Choosing a wedding ring is completely different from choosing an engagement ring. There's a big chance you haven't done it before and it can become overwhelming when you see all of the choices you have. These rings vary in style, material, size, and design and if you don't know what you're looking for, it'll be hard to choose. But it'll be all worth it if you love your significant other, and you're ready to tie the knot.
What Material is Best for a Ring?
One of the main considerations for a ring is the materials it’s made of. It has to be right for you and your partner. It should feel good on the skin and work with your lifestyle. Your graceful and beautifully crafted wedding band should be everything you want and need. Gold is the first choice for many people. You can get white, yellow or rose gold. All of them look elegant and luxurious on the hand.
Pure gold rings can easily get scratched or bent. Even the jewels can sometimes fall out. That's why, manufacturers make rigs that are more than 24K, and mix them with other metals like platinum, silver or copper. Platinum is one of the rarest and strongest materials in the world. It's a great option that will hold onto any precious stones forever. These rings rarely get damaged and won't lose their colour.
Palladium has a very pretty appearance with a white hue and a shiny finish. It's durable and good for people with an active lifestyle. It's comfortable and lightweight but it’s pricier than the rest. Just make sure you have the right size because it can be difficult to resize. Titanium is one of the most popular materials right now. It's strong and has a modern look. It's also scratch resistant and easy to maintain.
Sterling silver is one of the oldest ring materials that are very affordable. Like gold, it’s weak on its own, so manufacturers reinforce it with other metals such as copper. It has a moon-like shade and adds a touch of glamour. The downside is that it scratches easily, and it needs upkeep from time to time. A little cleaning and polishing will do the job.
Can it Complement the Engagement Ring?
This is not a must, but it can be a good idea to make the engagement and wedding ring match or complement each other. Newlyweds, especially women, like to bear both of their rings, so why not make them a nice match? For starters, you can get the same material. If you already have a sophisticated engagement ring, then a straightforward diamond-studded band would be the ideal pair.
If your engagement band was plain, you might choose an expensive diamond ring for the wedding to add a little extra shine. You can also go with something with more shade or contour to follow the patterns of the existing ring. Just make sure they don’t compete with each other. This never looks good on the hand and will probably annoy you and you’ll end up not wearing them both.
A Personalised Touch is Always a Good Idea
We are all unique and love different things. Even though you’re getting married, you’re still an independent person with personal interests and tastes. The same goes for your wedding band. Choosing something that feels like it’s yours and connects to you is something you should do.
This means you are comfortable with the material, engrave your and your partner’s initials, the date of the wedding or some symbol that connects the both of you. Even choosing jewels whose colour complements your skin tone would be excellent. Modern couples prefer to keep things trendy, so custom rings are the way to go.
Mind the Budget
When it comes to wedding rings, it’s very important to have a budget. This will narrow down your options to the ones you can afford, and you’ll avoid getting disappointed. You can fall in love with something that’s completely out of your price range if you enter the store without having a budget in mind. Tell the jeweller what you’re working with and they’ll offer what they have. Keep in mind that you can find the perfect wedding ring even if you have a limited budget.
Shop Early and Together
You and your partner should find your rings as early as you can. Some experts say at least 6 months before the wedding. This will give you plenty of time if you buy custom-made ones or need them to be resized and altered. You'll have many details and planning to figure out before the wedding and removing the rings from the list will make things much easier.
Go shopping together, and be involved in the process. You'll enjoy picking something you both like and want to wear for the rest of your lives. It's a time well spent together and a memory you’ll have forever. This will also significantly narrow down the choices since you’ll have a specific style you both like. Whether you’re doing it online or going to the jeweller, make sure you’re both involved.
Consider Your Lifestyle
You and your partner should choose the wedding rings according to your lifestyle. Rings with soft diamonds shouldn’t be the first choice of people who work on hard surfaces and have a big chance to scratch and bump the ring. Delicate rings will soon need to be replaced.
If, for example, either of you is a chef, don’t do engravings. They'll get filled with food, spices, flower and other remains. These small gaps are hard to clean and can damage the ring. So, considering your lifestyle is very important. What might work for others, might not work for you.
Timeless Pieces are Always Recommended
Some rings have been around for a long time for a reason. They're simply a classic that represents timelessness and eternity. These classic choices will never go out of style and are always comfortable and subtle. When both of you will say “I Do” and make an eternal commitment to each other, it’s only appropriate to have the rings that support your decision.