There is no single piece of jewelry more popular for men than rings. Wearing a men's ring is perceived as much more masculine and accepted than any other kind of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. While it's becoming more common to see men adorning other types of jewelry as each year goes on, the ring still retains the dominant choice. While men's rings used to be confined primarily to wedding rings, there are today more varieties, styles, and designs than ever before. This is partially due to usage of new and exotic materials that feel more masculine, and partially due to the widening of what the stereotypical image of masculinity is. Men's rings differ greatly from those crafted for women, and the same rules do not necessarily apply. Knowing what to look for in a mens ring will help you find the perfect one for that special man in your life.

Going to a jeweler's without knowing the difference between womens and mens rings is sure to lead to confusion and an overwhelming sense of dread as you feel overcome by the many choices that confront you. If you can't even pick out which rings are for men, there's no place to even begin from! The main differences lie in the width of the band, the materials chosen for the ring, the placement of gemstones (if any are on the ring at all), and the use of patterns on the band.

The main difference in men's rings is the width of the band. A ring made for a man will have a wider band than one made for a woman. You can choose the specific width based on the build of the man the ring is for. For this, keep proportionality in mind. Larger men tend to look better with wider bands that are more suitable for them. Similarly, men of smaller stature tend to pair well with somewhat thinner bands, in the 3-6mm range. This is only a rule of thumb - each man will have his own preference which you should keep in mind. While there are some rings crafted for women that will be suitable for men as well, most use bands which are too narrow.

While any kind of material can be used for men's rings, some are more popular than others for certain occasions. For weddings, anniversaries, and special events, precious metals such as gold or platinum are most often chosen. The gold can be yellow or white, but rose gold is rarely used in mens rings.

There are a couple of newer materials that have found widespread popularity amongst men of all demographics, including tungsten and titanium. These materials are much stronger, tougher, and more durable than more traditional precious metals. Tungsten rings are practically as hard as diamonds, meaning they aren't as easily damaged during physical activities. Titanium rings have the advantage of using a material with a reputation for power and endurance. Each of these exhibit great masculine symbolism making them perfect for men's rings.

There was a time not so long ago when gemstones were rarely, if ever, seen in mens rings. Nowadays, the practice of enhancing the glamour of the ring through a dazzling gem of some kind is becoming more regularly seen. The two most popular gemstones used in men's rings are diamonds and onyx.

Mens diamond rings usually have the precious gemstone embedded within the band. This is a far different from women's jewelry, where the diamond is raised above the band. Having the diamond embedded within the band means that men's rings usually use smaller gemstones. Instead of the primary focus of the ring, the diamond is often used as an accent.

Onyx is another popular choice in men's rings because it has such bold and striking black tones. This carries the same kind of masculine imagery that titanium or tungsten materials do. The bravado of an onyx ring is well suited for men's jewelry. Like diamonds, the onyx is embedded within the band, not raised above it.

Many men's rings use some kind of pattern instead of a gemstone to add extra flair to the jewelry. Patterns can vary significantly depending on the vendor, and each man will have his own personal favorite. Popular patterns include celtic knots, geometric designs, and spirals. The patterns can either be etched in using a chemical agent or engraved with a laser depending on the kind of material used for the band.