Banding
Together
As new and exciting male wedding band trends begin to emerge, there are a multitude of options for grooms to consider when looking for the perfect fit. Natasha Brennfleck speaks with Cameron Beever, general manager at Ringwood Jewellers, to provide advice and discuss the options available to grooms in search of their perfect wedding band.
Image Credit: Lisa van Dam, via Unsplash
Searching for matching wedding bands is an exciting prospect. With a world of unconventional and unique options opening up for men’s wedding bands, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To diversify ring choices from the classic 5mm yellow gold band, grooms can create a personalised and sentimental statement with their ring. With a breakdown of materials and metals, the latest upcoming trends and a scoop on the subtle and symbolic, Melbourne Wedding and Bride offers prospective grooms guidance for their choice of wedding band.
Material Man
According to Beever, the classic, simple wedding bands are back in fashion this season, and tends to be the preferred option for men preparing to tie the knot. While this simple and traditional option is ideal for some, other grooms are opting to stand out amongst the crowd and go for something slightly bolder, selecting metals and finishes to make their symbol of commitment a more accurate reflection of their identity. “Zirconium black rings and carbon fibre wedding rings are becoming the hottest trend in rings for men,” he says. With their lightweight, tough, durable, and hypoallergenic characteristics, it’s easy to understand their increased popularity. With a striking, sleek black appearance, these rings certainly stand out on the wearer. Similarly, Beever notes that incorporating unconventional wooden flourishes into men’s rings offers a classy, industrial look, with timber wrapped around the metal.
Steering away from classic, smooth wedding bands, there are also options to add texture to a wedding band. Grooms can currently choose to apply a matte or hammered finish for a rugged yet refined style. For the sustainability conscious groom, Beever recommends titanium. This material is both budget-friendly – approximately $300 per band – and more easily recycled than other metals.
However, readers should note that this option cannot be resized, so be sure to determine your exact ring size first.
Subtle & Symbolic
Adding subtle and symbolic touches to a wedding band is an effective way to create an individual and unique piece that epitomises the relationship between you and your partner. When choosing a style, there are options to engrave and inset jewels to reflect the nuances of your connection. Beever champions simple, symbolic additions such as initials and significant dates – special touches that serve as a lasting reminder of your wedding day. “Remember to engrave your wedding date inside the ring so you never forget your anniversary,” Beever adds.
Some grooms also favour the inclusion of jewels in their wedding band. “A simple, small 5-10 point diamond in the band doesn’t take away any masculinity, but adds a nice, subtle, stylish touch,” Beever suggests. Carefully considering the ring’s inset is will also add that special touch to the ring. Having recently worked on a custom ring that included an amethyst stone inset to the inside of the band, Beever and the team at Ringwood Jewellers have ample experience in adding these symbolic touches.
If engraving or jewel in-setting is not your style, but you would still like to elevate your jewellery, consider mixing metals within the band. “Mixing metals with yellow, white, or rose gold that are incorporated together is an all-time classic favourite,” Beever echoes. The blended colour ring creates a subtle dual or tri-colour variation of the traditional 5mm band. The understated nature of mixing metals retains the classic form of the ring but incorporates a pop of colour, making for the perfect subtle variation to your life-long adornment.
Unconventional & Uncompromising
One of the most striking new styles coming onto the market is the Mokume-gane method, which Beever explains is a “Japanese metal work procedure which mixes two metals together to create a woodgrain effect.” The artificial woodgrain stuns and is a real individual piece, as no ring made this way will look exactly the same. It’s an ideal option for the daring groom who wants to stand out and draw attention to his commitment.
In recent years, male jewellery has evolved to include more diamonds in accessory pieces, such as watches, chains, and earrings. Stepping away from gender normalities, the modern groom can choose to wear any wedding band he so desires; with expectations of wedding bands having to appear purely masculine or feminine no longer relevant. It was only matter of time until diamond wedding bands started to become popular! At Ringwood Jewellers Beever notes that his team are in-setting more diamonds into men’s rings these days. “I’m quite a fan of a bit of bling, and it’s nice to see men want a classy diamond-set ring to wear.”
For the practical groom who prefers to go bling-free, there is the option of a silicon band. Best suited for men on worksites and those who work primarily with their hands, silicon rings provide comfort and safety, with the low conductivity and risk of snagging on objects. Such wedding bands make an unusual statement whilst remaining practical for the workforce and active lifestyles.
With a vast range of options on the market for male wedding bands, there is no reason to settle for the traditional gold band if it doesn’t feel right. Follow your heart, and your taste to create a wedding band set that is uniquely yours. Whether through variation of material, subtle insets or engravings, or unconventional statement pieces, the choice is yours.