The military is a life-changing experience that changes people forever. 

If you’re a military member, first of all, thank you for your service, and secondly, you’re probably already used to having to deal with a lot of rules. But rules create values in the military and are essential for ensuring the safety of everyone.

But as we’re wedding experts, we want to talk about wedding ring rules!

Many people in the military are happily married and want to ensure they have a symbol of the lasting love they share with their significant other while away.

They’ll take photos, mementos, and special items to remind them of their partner, but what about their wedding ring?

As a military personnel, are you allowed to wear your wedding ring while on duty?

Here are the rules about wedding rings in the military and our recommendations for choosing the right ring for the job!

Rules About Wedding Ring In The Military

• You’re allowed to wear a wedding ring if you are a member of the military.
• You are limited to only two rings.
• A wedding ring set is counted as one ring.
• The ring must be in “good taste”.
• Some military positions may not allow you to wear a ring for safety precautions - be sure to double-check this rule.
• Some military personnel opt for silicone wedding bands, but these are the least fun!

Types of Metal That Are Suitable for Military Personnel

When you work in the military, you are likely to use your hands most of the time.

To understand why a particular ring is suitable for military personnel, you must first consider the individual's position in their occupation.

In general, military personnel are required to perform physically demanding tasks that require them to be exposed to harsh environments.

For example:

• Soldiers must carry heavy equipment for extended periods
• Sailors may spend hours at sea in rough weather conditions
• Mechanics are often using their hands to fix dirty and abrasive vehicles

Here are some examples of metals that are strong, durable and can withstand harsh conditions:

Tungsten Wedding Bands

Tungsten is one of the most scratch-resistant metal on the market. It is also hypoallergenic and resistant to heat, chemicals, and acids. It is a member of the carbide family (along with titanium).

Tungsten has an extremely high melting point at 3,422 degrees Fahrenheit—so it won't melt if you leave it in your pocket for too long or if it’s exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time.

On the other hand, tungsten's density makes it slightly heavier: an average wedding band made from tungsten will weigh between 20 and 30 grams more than its gold counterpart.

This Crown Ring 8mm Torque Architectual Design Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band is an exquisite example!

Tantalum Wedding Bands

Tantalum is another great metal option for your wedding band if you’re in the military. Tantalum is slightly more scratch resistant than tungsten and it’s heavier in weight.

Tantalum has a great grayish color that has hints of blue throughout the metal, it is also becoming a very rare metal, so if you like this type of wedding band, be sure to get your hands on one quickly!

If you’re looking for the perfect tantalum wedding band, here are some examples that you might love:

Bleu Royale Frosted Grey Tantalum Wedding Band with High Polished Edging

Crown Ring Tantalum Black Carbon Fiber Stripe 7mm Wedding Band 

Bleu Royale Grey Sandpaper Finish Tantalum Wedding Band

Damascus Steel Wedding Bands

Damascus steel is a type of steel that has a unique pattern when viewed from different angles.

This pattern is created through folding, twisting, and forging the steel. When used for rings, the Damascus wedding band can be made to have a smooth texture or an angular appearance due to this folding effect.

Additionally, wedding bands made from this material are strong and durable, making them ideal for military personnel who work in harsh environments where their wedding bands are prone to get scratched or damaged.

Damascus steel is famous for being used for swords in historical times, making it almost symbolically perfect for someone in the military! They are also relatively easy to maintain, so they can be cleaned by hand in your spare time to keep them in top condition.

Platinum Wedding Bands

Platinum is a durable metal that remains exceptionally strong when worn. It's perfect for military personnel who need to wear their wedding bands daily, and it's less likely to get damaged or lose its metal when scratched compared to other metals like gold or silver.

Platinum is also one of the most precious metals on Earth, so it has a pleasing heft in your hand that will make you feel special every time you wear it.

Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or just want something new to celebrate your anniversary, platinum wedding rings are available in a wide range of styles, so there's something for everyone!

Here’s a great example of a platinum wedding band that might be perfect for you - Crown Ring 8mm Wide Brushed Center Wedding Band.

Black Zirconium and Black Ceramic Wedding Bands

This metal is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It’s also hypoallergenic and tough so that it can withstand harsh environments. In other words, it's perfect for those in the military since they might face extreme temperatures or severe weather conditions.

Black zirconium is considered one of the most durable metals today because it can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure without getting damaged or warping out of shape (like other metals).

So if you're looking for a wedding ring that will last you a long time no matter where life takes you, consider buying one made from black zirconium!

Another similar style of wedding band is the black ceramic wedding band.

They are made from titanium-carbide (not the same ceramic your Grandma’s plates are made from!) which makes them incredibly durable and strong while also being stylish and modern in design.

We have a variety of black ceramic bands at Ben Garelick but this Crown Ring 8mm Torque Black Ceramic Green Camouflage Wedding Band seems like the ideal fit for someone in the military.

If this isn’t your style, then take a look at this Crown Ring Torque Black Ceramic Carbon Fiber Inlay Wedding Band!

Wooden Wedding Bands

A wooden wedding band can be the perfect choice for the military bride. They are also brilliant uni-sex rings that can show your true spirit and love for the outdoors.

These wooden bands are suitable for military personnel because they are: Stylish, Unique, Durable and Comfortable.

Wooden wedding bands are becoming increasingly popular, offering a stylish and modern alternative to traditional metals.

They are also great for those who need more breathable materials and don’t want to worry about skin infections with metal rings.

Wooden rings are also ideal for military personnel, who often find it challenging to wear metals on bases due to the environment.

Here’s a great example of a wedding band that incorporates wood into its design -Crown Ring 8mm Cobalt Wedding Band with Wood Inlay Center.

Titanium Wedding Bands

Titanium wedding bands are also great for military personnel because they're stronger than steel, hypoallergenic and allergy-free.

These durable and lightweight wedding bands come in various styles and sizes and can be customized with the groom's or bride’s initials or a message that fits their personality.

CrownRing Black Titanium Grooved Trim Wedding Band

In addition, because they don't contain nickel, they likely won't cause any irritation on your skin. These types of rings are also highly affordable! 

Cobalt Wedding Bands

Soldiers and military personnel tend to be rough on their hands, and a precious metal ring stands a chance of being scratched or bent during training or some other event that necessitates physical activity.

Cobalt alloy is resistant to scratching, can take high temperatures without cracking and is incredibly strong. It won't bend or break easily and won't dent if dropped.

They are made of brilliant white cobalt and have no nickel, cadmium or lead. Therefore they do not cause allergies or rashes and are safe to wear on service or off duty.

Cobalt bands are an excellent choice for active military personnel as they are robust, lightweight and hypoallergenic. Our designers created a variety of styles to suit all tastes.

One important factor to note is that some divisions of the military may not allow you to wear bands that are reflective and high polished metal is particularly reflective and could give away your position out in the field.

That's why this satin-finished cobalt band pictured above is a great option since its finish isn't reflective due to the finish. In general, be sure to check before purchasing any wedding band, as we wouldn’t want it to blow your cover!

If you like the sound of a cobalt wedding band, check out this brilliant Crown Ring 7mm Torque Black Cobalt Wedding Band.

Things to consider when choosing your metal

When choosing the metal or material for your wedding band, it is really down to personal preference and what works best for your role.

While Tungsten, Titanium, Cobalt, Ceramic and Black Zirconium are incredibly strong, they can also be subject to cracking if they are hit the wrong way.

You should also take into account weight fluctuation. If the size of your finger changes due to weight or swelling, these types of metals unfortunately cannot be resized.

If you are sentimental about your band and won’t be wanting to swap it out later down the line, you may want to choose a wedding band made from gold, platinum or tantalum, all of which can be resized.

For Country and Love

As a military member, you do a phenomenal job protecting your country. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to show the unwavering love you share with your significant other.

There is a wedding band for any taste, and we hope this blog has given you some ideas about which wedding band will suit you and your military career!

If you’d like to try some rings on for size and see how they look, visit us at the Ben Garelick showroom or speak with one of our wedding band experts online to find your perfect ring.

We also offer a 12% discount on all rings for military personnel!

Visit us at our Buffalo, NY, store today. Not nearby? Not to worry - chat with our wedding experts online 24/7, call us on (716) 631-1584, or text (716) 574-0966. Let’s find the perfect wedding band for you!

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.