I’ve scoured manufacturer after manufacturer in search of the top ten men’s wedding bands on the planet. The bands were judged on price, quality, popularity and ingenuity. It comes as no surprise to me that all ten winners come from only two companies–Novell, who has probably single- handedly revolutionized the way a men’s wedding band can be custom made and Benchmark (the Mercedes Benz of wedding bands) who invented the comfort fit™ phenomena. While there are many ring companies that have similar, if not copy-cat designs, they lacked the consistency in quality, customer service and warranties. (Click on any of the images to view a larger version — May take some time to load on slower modem connections. Please use your browser’s ‘Back’ button to return to this page once you have viewed the wedding band.)

#10 The Classic: If the sole job of the ring is to just announce you’re “off the market” then it’s hard to beat the old Classic. The Classic comes in any width, is half round (curved on top) and is generally preferred comfort fit™ (inside round not flat). The most popular width for a man is 6mm (about _ inch) and most men prefer the heavy comfort fit. ™ (Comfort fit™ is offered in ranges from light to heavy).

#9 The Classic Millgrain: The C.M. is perfect for the man who feels like the engine on the moped of the Classic needs a little tweaking.

The beaded edge isn’t just decorative. If the ring slips out of your hand (what the heck were you taking your ring off for anyway?) and hits a hard surface it’s less likely to dent the metal.

#8 The Slides: If you can’t decide between platinum and yellow gold then the Slide is right up your alley. Constructed in two pieces (inner tube and outer shell) then soldered together the wearer gets the benefit of platinum or a white gold ring with a touch of yellow or vice versa. Overwhelmingly popular in the late 90’s (Prior #1) its current popularity has dropped it to 8th place.

#7 Nephis: Strictly a Benchmark product that never entirely caught on but still makes the top ten for its ingenuity. If two tone, expensive and unique are what you are looking for then the Nephis is for you. Instead of casting two rings and then sliding them together, the yellow gold is poured into already cooled platinum to create a unique blended metal design. It’s like the inventors over at Benchmark have gotten oil and water to mix! A tremendous work of art!

#6 Chiseled: A.K.A “Self-made man.” Looks like a throwback to the old hammered style wedding bands till you take a good close look. Each of the centers of the chiseled collection look like the artist took a hammer and chisel to a circular pipe of platinum to give it its masculine finish. Each band is then hand turned to produce its distinctive side wall trim. Only Novell with their painstaking attention to detail (3 weeks to hand make each ring) could come up with such a masterpiece. If price is no object then Novell is the only way to go. They are the best among the best.

#5 Tempered: The Tempered bands are offered by all manufacturer. The idea behind them is to place a satin like finish on the rings to make them more scratch resistant. Does it work? It sure does! Plus, when you do eventually get a scratch on it, the scratch blends in so the ring looks newer longer!

#4 Dual Lines: The symbolism behind the Dual Lines collection is simple yet beautiful. Two dual lines (representing life lines) are placed on the top surface of the ring. Each goes in the same direction but each following its own path. The lines are there to remind us that when we marry we should not give up our own individuality even though we are going on a life time adventure with the one we love. Dual Lines are a Novell inspired creation.

#3 The Interwovens: As their title intimates, the Interwovens are a weaving of precious metal. The most complicated and most expensive (way over $2K) they are not only time consuming to make (in some cases months) but a labor of love. Created to symbolize the strength in unity when a couple comes together and invincibility should anyone try to pry them apart. Once again, if you’re Donald Trump or have someone to give you a lot of money, you can’t go wrong with these magnificent Novell rings.

#2 The Forever: A Novell creation. This was a tough choice; I went back and forth on whether or not “The Forever” should be #1. Each Forever ring comes out of a super-sized hand rolled pipe of platinum (over 30 percent thicker than any other platinum ring made) and then each ring is hand engraved with an ancient Greek X over and over on to its surface. The Greek X represents 1,000 years and the symbol for Chronos the God of Time. The meaning is “I will love you for over 1,000 years; till the end of time.

#1 The Inverted Wedding Band: Touted as the world’s most comfortable wedding band I eventually could not deny Benchmark the top slot! Years in development, Benchmark has always sought to make a men’s wedding ring more comfortable. (Men’s #1 complaint is that their wedding ring quite simply is uncomfortable to wear). If comfort is your #1 concern than the inverted wedding band is the answer! By contouring the outer body of the ring to two small aerodynamic curves, perspiration is allowed to roll through the canal allowing the webbing on either side of your ring finger to breath. It also makes it lighter. Within just a few days you’ll forget you have it on! Not just comfortable but a beauty to behold. When I first held it I wasn’t sure if I was holding a ring or something that belonged in The Museum of Modern Art.

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