Wedding Bands for Men: Local Advice from a Santa Monica Jeweler
Whether you're the groom, the bride shopping for her partner, or part of any couple making your own traditions, buying a wedding band can feel like uncharted territory.
If you're in Santa Monica or anywhere in Los Angeles and wondering “When should I buy my wedding band?” or even “Do I really need one?”, you’re not alone. After more than 40 years of working with couples in our community, I’ve heard every question (and panic moment) there is. Here’s some advice to help you shop with confidence.
Bracken’s 20K California Gold highly textured River Rock and ridged Highway 49 wedding bands.
Do Men Wear Wedding Bands?
Short answer: Yes—but ultimately it’s up to you and your partner.
Traditionally, both partners exchange wedding bands at the wedding ceremony and wear them on the fourth finger of the left hand. The tradition of fourth finger left hand came from the belief in ancient times that a vein ran from it directly to the heart. So while most men do wear wedding bands— there’s no rule you have to.
Some guys wear it on the right hand, as a necklace, or only on special occasions. And many LGBTQ+ couples often decide together what traditions they want to keep, change, or create from scratch.
Bottom line? Your marriage, your choice.
Bracken’s Big Oak Flat signet wedding band custom-made in 14K white gold with a soft-hammered finish.
When Should You Buy a Wedding Band?
We recommend 2–3 months before the wedding date.
Why so early?
It gives you time to find the right style.
We can resize or make it to order if needed.
You can add a custom engraving without paying rush fees.
If your date is closer than that—don’t worry. We’ll do everything we can to help you get what you need in time.
✅ Local tip: If you're in Santa Monica or Los Angeles, you’re welcome to stop by our studio to see styles in person, get sized, and talk options.
Bracken’s 20K California Gold classic 4mm comfort fit Gold Run wedding band.
What Are My Options?
Your ring can be as simple or as personal as you want. Here are a few popular choices:
California Gold (our signature collection): 100% mined and crafted in California, higher-karat, rich natural color, ethical sourcing. It’s something truly local and meaningful, and there are 18 standard styles to choose from.
White gold or platinum: Sleek, modern, durable.
Antique or vintage bands: One-of-a-kind pieces with a history all their own.
Custom: We can design something that’s entirely yours, to your preferred width, desired color, with a stone, or an engraving.
We love helping people find the option that feels right—and that might mean going classic or going personal.
A couple in matching Gold Run wedding bands in 20K California Gold.
What Should It Look Like?
There’s no single answer. Here’s what to consider:
Plain polished band? Timeless but sometimes too shiny for those new to wearing jewelry.
Brushed or hammered texture? A subtle artisanal, earthy look.
Flush-set stones or engraved patterns? More personal detail.
Wide or narrow? Heavier or lighter weight?
Your partner’s ring can match yours—or you can each pick what suits you best.
How Much Does a Wedding Band Cost?
Prices can vary widely depending on the materials and how it's made. Here's a general idea to help you plan:
California Gold collection (crafted here with our own ethically mined, higher-karat gold): starts around $2,000+.
Traditional 14K gold, catalog-style bands: typically $1,000–$1,500 (usually lower-karat, mass-produced).
Estate or vintage bands: can be less, depending on the piece.
Platinum and silver: have their own price ranges, which we are happy to quote.
We always explain the differences so you can make the choice that feels right.
✅ Tip: Don’t get too hung up on trends. A wedding band should feel good on your hand and mean something to you. It is a lifetime purchase.
How Do I Find My Ring Size?
Visit our Santa Monica studio: We’ll size you in person, no charge.
Not local? We’ll happily mail you a free ring sizer—just email us with your name and address. Easy-to-follow video instructions below.
Getting the right size is key to comfort, so we want to make that easy.
You Don’t Have to Follow Tradition
Maybe you want a classic gold band. Maybe you want a textured platinum ring. Maybe you don’t want one at all.
There’s no wrong answer.
We see all kinds of choices:
Matching bands
Different metals for each partner
Personal engravings inside
“Travel rings” for when you don’t want to risk the fancy one
It’s all about what feels true to you.
Local, Ethical, Personal
At Bracken Jewelers, we’re a Santa Monica family business—and we’ve been doing this for over 40 years. We offer:
✅ Ethically-mined California gold
✅ Handmade, custom designs
✅ Antique, estate, and vintage bands with history and soul
✅ Real, no-pressure advice
We want you to have a ring you’ll love wearing for decades—whether that’s something classic, custom, or entirely unexpected.
Ready to Get Started?
✅ Schedule an Appointment – Visit us in Santa Monica
✅ Browse our California Gold Collection
✅ Email us to request a free ring sizer
We’re here to help however you need.