Photo Credit: Denny Müller via Unsplash
Nowadays, more and more couples are opting for personalized elements for their special day – their wedding bands are no exception. No longer are rings limited to the classics; there are a myriad of different wedding band styles available today that are as unique as you are. Whether you’re shopping for wedding bands for an upcoming wedding, replacing your old one, or just looking for some inspiration, keep reading to discover 5 interesting, non traditional wedding band styles that you’ll love.
5 Non Traditional Wedding Band Styles You’re Sure to Love
Alternative Metals
If you’re looking for a non traditional wedding band but still love the feel of classic metal, alternative metal rings possess the sleekness you’ve been yearning for. Modern men’s wedding bands now include increasingly prominent materials such as titanium, tungsten, and tantalum. Gold and silver have been the go-to wedding bands for decades. This rings especially true for men, who have long had limited options with finding men’s wedding bands. While silver or gold are still an exceptional choice, contemporary updates are always welcome.
Typically used for men’s wedding bands, titanium is a unique wedding band style that works as a great alternative to the conventional silver and gold. It has a light gray color that can be polished for a sleek shine that is reminiscent of silver, is easy to maintain, and is remarkably durable. Like titanium, tantalum is quite durable, resistant to scratches, and carries the luxe feel of silver and gold. If you have an active lifestyle or want more durability in your ring, look no further than tungsten. Usually a sleek silver-gray or black, tungsten is four times stronger than titanium – and ten times stronger than 18K gold. That’s what we call a durable, non traditional wedding band.
Two-Toned Bands
With so many options, it’s understandable if you’re having trouble deciding which metal to choose for your wedding band. You may not have to choose between one or the other; you can do both! Within the last decade, using two tones has become a unique wedding band style that the recently betrothed are opting for. Two-toned rings are composed of two different metal combinations, such as rose gold and white gold or platinum and yellow gold. They could also be a combination of wood and metal for an interesting two-toned look that mixes modern and natural elements.
The wedding band can be crafted in various ways that match the style of the wearer, from a stripe around the ring’s center to a statement-making inlay. Though many admire the style of two-tones, others choose it for its symbolism. This non traditional wedding band is thought to symbolize the union of two lives – a tone for each individual, coming together as one.
Symbolic Gemstones
Photo Credit: Cornelia Ng on Unsplash
While many can’t get enough of diamonds in their jewelry, maybe that’s just not your style. If you still want a little sparkle, gemstones are the perfect non-traditional wedding band alternative. They’re not just for engagement rings anymore; they also make for a stunning non-traditional wedding band for men and women. With many different colors and varieties like sapphire, emerald, ruby, and aquamarine, your style possibilities are endless. Choose your favorite color gemstone or the one that matches your style for a wedding band that’s personalized to you.
Gemstones are as symbolic as they are beautiful. Throughout history, many have attributed different gemstones with certain powers and meanings. Sapphires are thought to attract abundance and blessings, while emeralds are associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love and success in relationships. Whether you believe in symbolism or simply appreciate their beauty, gemstones are a unique wedding band style for any couple.
Matte Finish
Men’s and women’s wedding bands tend to be crafted to give a high polish for the wearer. If sparkle and shine aren’t your thing, a matte finish is a great option. While polished rings are flattened to give the surface shine, matte rings get “roughened” or brushed to reduce the reflectiveness of the metal. This non-traditional wedding band style features little to no shine, giving off a more subtle appearance. It’s a nice compromise for those that want a simple style and do not want the reflective properties of a polished or satin finish.
Matte is more versatile than one might believe. It can be brushed longitudinally or transversely, or it can be blasted with quartz sand to create a slightly dotted sand matte finish. You may also choose to have a combination of matte and polished areas on your wedding ring for a unique take. The slight texture of a matte finish may also help camouflage the light scratches and abrasions you experience from everyday wear.
Textured
Photo Credit: Denny Müller on Unsplash
Need more characteristics to the surface of your wedding band than a matte finish can provide? Textured wedding bands add the interest and feel that you want. These rings are extremely versatile; they can be grooved, indented, hammered, or carved to create dimension and personality. For a hint of texture on your wedding band, milgrain is a unique wedding band style option. Milgrain is a metalwork technique that involves styling tiny dots (small metal beads) to create borders on the wedding band. It gives wedding bands one-of-a-kind details that complement any metal or gemstone.
This non traditional wedding band is an excellent choice for those that want a wedding band that is as personalized as their wedding, since they can be made with any material, designed to fit any style, and crafted with any method for the texture the wearer wants.
There’s never been a better time to be shopping for unique wedding bands than today. Men and women have countless options for materials, finishes, and styles than ever before. As such, many couples are choosing to go for more non traditional wedding bands that reflect their personal styles and represent who they are as a couple. After all, everyone deserves a wedding ring that is as unique as they are.
When it comes to deciding on a style, just remember that there’s no “right” choice. Since it’s your ring, it’s meant to suit you. There are accessible rings that fit everyone’s style, lifestyle, and personality.
Author Bio:
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.
