The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Ring Styles
From classic wedding bands to signet and pinky rings, explore the history, symbolism, and significance behind the most timeless ring styles for men.
Oct 15, 2025
Men’s Rings: The Modern Man’s Guide
As men embrace jewelry with increasing confidence and individuality, rings have become powerful declarations of taste and identity. Worn for centuries by men around the world, rings have signified everything from societal status and royal lineage to love and matrimony. No longer solely reserved for aristocrats and the betrothed, the modern man is free to wear rings that express his personal style and commemorate pivotal moments.
At David Yurman, every ring begins with a vision: one that artfully marries a distinct, sculptural sensibility with unparalleled craftsmanship, forging masterful designs in precious metals and richly colored gemstones. Our refined designs are perfect for the man who wants to invest in heirloom-quality jewelry and build a worthy collection.
From minimal wedding bands to boldly expressive signet rings with oversize gemstones, we explore the different types of rings every man should know—their history, significance, and symbolism—and how to wear them in the 21st century.
Band Rings
The band ring is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of jewelry. Rooted in ancient Egyptian culture, the band ring originated as a symbol of eternal love. These braided rings, woven from reeds and leather, set the foundation for the modern wedding ring. Later, the Romans embraced this tradition and exchanged metal rings, typically forged in iron and gold, as tokens of love and commitment.
A powerful emblem of continuity, the band ring is a timeless men’s jewelry essential—whether it’s a wedding band to signify matrimony or a designer ring to reflect personal style.
Wedding Bands
Titanium Wedding Bands for Men
Titanium rings are a popular choice for their exceptional strength, lightweight feel, and modern aesthetic. Naturally resistant to scratches and corrosion, timeless designs like beveled wedding bands in titanium offer a practical yet stylish symbol of commitment, making them a great option for men with active lifestyles.
Diamond Wedding Bands for Men
Diamond wedding bands beautifully meld the enduring symbolism of the band with the brilliant radiance of meticulously set diamonds. From classic solitaire wedding bands to two-row styles with pavé accents, David Yurman diamond wedding bands are crafted in diverse precious metals with brilliant, cognac, and black diamonds.
Yellow Gold Wedding Bands for Men
Gold wedding bands are timeless, versatile, and rich in tradition. Beloved for its warm, lustrous hue, gold is a softer metal, making it the perfect canvas for intricate detailing and engraving. Whether you’re looking for simple wedding bands, knife edge wedding bands, or extravagant styles with brilliant gemstones, David Yurman offers a range of 18K gold wedding bands in yellow, white, and rose tones.
Platinum Wedding Bands for Men
Platinum wedding bands are prized for their durability and rarity. Naturally white and resistant to tarnish, platinum maintains its luster over time and develops a soft patina. Heavier than gold, platinum rings for men offer a substantial feel that symbolizes strength and permanence. One might prefer platinum for its classic elegance, minimal maintenance, and lasting quality—an ideal choice for a ring meant to be worn forever.
Designer Band Rings
Symbolism: Self-expression, aesthetic taste Where to wear it: Any finger—no rules apply.
Not all band rings are wedding bands. David Yurman’s collection of designer rings for men—from classic bands to Chevron rings—is crafted for style and self-expression, featuring sculptural forms, multi-dimensional textures, and intricate details with a distinctly modern appeal.
These non-matrimonial bands often feature striking geometric patterns and unexpected materials—such as the sculptural Faceted band ring in 18K rose gold with cognac diamonds, or the Japanese art-inspired Waves band ring in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold adorned with brilliant, pavé-set diamonds.
For the man who appreciates jewelry as a form of self-expression, a designer band ring is a creative signature intended to elevate everyday wear.
Signet Rings
Symbolism: Power, identity, heritage Where to wear it: On the index finger or your right ring finger
What Is a Signet Ring?
A signet ring is a traditional ring style that features a flat surface engraved with a unique design like an intaglio, monogram, or coat of arms. Historically, the signet ring was an emblem of status and authority in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, originally worn by pharaohs as a personal signature to seal documents.
Over time, the signet ring took on new meaning. From Roman emperors to medieval kings, signet rings became widespread among the elite, engraved with mythological motifs and family crests to signify power, nobility, and lineage. The signet ring evolved into a treasured heirloom, passed down through generations as a symbol of family honor and legacy.
Today, David Yurman revives these ancient emblems of power with a bold and ultramodern point of view. For men who prefer classic signet rings with smooth metal surfaces, opt for a minimalist piece like the Streamline® gold signet ring.
For those who prefer more ornate, statement-driven styles, consider the Memento Mori skull ring in sterling silver with cognac and black diamonds, or the Hexagonal signet ring, featuring an oversize garnet set within 18K yellow gold and forged carbon, an innovative material known for its strength, resilience, and comfortable wear.
Whether your aesthetic leans minimal or maximal, David Yurman signet rings are modern symbols of personal style that can be worn by all men.
Pinky Rings
Symbolism: Status, nobility, self-expression Where to wear it: On the pinky finger
What Do Pinky Rings Signify?
Like the signet ring, men’s pinky rings have served as powerful marks of status, identity, and lineage. Their origins can be traced back to ancient Rome and signet ring traditions, where aristocrats wore engraved rings on the pinky finger to seal documents with a wax imprint. In more recent centuries, wearing a ring on the pinky signifies affiliation, power, or intellectual distinction—often indicated by crests, monograms, and symbolic insignia.
Because the pinky finger is less active than others, it’s ideal for showcasing a ring—making it a favored canvas for self-expression. The Petrvs® Lion Pinky Ring is a wonderful option for the man who wants to project strength, courage, and leadership.
Men’s Rings Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay for men to wear rings?
Yes—rings are for anyone who wants to wear them. Rings have been worn by men across cultures and throughout history as symbols of love, commitment, heritage, or simply personal style and self-expression.
How do you know if your ring is too big?
If a ring is too big, it will spin on the finger and slip off easily.
What is the correct way to wear a ring for a man?
While there is no one correct way for a man to wear a ring, we do recommend following David Yurman’s styling tips. If your ring is oversized, wear it alone on one hand for maximum impact or pair it with a minimalist bracelet.
How do men find their ring size?
To learn how to measure your ring size, consult the David Yurman Ring Sizer for step-by-step instructions.
How tight should a man's ring fit?
A properly fitted ring feels comfortable and sits securely at the base of the finger once it’s over the knuckle. The ideal ring is neither too loose or too tight and should slide on and off with minimal effort.
What rings should a man wear?
A man should wear any type of ring that fits his personal preferences and style—there are no rules. The David Yurman Streamline® signet ring in sterling silver with black onyx is a classic style that’s flattering on any gentleman.
Do men wear engagement rings?
Traditionally, men wear wedding bands instead of engagement rings, but there are no rules.
Who buys the man’s wedding band?
While it is customary for the bride and her family to purchase the wedding band for the groom, this decision is entirely up to the couple.
How do you find out a man's ring size without asking?
Whether you're buying a wedding band for him or gifting a loved one with a David Yurman ring, here are some tips to help you buy a ring when you don’t know his size:
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Borrow a ring he already wears and take it to your nearest David Yurman store for professional sizing. If you can’t make it to a store, trace the inside of the ring onto a piece of paper. Then compare its circumference to the circle in our ring size guide that most closely matches in size.
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Enlist family and friends who can discreetly help you determine his size.
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Make an estimate through careful yet subtle observations.
