A wedding band is the one ring many men wear every day for the rest of their lives, so it is worth choosing well. Silver has become a popular choice: it looks clean and masculine, costs a fraction of gold or platinum, and suits both minimal and statement styles. For Muslim grooms it has an extra advantage, because most scholars do not permit men to wear gold. This guide covers the styles, widths and sizing of men's silver wedding bands, the Islamic view on wedding rings, and how to care for a silver band.
Is sterling silver good for a wedding band?
- Price: a silver band costs a fraction of a gold or platinum one, which leaves room for a wider or more detailed design.
- Look: bright white metal that pairs with a steel watch and suits oxidised, engraved and stone-set designs.
- Wear: 925 sterling silver is softer than gold or platinum, so it collects fine scratches over the years. Many men like the lived-in look; a jeweller can also polish it back to a shine.
- Tarnish: silver darkens slowly with air and skin chemistry, and cleans up in minutes. See our guide to cleaning sterling silver.
- Authenticity: look for the 925 stamp inside the band. Our guide Is sterling silver real silver? explains the tests.
Styles of men's silver wedding bands
- Plain and flat bands: timeless and understated, the closest to a traditional wedding ring.
- Chain and Cuban bands: a band made to look like chain links; modern and masculine.
- Hand-engraved bands: floral or geometric patterns cut by hand and darkened, for a ring that looks like an heirloom from day one.
- Stone inlay bands: a strip of black onyx, tiger eye or agate set into the band, sleek and comfortable. Black onyx is our most chosen band.
- Stone-set bands: a row of cubic zirconia or coloured stones for more sparkle.
Browse all our band rings.
Our best-selling silver bands
The bands our customers choose most, all in 925 sterling silver.
Best-selling silver bands
How wide should a men's wedding band be?
- 4 to 6 mm: slim and classic; suits slender fingers and men who have never worn a ring.
- 6 to 8 mm: the most popular width for men, balanced on most hands.
- 8 mm and wider: a bold statement; suits larger hands and chain or engraved designs.
Wide bands cover more of the finger, so they feel tighter than a slim ring of the same size. For bands of 8 mm and wider, many men go up half a size. Measure carefully with our men's ring size chart, and measure at the end of the day when fingers are largest.
Wedding rings in Islam
Exchanging wedding rings is a custom rather than a religious requirement, and it is now common across much of the Muslim world. Scholars hold different views:
- Many scholars consider a wedding ring permissible as a social custom, provided the man's ring is not gold and the couple does not believe the ring itself protects or binds the marriage.
- Some scholars discourage the wedding band because it originates in non-Muslim tradition; they consider an ordinary silver ring, worn without that meaning, to be free of the concern.
On one point there is broad agreement: a Muslim man should not wear a gold ring, including a gold wedding band. Silver is the safe choice. Many scholars also advise men to avoid gold-plated rings, so for a Muslim groom a plain or engraved sterling silver band is the simplest option. For more, see our guide to Islamic rings for men, and ask a scholar you trust about your own situation.
Which hand does the wedding band go on?
- Western custom: the ring finger of the left hand.
- Turkish custom: the engagement ring is worn on the right hand, and moves to the left hand at the wedding.
- Islamic tradition: both hands are narrated for the Prophet's ring; the index and middle fingers are traditionally avoided by men.
See which finger to wear a ring on for the meaning of every finger.
Matching rings for the two of you
A matching pair makes the day feel complete. Our personalised pair rings are made as a set in 925 silver and engraved with your names, and many of our bands can be engraved inside with a date or a short word. For more gift ideas, see our jewellery gift guide for men.
Pair rings and plain bands
Caring for a silver wedding band
- Take it off for the gym, heavy work, swimming pools and cleaning products.
- Wash it with mild soapy water and dry it well; polish with a silver cloth.
- Store it in a pouch or box when you take it off, away from other jewellery.
- Have it checked by a jeweller every few years if you wear it every day.
Frequently asked questions
Is a silver wedding band a good idea?
Yes. It is affordable, looks classic and can be polished back to a shine. It will show fine scratches over time, as every precious metal does.
Can a Muslim man wear a wedding ring?
Many scholars permit it as a custom, provided it is not gold and is not believed to protect the marriage. Some discourage it. A silver ring is the safest choice.
Can Muslim men wear platinum or titanium?
Most scholars restrict only gold (and silk) for men, so other metals are generally considered permissible. Silver is preferred because the Prophet (peace be upon him) wore a silver ring.
What width is best for a men's wedding band?
6 to 8 mm suits most men. Choose narrower for slim fingers and wider for a bold look.
Can silver bands be resized?
Plain and engraved silver bands can usually be resized slightly; bands with stones all the way round or chain designs generally cannot, so measure carefully.
