Gold rings for men have been popular throughout history. Many kings and rulers had signet rings. Strong military leaders, men like Hannibal and Caesar, wore gold rings. Ethelwoulf, the King of Wessex wore a gold ring with his name engraved on it.

Men’s gold rings can feature engraved Celtic rope designs, or leaf motifs. Some men’s gold rings are two toned with a band of rose gold set into yellow or white gold. Another stunning two-toned gold ring for men is made with durable platinum around a band of 24kt gold.

Contemporary wedding bands are crafted from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. These metals are often in the form of alloys when they are made in to a ring. Pure gold is referred to as 24-karat gold. Yellow gold is alloyed with zinc, copper and silver. It is often referred to as 18kt or 14kt. Gold that is 18kt is 75% pure gold, and 14kt is 60% pure gold. White gold is composed of an alloy of palladium, zinc, nickel, and copper. Due to skin allergies, palladium is preferred over nickel.

Platinum is naturally white. It is a very dense metal. A ring composed of platinum will be 33% heavier than a ring made with 18kt gold. Platinum is highly resistant to tarnishing. Platinum alloys for jewelry include ruthenium or copper. Platinum-ruthenium has a superior luster.

The use of white gold has increased in popularity in the recent decade. White gold is less dense than platinum. Therefore, a comparable ring weighs less. A white gold ring is usually plated with rhodium. Rhodium is a durable silvery white metal. If the rhodium is replaced annually, the ring will maintain an attractive white color.

There are advantages to a white gold ring compared to a platinum ring. The luster can be maintained by adding rhodium and adding a small amount of white gold can be added during polishing. Gold is more malleable than platinum. This permits the ring to have a more intricate design. The white gold is also more affordable than platinum.

Rose gold alloys are composed of silver, copper, and gold. They range from deep red to light pink in hue. A man’s ring that is composed of sterling silver with a central band of deep red rose gold makes a substantial and pleasing ring.

Gold is the metal of choice for men’s rings. Rings have been used as a symbol of commitment, authority, and membership. Gold rings for men have always been in style and will continue to be in style.