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With countless designs, metals, and styles available, this guide explores the different types of wedding rings for both women and men. Consider this your go-to resource on all things wedding rings—from the variety of style options to how to choose your perfect wedding band.
Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth wedding ring guide explores the different types of wedding rings for both women and men and provides helpful tips on choosing your perfect wedding band. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.
A wedding band, often called a wedding ring, is the ring exchanged between partners during the wedding ceremony. Unlike engagement rings, which usually feature a center gemstone, wedding bands tend to be simpler in design and are worn daily as a symbol of marriage. Wedding bands can range from traditional plain metal rings to more intricate styles featuring diamonds, gemstones, or custom engravings.
There are many different types of wedding rings to choose from, so every couple can be sure they’ll find a design that reflects their style, lifestyle and personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular categories:
Women’s wedding ring styles range from delicate and subtle to bold and expressive. Each design offers a unique way to symbolize love and complement an engagement ring:
Men’s wedding band styles have expanded far beyond the traditional plain gold ring, offering a wide variety of designs that reflect individual taste, lifestyle, and comfort. Below are some of the most popular types of men’s wedding bands:
Choosing a wedding band is an important decision since it is something you will wear daily. The right choice balances comfort, personal style, durability, and symbolism. Here are the key steps to guide your decision:
The circular shape of a wedding ring represents eternity, unity, and an unbroken bond. Across cultures, wedding rings symbolize commitment, fidelity, and everlasting love. Wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand — also known as the “ring finger” — is rooted in the ancient belief that a vein in this finger, the “vena amoris,” connected directly to the heart. Today, couples continue this tradition as a visible and lasting sign of their union.
The best type of wedding band depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal style. Classic gold bands are timeless, while diamond or eternity bands add sparkle. Men may prefer durable alternative metals, like tungsten or titanium.
Yes, men traditionally wear wedding bands to symbolize their commitment. Today, men’s wedding band styles range from classic gold to modern alternative metals. You can read more about the best metals for men’s wedding bands on our Best Metals for Men's Wedding Bands Guide.
Couples can choose matching wedding bands, but it is not required. Many opt for complementary designs that reflect individual tastes while maintaining a unified look. Explore our selection of Couples Rings.
A wedding ring should fit snugly enough that it doesn’t slip off but loose enough to slide over the knuckle with slight resistance. Learn all about how to measure your ring size at home on How to Measure Ring Size at Home Guide.
Many couples shop for wedding rings together, though some prefer to surprise each other. Joint selection ensures both partners choose styles they will enjoy wearing daily.
Most wedding bands are made from 14K or 18K gold. 14K gold is more durable, while 18K gold has a richer color and higher purity. You can learn more about these distinctions on our Gold Karat Guide.
Traditionally, each partner wears one wedding band. Some choose to add anniversary or stackable bands over time for a layered look. For comprehensive tips on styling your stack, visit our Ring Stacking Guide.
A comfort fit wedding band has a rounded interior, making it easier and more comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially for those unaccustomed to jewelry. Explore our expertly crafted selection of Comfort Fit Men’s Wedding Bands.