When it comes to choosing a wedding ring for the groom, the look is anything but traditional for 2020. At least that was the take Eric Stevens of Stevens Jewelers,  located on Elm Street in West Springfield, had on the subject at the 30th Annual Springfield Wedding & Bridal Expo in West Springfield on Jan. 12.

One of the biggest trends, Stevens said, is rings made of alternative metals – especially black zirconia.

“For men, black is very hot, it’s outperforming the traditional gold band,” Steven said, pulling a tray of rings – some jet black, others banded in silver metal or set with a small diamond – from the jewelry case. The reaction from a pair of nearby brides-to-be was excited gasps and comments like, “oh, he’d love that!”

A second tray of rings, these fashioned of metal and polished wood set with dinosaur bones or small stones, elicited a similar excited reaction from a nearby group of young women when Stevens brought it out for closer inspection.

When it comes to the popularity of these newer ring styles, Stevens said he thinks its more than just personal taste that’s fueling the move toward non-traditional wedding bands.

 “I think part of it is that precious metals  – traditional metals [like gold and platinum]  – are so much more expensive [in the larger men’s rings]. It’s often a price difference,” he observed.

According to The Knot, Stevens is in part, right. The website notes men’s wedding band designs are becoming more about personal taste and lifestyle than upholding the tradition of a solid precious metal band. Nevertheless, The Knot lists the most popular materials for men’s wedding bands starting with a traditional favorite,  gold,  followed by  “Platinum, titanium, zirconium, palladium, wood, tungsten carbide and cobalt-chrome.”

Wood rings, The Knot notes, are also popular but come with a caveat. “Wood wedding rings are beautiful, organic and tend to be more affordable than metal rings, but they’re not as tough and might not be your best bet if you live a super-active lifestyle,” The Knot warns.