You can also design a tungsten ring to have nearly any kind of finish you want, be it a glossy sheen or a matte finish.

 

Including various gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds or even your birthstones is also a great way to make the ring unique and interesting.  Designers can also create visual interest by rounding or squaring the edges of the band, or adding ridges for aesthetic appeal.

 

Cautions

 

Even though tungsten wedding rings for men are some of the strongest available, they still have their own share of problems. Customizing a tungsten ring via engraving is impossible (because the metal resists scratching,) and resizing the ring is almost impossible to do by typical means.

 

What’s more, the strength and durability of tungsten make it exceptionally brittle, which means it is much more likely to be the victim of serious damage if it is exposed to repeated heavy blows. Take care to look after your tungsten wedding ring when it is not being worn, and treat it like you would any piece of fine jewelry.

 

Praised for both their distinctive gray hue and incredible strength and durability, tungsten wedding rings for men are an incredible choice, especially for very active lifestyles.

 

Even though your customization options might be limited, you can still find the perfect tungsten wedding ring for your groom-to-be that will far surpass the wedding day and beyond.

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Titanium Wedding Rings for Men

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Titanium wedding rings for men are increasingly growing in popularity, both for its distinctive appearance and durability. Of course, choosing the groom-to-be’s wedding ring is just as important as selecting the bride’s, so learn about the metal and how you can find a titanium wedding ring for your man.

 

The Benefits of a Titanium Wedding Ring

 

Titanium wedding rings are very popular for men, both because of its distinctive appearance and durability. Additionally, titanium (when mixed with other alloys) is one of the strongest metals available, making it the perfect choice for a man who leads a very active lifestyle or has a labor-intensive job.

 

Additionally, titanium is prized for its hypoallergenic properties. People who normally suffer from allergies or sensitivities to other metals can wear a titanium ring without fear of a reaction.

 

Types of Titanium Wedding Rings

 

If you aren’t familiar with titanium at all, think of it as being similar to white gold but with a gray tone, which means it’s actually a bit darker than gold or silver. The neutral color is perfect for use as a men’s wedding ring, but your design options are limited. However, because men’s wedding rings are typically less elaborate than female wedding rings, this is not really an issue.

 

When choosing a titanium wedding ring, keep in mind that the metal cannot be worked into intricate designs, such as what you would see with a Celtic-style ring. For that reason, more unusual settings such as a bezel or flush setting are the easiest to incorporate into a titanium ring.

 

As far as the types of gemstones commonly found in men’s titanium wedding rings, diamonds are arguably the most popular choice. However, you can always customize a ring to include any kind of gemstone you like.

 

Shopping for a Titanium Ring

 

You may find it difficult to find a titanium wedding ring in a regular jeweler because they are not as widespread as gold or platinum rings. You would definitely have a better chance finding a ring at an online jewelry retailer; they are much more likely to carry a wider selection.

 

While titanium wedding rings are typically a more affordable alternative than other metals, an elaborate design will cost a lot more money because titanium is such a difficult metal to work with. If you are looking to cut costs, you are much better off purchasing a simple titanium wedding band that doesn’t have a lot of detail work.

 

Titanium wedding rings for men are definitely on the rise in popularity because of their distinctive appearance and strength. The metal is very durable, and exceptionally lightweight.

 

What’s more, titanium wedding rings are an affordable alternative to the traditional gold wedding band. While it may not be the traditional choice, it certainly can stand as a symbol for a long-lasting, strong and happy marriage.

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