If you’ve ever wondered why men’s gold rings are still so popular for wedding bands – even when there are so many new metals available for less – then you need to take a step back and look at history.  Humankind has been fascinated by gold since the earliest days of civilization, and it has long been used for personal adornment in the form of jewelry.  In fact, the first recorded use of gold for jewelry goes as far back as 2500BC, when the Sumerian culture used it to make necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

When yellow gold rings came back into fashion in the 90s, many people thought it was just a passing fad.  This belief was further perpetuated when the latest alternative metals were introduced.  But it looks like men’s gold rings have staying power.  There are many good reasons for this, but I will focus on the top three.

Reason #1:  A better choice of textures and designs

Long before the first men’s gold rings were ever made, goldsmiths had perfected the various metalworking techniques still in use today.  Whether made by hammering, casting, carving or soldering, most of the gold jewelry from long ago could be mistaken for modern designs.  Why is this so important?  Well, not every metal can be so easily manipulated.  Most of the industrial metals used today are not carved at all, nor are they hammered, braided or filigreed. That’s because industrial metals are much harder than gold.  Sure, they may stand up better to long-term wear and tear, but the choice of designs is limited.

Reason #2: Intrinsic value

There is just something about gold that feels valuable.  It may be the natural brilliance of the metal, which is not even comparable to some of the latest alternative metals.  Or perhaps it’s the way men’s gold rings are always the perfect weight – neither too heavy nor too light.  It’s easy to imagine passing down women’s or men’s gold rings to future generations as a family heirloom. They are highly valued on the precious metals market, as evidenced by the number of stores that buy gold.  Just these facts alone give gold jewelry a greater intrinsic value than other metals.

Reason #3: Longstanding Tradition

All you have to do is look around the room at your next family gathering and you will likely see gold wedding bands on just about every man.  Men have always been attracted to gold rings, and as a result they have become a longstanding tradition.  While there is nothing wrong with breaking tradition, men tend to stick with what works.  Some guys go as far as saying, “it doesn’t even feel like a wedding band” unless it’s made from gold.   Industrial metals may have an edge on gold with regard to durability and price, but that’s not always enough to make men switch.  Even as men’s gold rings age, they still have a recognizable luster that cannot be duplicated by any other metal.