Gear up for wedding season, gentlemen! As you embark on the quest for the ultimate symbol of your commitment, prepare to be wowed by the latest offerings in men’s wedding bands. This year, designers have outdone themselves with a range of sleek, cutting-edge designs that effortlessly fuse innovation with timeless style.

While alternative metals are still popular, there’s a rising trend among men who appreciate the power of fine jewelry, bringing precious metals back into the spotlight. So, whether you’re a modern trendsetter or a classic connoisseur, get ready to find the perfect band to seal the deal in style.

In our search for the most unique and stylish wedding bands out there, we can share some exciting new finds from Chris Ploof Designs. Chris just introduced the first-ever fully sizable carbon fiber and precious metal bridal bands made in the USA. These rings offer a remarkable combination of durability and lightweight comfort, perfect for grooms seeking something truly distinctive (all rings pictured above are made of 18K gold or palladium with carbon fiber inlays) .

But that’s not all, there’s more. Chris has also just unveiled a new collection, “Precision Cut Precious,” featuring top-quality wedding bands crafted from premium metals. You can elevate these  styles even more with the option to add diamonds for an extra touch of luxury.

“None of our new ‘Precision Cut Precious’ rings are cast. They are made from drawn tubing which is then machined. This allows me to very precisely manufacture these pieces that are heavier and higher quality than most of what is available on the marketplace. These solid, heavy, beautiful thick big rings can last a lifetime.” Says Ploof.

We bet many of our readers would say  “I do” to innovation and craftsmanship with Chris Ploof Designs, Check out our favorite styles below. We love the two-toned designs.

We are planning a field trip to Chris Ploof’s workshop over the Summer to see these beauties getting made. In the meanwhile, we caught up with Chris for some very useful wedding band shopping  tips for guys. We also asked him for advice on how to care for a wedding band so it lasts a lifetime.

Sizing and Durability

• Choose carefully the materials that your band is made from. Opt for those that last a lifetime and can be sized.
• Bad news is cool materials like bone, antler, and wood are not durable enough for a wedding band. Good news is that modern metals like Damascus steel, carbon fiber, mokume gane blends, palladium, titanium, and some meteorite are strong enough to endure the test of time. Bands made of precise metals such as gold or platinum will last a lifetime, even a few lifetimes when they become family heirlooms.
• Be sure to ask if the band you are buying can actually be sized. Nearly everyone changes in size over their lifetime. Do your due diligence – inquire about the sizing process. You want to make sure that you get your own ring back! Some manufacturers simple swap your ring out for a bigger size. Look for rings that can actually be sized, not traded.

Daily Wear & Care – Cleaning and Polishing

Normal daily wear will change your ring subtly over time. Similar to the way that silverware changes with daily use, your wedding ring will also change and age with the patina of everyday life. The shiniest platinum finishes will become more matte over time, and the matte finishes will actually burnish and become more shiny. These changes are totally normal. However, there are ways you can keep your ring looking its best for a longer time.

• Choice of metal – again, if you choose wisely, there are some metals that last longer than others. And some metals are known for not scratching readily. But be advised that some of these metals (like Cobalt Chrome and Tungsten, for example) are very difficult or impossible to remove in an emergency, which can result in serious injury or loss of a finger. Make sure you choose metals that can be cut and removed should you ever need it in dire circumstances. Note that rings made of wood, antler, and bone can prove difficult to maintain, even when mixed with metal.
• As necessary, you can clean your band somewhat regularly with safe, gentle liquid cleaners. Soak the ring and gently brush or rinse it clean to remove any buildup of debris, lotion, sunscreen, or oil. Most jewelry stores can recommend cleaning solutions based on materials in your band.
• For bands with shiny surfaces, polish the ring with a polishing cloth to gently restore the surface finish and sheen.
• Avoid polishing rings with matte or textured surfaces. You can actually harm the finish. Ask the manufacturer for specific tips and tricks to keep them looking best. Your local jewelry store might be able to refinish the ring, as needed.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s direction for caring for your particular type of band.
  

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Safety and Avoiding Damage – When to Take Your Ring Off

Safety and long-term wear are other huge considerations. Some environments are not good for your ring and sometimes the ring can cause damage to you! Here’s when you should take the ring off.

• Remove your metal rings before getting into swimming pools and hot tubs – the chlorine in the water can affect the metal’s physical properties and affect its surface shine.
• The following activities can cause damage to your rings. Take your rings off when you are:
  • Gardening
  • Stone wall building and brick laying
  • Doing anything with a hard, abrasive surface
• Rings can also get caught and/or snagged on things. For your own personal safety, be sure to remove your ring when you are:
  • Working on ladders
  • Shifting heavy pieces of equipment
  • Lifting weights without gloves (wear the gloves!)
  • Rock climbing

Loss

No one wants to lose their ring. Here are a few scenarios to consider in order to prevent the chance of losing your ring.

• Our fingers naturally swell and contract – they change size. An average ring size can change up to about a 1/2 size depending on the season, your diet, and how much you have worked out.
• In the winter, take caution when removing gloves. Your ring can come off and go flying into space, especially on the ski slopes or while mountain biking or hiking.
• At the ocean or in lakes, your hands may contract in the cool water, which could lead to losing your ring while swimming, surfing, paddling, or other water sports. Remove your rings prior to any of these water activities.

Thanks for all these amazing tips Chris!

In collaboration with Chris Ploof Designs