Guys, Find Out What Wedding Ring Metal Is Perfect For You

Guys, we live in amazing times! We have just as many choices for our band as our women have for theirs. If you are anything like me, that just sunk in and the first word that came into your head was Crud (or a variation of that word!). The last thing I need in my life are options. Luckily we have partnered with Lashbrook, one of the leaders in the Distinguished Metals world, to help you narrow down the search. In this post we will focus on alternative metals but if classic precious metals are your speed, check out our last post. So gentlemen, if you are ready to start your search for a striking, tough, cool and durable wedding band, read on.

• Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed…Something Cobalt?
  Are you looking for the classic feel of White Gold but love the idea of a unique and new metal with some added perks? Cobalt Chrome may just be the metal for you! Although Cobalt sounds like it would be a blue metal, it’s actually a bright white color. Like Platinum, Cobalt Chrome is hypoallergenic and is tarnish resistant and offers a weight that is similar to wearing a gold band, yet Cobalt Chrome is harder and more durable than precious metals. Many guys are looking for a ring that can be worn around water or other elements; this metal is one that can be worn in all kinds of environments. As far as maintenance, this metal will scuff and mar over time but holds up to a great deal of abuse without cracking, breaking or showing deep scratches.
• Diamonds Can Be A Man’s Friend Too
  Men, meet Elysium – More enduring than titanium, harder than tungsten and a luster that will outlast silver, gold and platinum. Piqued your interest? Elysium has been named “The dark side of luxury” by designer Lashbrook. Elysium bands are a multi-crystal black diamond matrix that resist scratching, lasts forever, and maintains an artisan sheen that never fades. That’s right….Elysium bands are solid black diamond. Elysium designs are the most scratch resistant material in the world. It will never fade or change in color. (For those of you who like to prove things wrong, Elysium rings can be scratched by another diamond so no need to try!) On occasion the ring will look scratched, but it is simply residue left on the ring from another material. This residue can be removed with Scotch Brite pads or sandpaper.
• I Am Titanium
  Do you need a ring that will take a beating? Titanium is the perfect metal for the man that isn’t planning to, and will not, take his ring off. Whether on the job or at the gym, you need a ring that can take a pounding. Titanium is a hypoallergenic metal that is corrosion resistant, with a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means titanium is as strong as most steels but 45% lighter in weight. Heck, they make planes out of this material! This is a metal that will scuff and show wear over time, but holds up to a great deal of abuse without cracking, breaking, bending, etc. It will not fade or change color over time.
• I am not like anyone else
  Your relationship is unique and has a story all its own. Your ring should as well. If you are into art and the melding of metals and color, or perhaps you just want a one-of-a-kind ring to represent your one-of-a-kind love, Damascus Steel is for you. Each design is a unique masterpiece, as different grades of steel are twisted and folded to produce vivid patterns and designs. This craftsmanship dates back to as early as 200AD when swords and knives for battle were forged of Damascus Steel. Although some rings in this category have a distinct pattern, because of the way the metals are twisted and folded, no two rings are exactly the same. Despite its hardness, Damascus rings will scuff and show wear. However, the pattern and texture of the Damascus hides the scratches much better than a normal ring, making it one of the best wearing metals. A note for the lovers of the sea, avoid salt waters and harsh chemicals when wearing this ring as exposure to these oxidizing agents makes these rings more susceptible to rust.
• You Wear White, I’ll Wear Black
  Although not “traditional” when it comes to a wedding band, black is the new, well… black. Check this metal out if you want something different or want to stand out from the crowd. What is this black metal? Zirconium. Although the natural color of zirconium is silver, when extreme heat is applied, oxidation makes the ring turn black. For those that want their finish to last, this black layer is as hard as sapphire so the black color is there to stay. For a bit more fun, this metal can be engraved unveiling the silver from the heart of the band. This two-tone design of black and silver gives way for some creative patterns and styles. The metal ranks high in the fashion forward category but sports other awesome features as well. Zirconium is hypoallergenic and strong without being brittle and will not break when dropped or worn.

If you are wanting something even more personal, all of these amazing metals (except Elysium) can be partnered with an inlay of other metals and materials including Meteorite (cut from an actual meteorite!), Camouflage, Precious metals, Carbon Fiber (yep, the material with the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material) and even wood. Diamonds and gemstones can also be added as well to create your perfect ring. Stop by one of our locations to speak with a design expert about these metals. While you are there, make sure to take a look at the Lashbrook case. You will see why they have the tagline “Endless Options. Endless Possibilities”

I hope you enjoyed our 3-part series on metals for her and for him. We would love to hear about your perfect metal and why you chose it. If you are just starting your search, remember to have fun on this journey to find the perfect ring for YOU!

The post Alternative, Distinguished Metals For Guys appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Express your love of Hyrule wherever you go with this ring for him or her. The engraving in the classic Nintendo NES font really pulls it all together.

By guest blogger Shaina Woodcock, Robbins Brothers Merchandise Distribution Clerk

There are things you are passionate about. What better way to take your passions with you as an expression of your love than in the form of a ring? If you are inspired by your favorite things then let these rings inspire your love.

-In the interest of full disclosure, there will be shameless references peppered throughout this article with no apologies.

The Legend of Zelda nerd

“It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” Express your love of Hyrule wherever you go with this ring for him or her. The engraving in the classic Nintendo NES font really pulls it all together.

Nature nerd
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir
Stuck in the concrete jungle but love trees? Take a bit of nature with you wherever your adventures lead with this ring from Lashbrook. With laser etching of birch trees you are never far away from a forest escape.

Space nerd
Ordinary metal is so boring. Your ring needs to be extraordinary with a hint of extraterrestrial. This band is inlayed with meteorite and comes in many different styles to satisfy your naked finger needs.

Dr. Who nerd
Don’t blink or you’ll miss this TARDIS ring inspired by Dr. Who. With subtle cutouts representing the police call box and cleverly set diamonds you’ll be ready to face all of time and space with your Time Lord by your side.

Gamer nerd
Is the Playstation your favorite console? Show your dedication to the system and your lady with this custom engagement ring. The colored stones really make this piece, don’t you think?

Indiana Jones nerd
Sure, Indiana Jones wooed his share of women, but this would be his choice, should he settle down (I’m choosing to ignore the ending of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). With the shank made to look like a coiled whip and the yellow diamond representing the idol, this ring belongs in a museum.

It doesn’t matter what you are passionate about, Robbins Brothers can make your ring dreams a reality. If you saw anything you liked, come into our store and we can custom make a ring worthy of your devotion.

The post 6 Nerd Rings to Express Your Love appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

On Saturday, my fiancé Greg and I finally got to pick out our wedding bands. I say “finally” because I have been so excited to take him to Robbins Brothers after I went down to the Woodland Hills store solo earlier in the summer to scope out bands for myself. So, it felt like I was waiting forever even if it was just a few months!

When we got to the store the manager, David, who was so incredibly helpful during my first visit, greeted us. I felt lucky to get the opportunity to work with him again and get his advice on which rings would be best for us.

Being the gentleman he is, Greg let me go first to start the ring-choosing process. On my last visit, I had picked three options for my band but, when David showed them to me, I realized that my concept of what I wanted had completely changed! Was not expecting that! However, David was so patient with me and selected some other options for me to decide between. (So, a tip for the ladies out there choosing their bands—take your time and maybe do a couple store visits before making your final decision just in case!)

In the end, I chose what I believe is the perfect wedding band: A delicate, super-skinny pave ring of diamonds that goes almost three-fourths around my finger. It will sit just slightly off my engagement ring so each piece of jewelry is distinct. Plus, I can wear the band to the gym or when I travel and still rock a bit of bling. I couldn’t be happier with my final choice—even if it wasn’t what I initially picked out.

But there were more surprises to come: When it was Greg’s turn, I thought he would go right for the titanium bands—not only are they affordable but they are strong. As in, strong enough to open a beer bottle. Yes, my fiancé wanted a ring that he could use to pop open his favorite IPA. Gotta love him, right?

However, when it come to fit, quality, comfort, and style, he went a totally different direction: Greg ended up choosing a sturdy, brushed white gold band—a very manly ring, if I do say so myself. David, again, was so helpful in showing us the difference among the metals and really guided Greg as far as what kind of ring would best fit his lifestyle—guys, I strongly suggest chatting with David before you choose a ring!

In the end, I love the ring Greg chose, not only because he won’t be showing off his ability to crack open a beer with it (white gold is too delicate for that!) or because I think it looks fabulous on him, but because our rings are of the same metal. I’m a fan of coordination, what can I say?

All in all, the ring process took less than 30 minutes, another surprise since I expected us to mull over the decisions for a while. Though, at Robbins Brothers, everything is so easy, hassle-free, and, best of all, fun. (Right after our ring shopping, Greg and I actually visited another, chain jewelry store to replace a lost earring in a set he had bought for me years ago and we found ourselves missing David and the Robbins Brothers way of doing business immediately—we couldn’t believe the difference between our two experiences!)

Choosing wedding bands is a huge deal and I am both happy and sad that the process is over: Happy because Greg and I have amazing new pieces of jewelry that we get to wear forever (!!!!) and sad because now we don’t have a reason to go back to Robbins Brothers and look at rings!

Though, Greg says he’s keeping David’s card handy—we certainly know where we’ll be going for all of our future jewelry purchases, that’s for sure.

The post Picking Out Wedding Rings–the Robbins Brothers Way appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

There are many reasons why I’m excited for my man to wear a wedding ring. First of all, and most importantly, it’s a tangible symbol of our lifelong commitment. Plus, it tells other women to step off—sorry, ladies, but you may not board this dreamboat.

But, there’s a third reason: Because wedding rings make men look seriously hot.

Maybe it’s just me and I’m totally crazy, but I swear I can see a transformation in men after those rings go on their fingers. I’ve been to at least 10 weddings in the past couple years and, time after time, the guy just looks a little more appealing after the ceremony.

Clearly, these guys are my friends or my friends’ hubbies, so they don’t ever look that appealing, but there is a definite change that takes place in a man when he makes that commitment and puts on that ring.

While my fiance isn’t exactly stoked about wearing a ring, he knows it’s important to me that he gets one. All he cares about is that he can use the ring to open beer bottles, the way his best guy friend does with his Titanium band. But little does he know that his ring will be much more powerful than that: It will make him look sexier. Which is a pretty big perk, if I do say so myself.

What do you ladies think—do guys look hotter when they wear a ring?

The post Men Wearing Wedding Rings = HOT appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.