BANDS BANDS AND MORE BANDS

Finally, the fun part. To this point we have covered mostly purchases made by the man for the woman.  The diamond, the setting, etc. Now we get to talk about a purchase by the man for the man. As you will read, I’m very opinionated when it comes to wedding bands. It’s for good reason. I spent a large portion of my jewelry life and career as a rep for a bridal house that focused heavily on bands, specifically the men’s bands.

Let’s do this. Now that your heavy lifting for the woman is over and done with, the band purchases are going to be a joint venture. One you will do together. She will try on a billion bands to find the one that fits perfectly with hers. Or she may get one made custom to fit hers, or you may have lucked out and the manufacturer that made her engagement ring makes a matching band….that she likes.  Anyway this goes down, you’re in the clear. Think of it as your first lesson in “Yes, dear.” Whatever makes her happy.

Don’t feel left out, there are just as many if not more options out there for the guy. There are more styles, more textures and more metals.

DO NOT SKIMP ON THE BAND! You didn’t skimp on the photographer, cake, honeymoon etc. Remember, after the day is done, the honeymoon is over and life has become mundane; the ring on your finger is the only reminder of that day.  Do not make it generic.  The old standby in men’s bands has always been the plain, yellow gold band.  Maybe a little milgrain on the sides. This in the industry is called a half round band. This is your dad’s band, maybe even your grandfathers. Not yours. If you’re reading this piece on this site, you’re a bit more in tune with style and culture. So pay attention and get a band that exudes some originality.

The categories to be aware of are these: diamonds or no diamonds, metals, textures and widths.  Tangibles to think of are these: Do you work with your hands, play a lot of sports? Are you a suit guy, and do you wear a watch? Are you into technology, maybe engineering? I ask because there is literally a ring out there that can extend one’s style, regardless of what it is.

Tungsten and titanium are very hip, less expensive then their precious metal counterparts and carry some awesome styling. The tungsten bands with laser engraving are just cool as shit. The gunmetal coloring of titanium is very original, as is the metal itself. I used to be a stern opponent of these alternative metal rings. But I have to say over the years I’ve become a fan.  A few things to aware of with the alternative metals. One of tungsten’s huge advantages is that it doesn’t scratch. So if you work with your hands, this might be an avenue for you. But know that tungsten does shatter. Yes, shatter. Drop it just right and it just shatters. Not that this happens a lot, but it has happened.  Titanium is very strong, the color is cool and the ring is very light in comparison to the size. Many people in a tech field seem to dig the titanium, and the price is unbeatable. The downer with titanium is that it cannot be sized (nor can tungsten) and if you ever need the ring cut off in an emergency, it’s a bit more tricky then a traditional precious metal band.

Outside of alternative bands you have the pm bands—gold, platinum and palladium. There are literally hundreds of styles to choose from. Moreover, more and more  bridal houses are offering flexibility, so be sure to ask. What I mean by flexibility is the ability to take the texture from one ring or the width of another in the metal of your choice. Add diamonds to a band that doesn’t normally have diamonds, or visa versa.

A very new development in men’s bands has been the fusing of silver and a greater precious metal.  In light of the recent spikes in the price of precious metals, manufacturers have had to figure out a way to keep prices affordable while still offering a precious metal. What I’m seeing is the use of silver as a base, giving the band the weight you want. Then fusing an outer shell, so to speak of precious metal. This way if you have an engraving or diamonds set the work is done in the precious metal. Ultimately this works out well.  You get a ring with a good weight at a reasonable price all in precious metals.  Some brands to look for in bands are Novell, Diana, Benchmark, Lieberfarb and Goldman.

Whatever you do, enjoy this part. Roll up the sleeves and dig in. As always, stay away from the mall stores, here you will certainly need a jeweler who knows a thing or two. There is a lot out there for the guy in this category, too much to take the easy way out and be plain. You can still be simple without being blah. Try to make something your proud to wear and expresses your pride for the union.

DON’T BE PLAIN!!