The Evolution of Men’s Designer Rings

Did you know that if you went back 125 years, you would have a hard time finding any many wearing a wedding band?  In fact, it was even uncommon back then to find a woman wearing a special ring to signify her marital status.  It wasn’t until the beginning of the Industrial Revolution that the wedding ring started to become fashionable, and even then they were nothing but plain gold or silver bands. So you can imagine how much longer it took for men’s designer rings to be introduced, but today they are one of the fastest growth areas in the jewelry industry. 

Benchmark Designer Finish Silver Band

Men’s designer rings arose out of a man’s desire to show his social status, affiliate himself with a “clan”, or be recognized as having earned a certain badge, or honor.  For many decades, men’s rings were treasured not because of their inherent beauty, but rather because they recognized a man’s achievement in life.  Even today, evidence of this heritage lives on in the form of Super Bowl rings, college rings, Masonic rings and rings that bear the symbols of the U.S. Armed Forces.  However, the men’s designer rings that are available today are not tied to any organization.  Most are worn to do more than celebrate their marriage; they can also reflect a man’s personal taste or his station in life.

Ever since the end of World War II when economic policies promoted the growth of the American middle class, rings became more popular among men.  And since then they have transitioned from a simple gold band to much more elaborate designs. And because men can be so much harder on rings than women, men’s designer rings are now available in durable metals like platinum, titanium, palladium, tungsten and stainless steel. 

Looking at today’s collections of men’s designer rings, it is possible to purchase rings in every imaginable size and shape.  The most popular styles have a beveled edge, engraved face, hand-woven texture, sandblasted finish or decorative milgrain edge, but there are dozens of other designs to choose from.  Men’s designer rings are also made to be more comfortable than ever before.  Some of the top designers offer a “Comfort Fit” style that has a curved inside edge.  This helps the ring feel more natural on the finger so its comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Another thing that has changed over the years is the way men shop for rings.  It used to be that if you wanted to buy a ring, you went to your local jeweler, but today’s men find that the selection of men’s designer rings on the Internet is much better, and so are the prices.  Web sites that specialize in men’s rings enable customers to shop by metal, price, designer and style, so you can quickly zero in on the perfect ring. 

Men’s Sterling Silver Rings – Which Styles Are Hot This Year?

Being someone who is immersed in the world of jewelry, I am often asked for advice on which styles are the “hottest” in every imaginable type of men’s and women’s jewelry.  While I hesitate to tell people what to buy – after all, it is a matter of personal taste – I will say I’ve noticed one trend in men’s jewelry this year.  Men’s sterling silver rings are selling like crazy! 

Men's Antiqued Celtic Knot Spinner Band

It used to be that if you were buying a men’s ring, you were either engaged to be married or replacing a lost wedding ring.  That was about it.  But today’s men are much more into expressing themselves through jewelry.  Not just any jewelry, mind you, they are specifically interested in rings.  One explanation for this might be that men are still pretty conservative at heart, especially when it comes to wearing jewelry, and rings don’t jump out at you as much as necklaces and bracelets.  They seem to “belong” on a man’s hand just as much as a watch belongs on his wrist.  Plus, they are available in a nice selection of masculine-looking styles. 

After reviewing some of my favorite men’s jewelry web sites, I have come up with what I believe to be the “hottest” men’s sterling silver rings on the market right now. 

In no particular order, they are:

• The Three Rope Spinner Ring:  This sterling silver ring features woven strands of silver that come together in an intricate pattern, all of which rests atop a spinning outer band.

• The Celtic Lionhead Band: Featuring two opposing lion heads, with mouths wide open, this design weaves an iconic Celtic pattern against antiqued black background.

• The Benchmark Sterling Silver Wedding Band:  Available in multiple widths, this best selling men’s sterling silver ring is most popular in a 10mm style that is highly polished and engraved.

• A Silver “Puzzle” Claddagh Ring: An unusual take on the classic Claddagh, this ring comes apart when it is not being worn but looks perfectly solid on the finger.

• Men’s Turquoise Shank Ring: Men don’t wear a lot of gemstones, but when they do turquoise is always a favorite, and a shank ring has a sculptural look that complements large hands.

• Polished Lug Nut Ring: Perfect for the man who likes to work with his hands, this highly polished ring has the shape of a lug nut on top but it is rounded on the palm side.

• Sterling Silver Dragon Spinner:  Another favorite among sterling silver men’s rings is the dragon spinner ring.  These edgy men’s rings are often worn as biker rings.

• Sterling Silver Celtic Weave Ring:  The Irish have cornered the market on ring designs for men, and the intricately designed Celtic weave pattern is another favorite. 

As for the reason why men’s sterling silver rings are so popular, I would imagine it is a matter of sheer economics.  Men can buy a sterling silver ring for a lot less money than just about any other metal, and still be confident they are wearing a high quality ring. 

The best men’s sterling silver rings are made from 92.5 percent silver by weight, which is the same quality as the silver jewelry sold at Tiffany’s.  The remaining 7.5% is made up of other metals, usually copper, but other metals have been known improve the overall quality of silver.  These include metals like zinc and platinum, both of which increase tarnish resistance while eliminating firescale and porosity. 

To sum this up, if you want to know what’s hot in men’s jewelry, look no further than men’s sterling silver rings.  Also be sure to check out some of the styles mentioned above, and make sure you buy .925 silver.

How to Buy a Men’s Platinum Ring

If you are in the market for a men’s platinum ring, then consider yourself a lucky guy.  Many men prefer the natural white luster of platinum, but they cannot afford the luxury of this brilliant metal.  However, if you can find a way to buy one, a men’s pure platinum ring is something you will treasure for many years to come. 

Benchmark 3 mm Platinum Comfort-fit Wedding Band

So what’s so special about platinum?

For starters, platinum is known as the “king of all metals” among jewelers.  It is a rare metal with a unique radiance – especially in its purest form - and unlike white gold it will never need to be replated with rhodium.  It is also hypoallergenic and extremely durable.   But remember, all men’s platinum rings are not created equal. 

It is possible to buy a ring that is 95% pure platinum, but if you’re not paying attention you could end with one that is only 80% platinum for the same price.  When you consider the investment you are making in a platinum ring, it makes sense to know exactly what you’re getting into.   That’s why I’ve put together these tips - to help you find the perfect men’s platinum ring.

1)      Check the Purity Content

Before purchasing a men’s platinum ring, you will need to know the purity content of the ring you are buying. As with every precious metal, to achieve the right level of hardness required for jewelry, platinum must be alloyed with other metals.  Just like the various levels available in white and yellow gold, the value of your ring will be based on how much of the alloy is pure platinum and how much is another metal.  This should be broken down for you in percentages.  

2)      Look for the Hallmark

According to Federal regulations, all platinum rings must bear a hallmark, or stamp, on the inside of the band, indicating the ring’s authenticity and level of purity.  If you find a men’s platinum ring that says “IridPlat” or “.90Plat/Ir” it is made from 90% pure platinum.  This means it should cost less than a 95% pure platinum ring, which would say “Plat” or “.95Plat” on the inside. 

3)      Ask about the Alloy

Whether you are dealing with an online retailer or bricks-and-mortar jeweler, you should be able to find out about the other metals used in the alloy of a ring.  A high quality men’s platinum ring will be an alloy of 95% pure platinum, along with Cobalt or Ruthenium.  When these metals are included in an alloy, it produces harder platinum that holds its mirror bright finish and resists signs of daily wear. Many platinum rings are alloyed with Iridium, which produces a metal that is slightly less resilient.

Once you are comfortable with the quality of the metal for your ring, choosing a style is really just a matter of personal choice.  However, most men who purchase platinum tend to opt for a less decorative ring that really shows off the beauty of the metal.  Platinum also provides the perfect backdrop for diamonds and can be shaped into many attractive designs to suit any man’s taste. 

Titanium Men's Rings – More than Just a Passing Trend

Men, are you searching for a ring that is stylish and sophisticated, yet tough enough to withstand your active lifestyle? Then look no further than the latest collections of titanium men’s rings. Sure, there are plenty of ruggedly designed men’s rings made of gold, silver, platinum and other metals, but if you really want a ring that is as innovative as it is attractive, titanium should be your first choice.

Why are titanium men’s rings becoming so popular?

There are many reasons why more men than ever are buying titanium. For one, pure titanium is such a strong and lightweight metal; it was originally used for making aircraft propellers. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that the titanium alloy now used to make titanium men’s rings was first introduced. Since then, this modern phenomenon has become extremely popular among men who want a hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant ring that is nearly weightless on the finger. In fact, titanium has the highest “strength-to-weight ratio” of any metal.

Titanium Men's Ring with two raised gold toned ridges

If you are a man who enjoys swimming in the ocean, working with your hands and participating in high impact sports, then the benefits of wearing a titanium men’s ring are even greater. That’s because titanium is virtually corrosion resistant. Not only does it retain its brilliant shine and color, it also stands up to sea water, chlorine, sweat, and even some acids. Compared to more traditional jewelry metals, like silver and gold, titanium is far more durable. Plus, titanium men’s rings are nearly impossible to scratch, making them perfect for active lifestyles.


Titanium Men’s Rings - a Designer’s Dream

In addition to all of these practical reasons, titanium men’s rings are known for their astounding beauty and brilliance. Since the year 2000, the availability of titanium has grown to a much wider scale, and many outlets now deal exclusively in the design and sale of titanium rings. By taking advantage of titanium’s naturally sleek and lustrous look, designers have quickly learned how to transform the average men’s ring into a work of art. Just by virtue of their shine, titanium men’s rings have an elegance that is impossible to duplicate.

Many different styles of titanium men’s rings are now available, giving men a limitless selection to choose from when shopping for a ring. One popular trend for men is to wear a black titanium ring. Black titanium rings are masculine rings that give men another way to express their individual style, and are often shown as a solid black band with a gray titanium overlay. Some designers pair white titanium with black carbon fiber inlays, black enamel or raised gold ridges, while others present the metal with a brushed and grooved finish, or a polished beveled edge. No matter which style you choose, you can be sure of one thing - titanium men’s rings are more than just a passing trend; they are here to stay.

Why a Men’s Gold Ring is the Perfect Gift

If it were up to most men, they would only buy one ring in their lifetime – a wedding ring. But the women in their lives usually find at least one other occasion to buy them one, or perhaps more than one, men’s gold ring. Buying a men’s gold ring doesn’t have to be a once in a lifetime occasion. In fact, a new ring is appropriate for many occasions, such as a special anniversary, birthday or Christmas gift. A beautiful new men’s gold ring is often presented as a special surprise when renewing vows or taking a second honeymoon.

Jewelers will tell you that a high quality gold ring is designed to last a lifetime, but the truth is, even the best men’s gold ring will show signs of wear after a while. Compared to metals like platinum and titanium, gold is a softer metal that can change shape and wear down over time. By the time a couple reaches their 25th wedding anniversary, a man’s wedding band may not have lost its shine, but it will probably be showing signs of wear.

Carved Comfort-fit 10K Yellow Gold Wedding Band

Are you looking for a great gift for that special man in your life? Why not replace that ring with a brand new men’s gold ring from Benchmark, one of the premier designers of men’s gold rings. A sparkling new men’s gold ring in a brand new style can do wonders for a man’s appearance and give him a well-dressed, professional look on the job.

So what’s new in the world of men’s gold rings? Depending on how long it’s been since you shopped for men’s rings, the offerings may have changed a bit. Here are some of the newer styles and features to look for:

• More types of gold - For a while there, it was assumed that one would buy a 14K men’s gold ring for a wedding band, but today’s choices also include 10K and 18K gold.

• Comfort fit - One of the reasons men have trouble adjusting to wearing a ring was because it felt uncomfortable after wearing it for awhile. Comfort-fit bands are designed with a curved inner edge, which means less of the ring contacts the finger and it feels comfortable all day long.

• More band designs - In addition to the traditional “domed profile” band, the men’s gold ring of today is available in brushed, sandblasted, two-tone, woven and engraved styles. It’s possible that one of these styles will be a great match for your man’s taste, but if not, there is nothing like the shine of a polished traditional wedding band.

Once you start looking for a men’s gold ring, browse around and be sure you are getting the best deal on the ring you want. The best way to do this is by shopping online at a store that specializes in men’s rings. Here, you can shop by metal, style and collection to find the perfect men’s gold ring at the right price.

No matter how many new metals are introduced, gold is still one of the most precious metals known to man, and considered the “standard” against which all other fine jewelry metals are compared. The timeless quality of gold makes it a lasting symbol of love and commitment, and the best type of ring to buy as a gift.