THE GROOM'S WEDDING RING

The Band

One of biggest decisions that will need to be taken when selecting the male Wedding Ring is the band metal - typically, you will choose from gold, platinum or titanium.

Yellow gold remains the most popular choice for male Wedding rings, although many men are now straying from the yellow variety into other, more exotic colours. You have probably all heard about white gold, but how many of you were aware of rose, lime, bronze, red and peach gold? Achieved by mixing another alloy with pure gold, a whole range of colours can be achieved so if you are feeling adventurous why not go for it?

Once you have chosen the colour, you need also think about the hardness and cost. Gold is measured in terms of carats with the higher the carat rating the greater the presence of pure gold. Nine carat, fourteen carat and eighteen carat gold are the most popular choices for rings as they are perceived to be hard enough to last a lifetime. Twenty and Twenty Four carat gold is available, but the latter is far too soft for rings. For your reference, 18ct gold has twice as much pure gold in it as 9ct gold but of course you can expect to pay more for it!

Platinum, to the naked and untrained eye, does look like silver or white gold in appearance, but the similarities end there. Platinum is an exceptionally dense and durable metal and will feel heavier and ultimately last longer than gold. Platinum is used in jewellery in almost pure form, unlike gold, and does not need to be plated. It is versatile and eye-catching but expect to pay for a premium – platinum is almost twice the price of gold.