History reveals men of power, wealth, and influence often wore rings of precious metals and rare gems. Around the world, men in other cultures have continued that legacy, but in North America, men have not widely worn rings.
That trend is beginning to change. Now, men across the country are discovering the luxe statement that a thoughtfully chosen ring can make.
What Rings Do Men Typically Wear?
Rings are a common way to mark affiliation with an organization or club and can also be worn to identify familial lineage and power. Wedding rings are likely the most typical type of men’s gold ring, worn to mark marriage and symbolize love and fidelity. Common types of rings men may wear include:
- Class rings
- Sports championship rings
- Fraternity rings
- Family crest rings
- Wedding rings
- Fashion rings
What are Men’s Fashion Rings?
Men’s fashion rings have been appearing in American men’s wardrobes and serve as an easy way to heighten their personal sense of style. These rings are worn purely for aesthetic purposes, without any cultural or religious symbolism.
Stylish men’s fashion rings can be made of traditional precious metals or more modern alternatives like wood or tungsten, and they may feature gemstones, elaborate etching, or sculptural metalwork. Common styles of men’s fashion rings are:
Saddle rings: Named for their saddle shape, with a wider top that narrows to a slimmer band. Saddle rings tend to be large and are often worn on the middle finger.
Signet rings: While signet rings don’t usually serve as an official seal in the modern day, this style of ring remains a perennial favorite. These rings feature a prominent flat surface, typically of either a precious metal or gemstone. Traditionally, these rings were engraved with a family crest or other personal design.
Coil rings: This style of ring expands the traditional circle into a coil shape that covers a wider portion of the finger. John Hardy’s silver Naga ring is a bold interpretation of this style.
Diamond rings: Not just for wedding bands, diamonds can make a statement of discerning style in a men’s fashion ring. Diamonds in an asymmetric pave setting create a luxuriously modern design in the John Hardy men’s silver ring.
Men’s Engagement Rings
American men began wearing wedding rings around the middle of the 20th century. Since then, these matrimonial men’s gold rings have only grown in popularity. In recent years, engagement rings for men have also been on the rise. Colloquially known as “mangagement” rings, engagement rings for men are actually not a new concept.
In countries like Chile, Argentina, and Sweden, it has long been common for men to don engagement rings. After his 2009 engagement to Argentine actress Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre, pop singer Michael Bublé showed off a simple engagement band on his left ring finger.
Typically, these rings don’t replace a wedding ring but are moved to the right hand after the wedding ceremony. Men’s gold rings or men’s silver rings are equally appropriate for serving as engagement rings.
Choosing a Men’s Wedding Ring
More traditional than an engagement ring, a men’s wedding ring is an expected part of American nuptials. Typically chosen and purchased by the bride or as a couple, a men’s wedding ring can be traditional or modern. Men’s gold rings have long been a mainstay of the wedding set, but men’s silver rings are also popular.
Before selecting a wedding ring, the bride and groom should consider the groom’s lifestyle needs in order to find the right ring. A man who works with his hands may prefer an alternative metal that is less prone to scratches and that may be lighter than traditional precious metals.
A ring designed for comfort, like our two-tone comfort fit band, can make a ring easier to wear, especially for a man who has never worn jewelry before. A flat fit band like Triton’s flat edge brush finish ring offers a stylish, contemporary look but may feel more noticeable on the hand. Wedding ring width is also an important consideration. Most men’s bands are between 6mm and 8mm wide, though narrower and wider bands are available.
Personalizing a Men’s Ring
Often, men’s gold rings and sometimes men’s silver rings are purchased in celebration of a significant life event. A class ring, university ring, professional organization ring, or wedding ring all help mark a milestone achievement and are special in their own right. An inscription, however, can make a special memento even that much more personal.
Consider adding a name, initials, short message, or significant date to the inside of your band to add a special touch. Men’s gold rings often have wider bands that suit inscriptions well and can be the ideal way to personalize a gift and create an heirloom that is cherished for generations.
On Which Finger Should You Wear Your Men’s Fashion Ring?
While most people associate the fourth finger, commonly called the ring finger, as the correct finger for rings, there really is room for personal preference. In America, typically, the left ring finger is reserved for a wedding band, and men’s fashion rings are worn on the right ring finger.
The pinky finger is also a common choice for men’s fashion rings. This finger was traditionally home to symbolic rings, like a signet or family crest. Today, this finger is an ideal choice for men’s fashion rings, as it doesn’t interfere with using the thumb and index fingers.
Less commonly, you may see men’s fashion rings on the thumb. The size of these rings makes them quite noticeable and a definite statement. Men’s fashion rings may also be worn on the middle or index fingers, though this placement can be less comfortable and may interfere with tasks.
Precious Metals vs. Modern Alternatives
While men’s silver rings and men’s gold rings have historically dominated the jewelry market, the discovery of new materials like tungsten and tantalum has changed the landscape of men’s jewelry. While precious metals are often desired for their high value and timeless appeal, modern alternatives offer durability and scratch resistance that some men may prefer.
If you prefer a timeless, classic look, you might consider a traditional metal like gold or silver instead. Men’s gold rings and men’s silver rings hold their value and are prized as heirlooms.
Popular Men’s Ring Metal Types:
Gold: Gold is a traditional metal for jewelry and is the standard for luxury. Men’s gold rings are fairly low-maintenance, though they can scratch. Note: the higher the karat, the more prone it is to scratches.
Stainless steel: A durable option for an everyday ring, stainless steel is scratch-resistant and will not tarnish. Stainless steel is also a more affordable option for men’s fashion rings.
Sterling silver: Another traditional precious metal choice, men’s silver rings are a more affordable option than men’s gold rings. Sterling silver can be prone to tarnishing over time, however.
Tantalum: A modern alternative metal, tantalum is a blue-gray color and is lighter-weight than tungsten and heavier than titanium. Tantalum is also durable and resistant to scratches.
Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight silvery-grey metal that is known for its strength.
Tungsten: Tungsten rings feature a dark grey metal that is exceptionally hard and resistant to scratches. Because of tungsten’s hardness, however, it cannot be resized.
Men’s Gold Rings
Gold men’s rings are classified by their karat, and the higher the karat, the purer the gold. The purest form of gold is 24K, but at this purity, the gold is very soft and malleable. A 14K men’s gold ring provides beautiful luster alongside the durability needed for everyday wear.
Men’s Silver Rings
Sterling silver is the most common type of silver used in men’s silver rings. This alloy is 92.5% silver combined with 7.5% copper or other metal. The additional metal lends strength and durability to the otherwise soft and malleable silver.
Men’s silver rings are often stamped on the inside with a 925, which denotes its purity as 92.5% sterling silver. Men’s silver rings with purer silver alloys will bear a stamp corresponding to the precious metal content, up to 999, though its extreme malleability makes silver of this purity not recommended for jewelry.
Gemstones for Men’s Fashion Rings
Men’s fashion rings can be simple, with a single metal band and minimal etching or design work. On the other hand, men’s rings can exude luxury and panache with gemstones, elaborate carvings, and even two or more metals.
Adding gemstones is an excellent way to add interest and value to your ring. Diamonds are a timeless addition to any ring, but other precious and semi-precious stones, especially those with dark hues, can also enhance the design. Dark gemstones are especially striking in men’s silver rings. Some popular gemstones to consider are:
- Black sapphire
- Blue sapphire
- Diamond
- Lapis lazuli
- Mother of Pearl
- Onyx
- Pearl
- Turquoise
Fink’s Favorite Men’s Fashion Rings with Gemstones
Gemstones add an architectural element that can create a fresh and memorable design within a classic men’s silver ring. John Hardy is a master of gemstone application, combining hammered silver with striking black sapphires for a contemporary twist on a classic band.
Another fresh take on a classic shape is John Hardy’s men’s silver ring with lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone prized for its deep blue color. This signet ring is a stunning head-turner that remains grounded in traditional design.
Sometimes, classic is classic for a reason. Our Sabel Collection men’s gold ring with round diamonds is a design that will stand the test of time. Perfect for the traditional man who prioritizes lasting refinement.
Finding Your Ring Size
Unlike a watch band or necklace, where you have some flexibility with sizing, a ring size should be selected carefully. Accurate sizing is essential to purchasing a men’s fashion ring that you will enjoy wearing.
A men’s gold ring that is too loose is at risk of becoming a tragic loss, while a ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable to wear. Ensure that it is snug enough to stay on while loose enough to slide over the knuckle without discomfort.
To get the most accurate ring size, pay a visit to your local Fink’s Jewelers to be sized properly. If you cannot make a trip to a jeweler, you can purchase a plastic ring sizer online to try at home. You can also print a ring sizing chart to compare against an existing ring that fits to determine its size.
Cleaning and Storing Men’s Gold Rings
Properly cleaning your gold and silver jewelry can make all the difference in how your pieces look. To keep men’s gold rings looking their best, clean them periodically with warm, soapy water and a gentle brush. Men’s fashion rings with gemstones like sapphires or porous materials like turquoise should be cleaned with particular care, preferably by a professional. Your local jeweler can help with polishing and cleaning to ensure your rings remain in pristine condition.
When not in use, store your rings in a soft-lined box or bag away from other jewelry to prevent scratches. The soft metal in men’s gold rings can be especially susceptible to scratches from other heavy pieces.
Cleaning and Storing Men’s Silver Rings
Men’s silver rings require much the same cleaning and care as men’s gold rings, with one notable exception. Without appropriate attention, silver can be prone to tarnish. A few extra steps will ensure that your silver stays lustrous and you minimize extra polishing.
Men’s silver rings can be washed the same way as men’s gold rings but may also benefit from a soft polishing cloth afterward to bring out their shine. Never use harsh cleaners or chemicals to clean your jewelry at home, as they could scratch the silver and any gemstones.
When storing men’s silver rings, take care to secure them in a soft, airtight storage location. This helps control humidity and lessens the risk of tarnish. Add an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel packet for an extra layer of protection against tarnishing.
Finding your new favorite ring is easy. From gold and silver to titanium and tungsten, there is a fashion ring for every man. Whether you want to inject new energy into your personal style or carry a tangible memento of a special event, the perfect men’s fashion ring is waiting for you. We look forward to helping you find it!
