After 8 hours of research evaluating 320 products, we picked Tungsten Carbide Ring with Silver/Gold Gearwheel Inlay as our top choice.
Men’s wedding bands often don’t get the same attention and adoration of women’s rings. Unfortunately, when ring shopping, a man’s ring is almost an afterthought.
It doesn’t have to be like that! (And it shouldn’t!) Men’s wedding bands are special, too.
Let us explain:
It used to be just a plain white or yellow gold band. Nowadays, there are plenty of handsome and unique wedding bands out there that are as distinguished as his personality. Wooden and colored rings are rising in popularity, while some get as creative as arrow and deer inlays.
What are other common materials for men’s wedding rings?
Lately, tungsten carbide has become one of the most popular metals for a man’s wedding band. (Check out our top picks here!) It’s durable, inexpensive, and scratch-resistant. Platinum, gold, titanium, zirconium, and palladium are all also popular ring metals that are commonly found across jewelry shops.
What’s the bottom line?
If he’s not the classic-look kind of guy, take a peek at these unique men’s wedding bands that stand out from the crowd!
#1 Most Unique Design
Tungsten Carbide Ring with Silver/Gold Gearwheel Inlay
- Masculine and sleek
- Tons of compliments on how unique the ring is
- The price – such a value!
Pros
Tech guy in your life? Mechanic? Engineer? If he likes to get the gears turning, he’ll love and appreciate this ring.
Product Ratings
Appearance
9.5/10
Gearwheels – inherently masculine, svelte, and paints a picture of who he is. This is a highly personal ring that the right person will absolutely love! Choose from black and silver or gold. Features a unique gearwheel with black carbon fiber background inlay.
Materials
9.2/10
Made of tungsten carbide, which is an inexpensive metal that’s extremely durable and scratch-resistant. In fact, it’s one of the most popular materials for wedding bands that exists today! The black inlay is black carbon fiber.
Value
9.7/10
At less than $50, there’s no question about whether or not this band has a great value. Genuine tungsten carbide is shiny and looks just like white gold or platinum at a fraction of the price. The added inlay and artistry is so worth the extra few dollars!
#2 Most Personal Wedding Band
Custom Inner Fingerprint Ring – 14k White Gold Engraving Wedding Band
- A modern twist on a classic style
- Makes a perfect matching set
- Simple, but meaningful; it doesn’t get more personal than this
Pros
What’s more unique than a fingerprint? With a matching set, you’ll always carry a piece of each other wherever you go.
Product Ratings
Appearance
9.3/10
On the outside, it looks like a classic white gold ring. On the inside, it has something totally one-of-a-kind! We like that it’s on the inside rather than outside – it’s made just for you, a little secret from the rest of the world (until you show it off whenever the opportunity strikes).
Since this is an Etsy shop, the owner is willing to work with you on any customizations you may want! The band pictured is 5mm, but it can be handcrafted from 4-8mm.
Materials
8.9/10
This ring is made of solid 14K white gold. It’s hand crafted and made to order! That means you can choose your metal – it’s also available in 14K yellow gold, plus 14K and 18K white gold.
14k gold is composed of 58.3% gold and 41.7% of other metals. The alloyed metal makes it much stronger and more durable for everyday use since gold is naturally a soft metal.
Value
9/10
For a ring as meaningful as this one – their unique code, plus it’s handmade – the price point is spot on. For less than $600, you’ll have a meaningful piece that lasts a lifetime.
#3 Best Ring for the Adventurer
The Journeyman by Manly Bands
- Durable and built to last
- Woodsy and elegant at the same time
- Comes in a birch ring box to complete the package
Pros
This truly one-of-a-kind ring incorporates natural deer antler, Kia wood and turquoise to remind you that life’s a constant adventure.
Product Ratings
Appearance
9.5/10
So many of the reviews say the photos on the website don’t do this ring justice. Perfect for an adventurer, this classy and unique ring is plated with rose gold. And no, the rose gold isn’t too “girly” – it complements the colors perfectly. Speaking of compliments, be prepared to receive A LOT of them with this ring!
It’s 8mm wide and slightly domed for a comfortable fit.
Materials
9.3/10
The ring is made of tungsten carbide, which is one of the strongest materials on earth. It’s plated with 18K rose gold, and up against the koa wood, deer antler and genuine turquoise, it looks very rich and regal.
Choose from a Light, Medium/Mixed, or Dark antler inlay. Of course, because they are natural antlers, they will always vary in color and uniformity, adding to the uniqueness of the band.
Value
9/10
While you can get a plain tungsten carbide band for less than $15, you definitely can’t get a turquoise-wood-antler, rose gold plated tungsten carbide ring for that much. The price is very reasonable, especially when you take craftsmanship into account.
Manly Bands also offers small interest-free payments.
#4 Most Sexy Unique Ring
Forged Carbon Band by David Yurman
- Super unique while also being sleek and sexy
- Forged carbon is 3.5 times stronger than steel – but 65% lighter.
- An original design that sparks compliments
Pros
David Yurman was a sculptor before he became a jeweler, and his creative designs reflect that.
Product Ratings
Appearance
9.8/10
Sleek. Sexy. Unique. Three words that you’ll hear when people see this unique wedding band. The black and rippled forged carbon is accented by brilliant 18-karat yellow gold. Sitting at 8.5mm wide, it’s not solid black; it looks like a calm black river flowing around gold.
Materials
9.9/10
David Yurman’s Forged Carbon Collection showcases an innovative material used in expensive sports cars, speedboats, and golf clubs.
Carbon nanotubes and resin are compressed under pressure and heat, creating an ultramodern carbon composite that’s 3.5 times stronger than steel… but 65% lighter.
It also features 18-karat yellow gold, which is composed of 75% gold and 25% other metals to create a stronger alloy.
Value
8.7/10
While the cost of this ring is nothing compared to the average woman’s engagement ring, it’s obviously more expensive than a classic white-gold band. Forged Carbon is new, lightweight and elegant, and we’re sure he will love the investment that’s as unique as your love.
#5 Best Wooden Ring
Koa Wood and Tungsten Carbide Ring for Men
- Masculine and scratchproof design
- Comes in an attractive box
- Won’t irritate the skin
Pros
While they may look cool, a wooden ring without metals or protection will never last a lifetime! If you want something woodsy that’ll survive more than one handwashing, a koa wood inlaid band is your best bet.
Product Ratings
Appearance
9.2/10
A black-plated scroll ring with a dazzling koa wood inlay. Intricate silver-plated designs line the black edges. Scratch-resistant and waterproof, this handsome ring fits all fingers from size 6 to 16 and boasts a glossy finish.
Materials
8.9/10
Affordable luxury: that’s what you’ll think when you get your eyes on this ring. It’s the best modern ring for a casual man, but it’s still heavy duty with a thick tungsten carbide band that’s durable, scratchproof and long-lasting. Tungsten carbide is stronger than traditional white gold or platinum rings!
Value
9.8/10
Many people love this as their main wedding band, or as a replacement, if they lost the first one. If you’re traveling, you may even purchase this to bring instead of your “real” ring! It’s casual, waterproof (perfect for vacation!), comfortable, and inexpensive. Definitely worth it.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Ring
There are a few things to consider when selecting the perfect wedding band for men. First, the material. Does he do a lot of hard labor? Maybe a wood or gold band isn’t right for him. Consider harder metals like platinum or tungsten. (Check out our top tungsten band picks here!)
Then you’ll want to consider the width of the band. Rings for men range from 2mm up to 10mm or more in thickness. It’s a personal preference!
Once you’re sure of those things, it’s time to consider the style! What makes it perfect for him?
In my research I’ve seen rings specific to engineers, hunters, medical staff, hikers, nature enthusiasts, logophiles, animal lovers, even surfers. Everyone is different, so the unique men’s rings I picked may not work for the man in your life. If that’s the case, his perfect ring is out there somewhere, I promise! You can always have one custom-made, too! Good luck and congratulations on your marriage!