How to Design Your Own Wedding Band for Men

matching bands

Wedding bands are a sacred symbol of eternal love and a lifelong bond between two people. Although most people seem to focus on the bride's ring, the man's wedding band is equally important both symbolically and aesthetically. Taking into account the man's lifestyle and fashion sense, designing a man's wedding band is a creative endeavor that can make your special moment at the altar just that much more memorable. If you want to design your own man's wedding band, here is how to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding magazines
• Jewelry store catalogs
• Historical jewelry books
• Paper and marker
• Access to a goldsmith

Instructions

How to Design Your Own Wedding Band for Men

1. 

   Look at modern samples. Look through bridal magazines and jewelry store catalogs to view currently available men's wedding bands. Note the things you like about the ones you see and the things you don't like. Determine what kind of metal you like (gold, platinum or silver), and if your ring will have gemstones.

2. 

   Check out historical pieces. Historically, men's rings were much more spectacular and ornate then current fashion dictates, but it's nice to get an idea of the different motifs and the different colored gemstones used in antique men's jewelry. Look for images from British royalty to see some very ornate pieces.

3. 

   Draw out a rectangle about 1/2-inch wide by 2 1/2 inches long. This will be your ring sample as if laid out flat. The actual width of your ring may vary once the designing is done, but this is a good place to start when designing your wedding band.

4. 

   Place your stones. If your man's wedding band will have gemstones in it, place them in your rectangle. Stones can be represented by ovals or circles, and stones meant to be in the center of the ring will be drawn in the middle of your rectangle.

5. 

   Doodle your design. If your wedding band will have a motif or etched design, draw it on your rectangle. Remember, the design will have to be either engraved or carved into the ring band, or applied to the band, perhaps in a contrasting metal. Men's rings traditionally have rather plain or linear designs on them as opposed to a flower or leaf motif.

6. 

   Consult with a jeweler. Bring your ideas to a goldsmith or jeweler who casts custom rings. They can discuss with you your choices in stones and metals, and may offer suggestions to enhance your design.

7. 

   Do it online. If you are looking for something custom, but not necessarily personalized, you can design your man's wedding band on a jewelry website. Many sites offer a customizable wedding ring service to help you determine gemstone sizes and costs as well as add specialized elements to make your band a one-of-a -kind expression of love.

Tips & Warnings

• Know the man's feelings about wearing jewelry and gemstones before beginning your design. Some men don't like to wear anything too flashy, so a ring with diamonds may not be a good choice.

• Don't go overboard. Check the prices on gemstones and precious metals while you are designing to be sure your ideas can be translated into reality at a reasonable price.

References

• bernadine.com mens rings
• tudorjewels.com

Resources

• designyourweddingrings.com
• ringdesignonline.com