Get married with the help of our comprehensive ring buying guide. After dropping a few hints, you finally have the engagement ring you've always wanted; now it's time to find the perfect wedding ring to complement it, and we're here to help. Check out our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about wedding rings before you make your final decision.
Ways to Pick the Perfect Wedding Ring
Narrow Down Your Wedding Ring Choices
Choosing between diamonds and gemstones and platinum and gold for an engagement ring can be daunting, but there's no need to stress. It's best to approach the situation methodically, one baby step at a time. Begin in vogue: What kind of band, plain or fancy, are you imagining? Do you want to match the metal of your engagement ring and wedding band? Should you and your significant other have matching wedding bands? Answering these kinds of questions can help you narrow your search and find exactly what you're after.
Consider Buying Your Ring and Your Bands Together
This may not be the best option if you'd rather be surprised by the engagement ring, but it can help to have an idea of which wedding bands complement the ring you're considering. If your engagement ring is particularly elaborate, you may prefer a plain band, while a more understated ring might benefit from the glimmer of a diamond pavé band. Remember the rings' interlocking nature as you do so. You should look for a contour or shadow band that fits snugly next to your engagement ring if you intend to wear them together all the time. You may want a more elaborate design that stands out with or without your engagement ring if you intend to wear your wedding band on its own. Visit a jeweller to discuss possible band options for your ring (some can even create both at the same time).
Start Your Ring Search Early
After settling on a general style for your dream ring, the fun part begins: trying them on! Plan on going ring shopping at least two to three months before the big day. You'll want some time to look around, compare prices, and go back to stores to try on different rings. It may take even longer if you have your heart set on a custom-made engagement ring. Be aware that additional services like engraving can add up to a one month turnaround time.
Mix It Up
Even if your partner prefers yellow gold and you prefer platinum, you need not worry. You're not restricted to buying rings of the same metal or even design. Choosing wedding bands that reflect your styles is the key to finding something you both love. Braided bands that combine the two metals are one way to strike a compromise.
Set a Budget
Shop with the knowledge that the rings will consume roughly 3% of your total wedding budget. A simple band made of 14-karat gold or platinum can cost you around $1,000, give or take. If you want your rings to be truly unique, you should consider adding diamonds or engraving, but keep in mind that doing so will significantly increase the price. Most engraving costs are determined by how many characters need to be engraved, what type of font must be used, and whether the engraving will be done by hand or by machine.
Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
Remember: Since you intend to wear this band daily, it should be comfortable enough to blend in with your lifestyle. Comfort fit rings are slimmer and have rounded edges, making them more practical for athletes and musicians. If your job requires you to use your hands often, it's probably best to find a plain band made of sturdy metal rather than one that features any gemstones or intricate carvings that could become a breeding ground for germs. Platinum is the best option for the extremely active person because it is scratch-resistant and the metal is simply displaced rather than worn away.
Try Something Different
Even if you have your heart set on a braided rose gold ring or a diamond eternity band, it's a good idea to experiment with styles that aren't featured on your board once you get to the store. Talk to the jeweller, and then take their advice based on their knowledge of your tastes with a grain of salt. It's not uncommon to fall in love with an unexpected choice, just as some people do with their wedding gowns. Try it on and walk around the store with it on, maybe even write or send a text message to see how comfortable it is.
Think Long Term
Even though you shouldn't be afraid to experiment with new looks, you should make sure that the style you settle on is one that you'll be happy with for at least the next 40 years. You can always make adjustments to the ring, so don't worry too much about it. Enhance the piece by adding diamonds or upgrading the metal from white gold to platinum to celebrate a future anniversary.
Consider the Maintenance
You can keep a wedding band with stones in pristine condition by washing it in warm, soapy water, soaking it for a few minutes, gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush (using too much pressure could loosen the stones from their setting), rinsing it, and drying it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Is that too much maintenance for you? For something less time-consuming, consider a gold or platinum ring; simply rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth to keep it looking shiny.
Size It Right
Most people wear their wedding bands all the time, even when their fingers swell and contract due to temperature changes, sweat, or pregnancy. The best time to get your finger measured for a wedding ring is when you're feeling relaxed and your temperature is consistent. Since your hands can swell or shrink depending on your body temperature, you shouldn't make a final decision first thing in the morning, right after you've exercised, or when you're very hot or very cold.
Check for Quality
Not only your wedding rings but all of your jewellery should be subject to quality control. It's important to verify the ring's metal quality by looking for a quality mark, like "24K or PLAT," inside the band, and the manufacturer's trademark, which shows that they stand behind their product.
How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Ring?
It is helpful to have a general idea of what most couples are spending on wedding rings, even though the price can vary widely depending on the ring's material, style, and decorative elements. Using these figures as a benchmark, you can plan accordingly and ensure that the wedding ring is given a fair share of the total wedding budget.
A simple wedding band for a woman can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on the metal chosen. Bands that are wider, more detailed, or set with expensive stones can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. A wedding ring for a woman typically costs around $1,400.
The average cost of a wedding band for a man is $560, with prices ranging from $100 for a simple titanium band to over $2,000 for a platinum band.
While platinum rings will always be more expensive due to the metal's inherent rarity and scarcity, they will also never need to be replaced or even cleaned. In terms of cost, you can choose between white and yellow gold, with the latter being the more affordable option as the carat count increases. As one would expect, lower carat golds are more affordably priced than higher carat golds. White gold, however, will need to be rhodium-plated every few years because the metal will wear down and turn yellow over time. When compared to white gold and platinum, palladium is a more budget-friendly and low-maintenance option.
Kinds Of Wedding Rings
Minimalist Wedding Ring
Simple bands with minimal or no embellishment are the hallmark of minimalist wedding rings. A row of tiny diamonds, a rope or flat-edge design, or an intriguing textured finish are examples of how minimalist rings can be embellished. When paired with an engagement ring that makes more of a statement, minimalist wedding bands look fantastic.
Diamond Wedding Ring
Wedding rings with diamonds can feature a single stone or an entire setting. Different types of stone settings are described below; these settings determine how the ring will appear when finished. A diamond wedding band, whether it be paved with tiny diamonds or studded with larger ones in channels or bars, is the perfect finishing touch to any ring collection.
Eternity Wedding Ring
The diamonds in an eternity band wedding ring are set around the entire band rather than just in the prongs at the front and back, making it a unique style of diamond wedding ring. Even though eternity bands can be pricey due to the large number of stones needed, their beautiful symmetry and understated ostentation are well worth the investment. For those who prefer not to combine an engagement ring and wedding band, these options are perfect. You can also check Larsen Jewellery.
Enhancers Wedding Ring
An enhancer is a pair of rings (top and bottom) that are designed to fit snugly over and accentuate an existing ring. Diamond and gemstone enhancers are available in a wide range of metals and colours. Some future Mrs. choose to have their ring enhancers and engagement ring soldered together to make one massive ring.
Matching Wedding Ring
As we've established, a matching wedding ring set consists of bands for the groom and bride that are identical or nearly so. There are countless ways to express your love and devotion to your partner through jewellery, and the possibilities for matching your partner's band are as vast as the depth of your love for them.
Engraved Wedding Ring
Your names, the date of your wedding, and possibly a short message can all be engraved on the inside of an engraved wedding ring for a special touch. If the idea of an engraved wedding band appeals to you and your future spouse, it is important to select a ring design that allows for sufficient engraving space.
Types of Wedding Band Stone Settings
Channel Setting
Gemstones in this setting are held vertically in a "channel" created by a top and bottom track of precious metal. Instead of sticking out from the ring's surface, the stones sit flat against it.
Pavé Setting
Its name comes from the French word for "paved," and the idea behind this set is to "pave" the ring with a plethora of tiny diamonds. Miniature, nearly invisible beads or prongs hold the stones in place. Incorporating pave stones into a design increases the amount of glimmer.
Micro-Pavé Setting
Very similar to pavé, but with even finer stones. Micro-pavé settings include smaller than 0.1 - 0.2 carats, which is the size usually used in pavé-set rings.
Bar Setting
Most commonly seen in diamond wedding bands and other rings where the stones form a continuous circle around a large portion of the ring, this setting features metal bars separating the gemstones.
Shared Prong Setting
Stones like diamonds or emeralds set next to each other in this setting will have their prongs shared. By reducing the amount of metal needed to hold the stones, rings with a row of stones can benefit from the use of shared prongs.
Flush Setting
The stone is "gypsy-set," a term referring to the way the stone is set into a hole in the band rather than being protruding from the surface. Depending on the metal and design, a flush setting can have a very contemporary appearance, or it can have an antique appearance; in either case, the stone will be well protected.
Types of Wedding Band Materials
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for wedding rings is the metal type. The ring's appearance, durability, required maintenance, and overall cost are all influenced by the metal used to craft it. Here are some helpful explanations to get you started on your search for a wedding ring metal.
The Precious Metals
Yellow Gold
Traditional wedding rings are most often made of yellow gold, a warm-colored metal. You can tell how pure a piece of gold is by looking at its karat weight; the higher the karat weight, the less pure the gold is in comparison to other alloys, but the higher the price and harder the metal will be. Not only is gold the most malleable precious metal, but it is also the easiest to repair and polish.
White Gold
To get its bright white colour and protective rhodium plating, yellow gold is alloyed with palladium and silver. The result is white gold. The rhodium plating on your white gold ring will wear off over time, so if you want to maintain its lustrous sheen, you will need to have it reapplied periodically.
Platinum
Platinum rings are the gold standard in terms of precious metals. It's the rarest, longest-lasting, most-durable, and most expensive option available. Platinum is hypoallergenic, naturally white, and the colour is permanent and brilliant.
Palladium
Palladium, a platinum group metal, has a dazzling white lustre that retains its lustre and resists scratches. Being less dense than platinum while still being an alloy makes it a lightweight, long-lasting alternative to platinum that is also much more affordable.
Silver
Silver, like yellow gold, has been used for centuries to create beautiful jewellery. Because it is softer and less durable than other precious metals, it is significantly cheaper. Pure silver is typically rhodium-plated or combined with sterling silver to increase its durability. As with gold, silver requires periodic polishing and care to prevent tarnishing and scratches.
Vermeil
Vermeil is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something that looks like gold but is made of sterling silver. Vermeil rings are constructed from sterling silver and heavily plated with 10k-18k gold. If you take good care of your vermeil, it will last for generations.
Alternative Metals
Titanium
Titanium's strength, durability, and light weight have made it a popular choice for men's wedding bands. It's naturally hypoallergenic and appears slightly greyer than pure white, but it still has that bright sheen. Titanium is resistant to a wide range of chemicals and environmental conditions, including chlorine and saltwater, but it is susceptible to scratches.
Cobalt Chrome
The alloy of cobalt and chromium, cobalt chrome is a brilliant white metal that is often mistaken for platinum or white gold because of its high purity. It's a go-to among professionals who do manual labour because it's lighter than titanium but more scratch-resistant.
Tungsten Carbide
Since it is both inexpensive and resistant to scratches, Tungsten Carbide has become one of the most widely used alternative metals. It's heavier than other alternative metals and comes in a range of colours, from white to grey to black. The extreme hardness of tungsten, however, means that rings made of the material will break if they are hit or dropped.
Zirconium
Zirconium is another corrosion-resistant material with similar weight, strength, and hypoallergenic properties to titanium. Despite its natural grey/white sheen, heating it creates a black, scratch-resistant coating. Black zirconium, which can be polished or left matte, has become increasingly fashionable due to its distinctive black appearance.
Steel
To get the benefits of strength and longevity without breaking the bank, stainless steel is a fantastic material. Its shine is comparable to that of palladium or platinum, but not quite as intense as that of titanium or zirconium. It's hypoallergenic like many other non-traditional metals.
Silicone
There has been a rise in the popularity of silicone rings in recent years, especially among those whose professions or hobbies put them at risk of scratching more delicate metal bands. You can get a wedding ring made of silicone if you want a traditional look without breaking the bank. Silicone is also very durable and comfortable.
Wood
Wooden wedding rings, whether they are inlaid with metal or made entirely of wood, have a following due to their one-of-a-kind style, low environmental impact, and low price. Those who have metal allergies or whose jobs require them to be near sources of high heat or electricity can benefit from using them. Wooden rings are popular among some couples because they can be purchased in sets and have come to symbolise the strength, protection, and rebirth of their union. However, wood is much less durable than metal, so couples should take care to keep their rings dry and take them off before engaging in activities that could cause damage or scratching.
Diamond set wedding rings.
Incorporating a diamond or other precious gemstone into the design of your wedding ring is an option to think about once you've settled on the ring itself. It is becoming increasingly common for women to wear wedding bands set with diamonds in addition to their engagement rings.
The diamond is not something the groom should overlook. Men are increasingly choosing diamond wedding rings as a token of affection for a loved one. Using an imprint of your fingerprint is another entertaining option.
Diamonds in wedding rings most commonly come in brilliant (round) or princess (square) cuts, but you can also find emerald, pear, and marquise shapes. If you want to make a statement with your wedding ring, go for an unusual diamond shape, even if it means a higher price tag.
Conclusion
Most importantly, this text will show you how to narrow down your options and choose the perfect wedding ring. It's best to take things slowly, step by step, and think about getting your wedding bands and engagement ring at the same time. If you plan to always wear your engagement ring with a band, it's important to keep in mind that the rings are designed to fit together and find a contour or shadow band that does so as well. Finally, it's a good idea to start thinking about wedding band options early by consulting a jeweller. You should start looking for an engagement ring two to three months before the big day, as the processing time can increase by as much as a month if you decide to get extra services like engraving done.
The cost of a wedding ring can range significantly based on its construction, design, and embellishments. Price points for men's wedding bands range from under $100 for a basic titanium band to well over $2,000 for a platinum band, with the average being $560. The cost of a ring made of platinum increases with its carat weight because of its scarcity, while the cost of a ring made of white or yellow gold decreases with increasing carat weight. Diamond wedding rings can have just one stone or an entire setting, while minimalist wedding rings are typically plain bands. The diamonds in an eternity band wedding ring are set around the entire band, rather than just in the prongs at the front and back, making it a truly unique style of diamond wedding ring.
However, to make the silver last longer, sterling silver is often used in combination with pure silver or rhodium plating. Vermeil rings are made of sterling silver with a thick layer of 10k-18k gold plating. Titanium's strength, durability, and light weight make it a desirable material for men's wedding bands. The high purity of cobalt chrome causes it to be frequently mistook for platinum or white gold because of its dazzling white appearance. Comparable to titanium in terms of weight, strength, and hypoallergenic properties, zirconium is also resistant to corrosion.
Stainless steel is an excellent material because it is durable and affordable. Those with metal allergies or occupations that put them in close proximity to heat or electricity often prefer silicone wedding rings due to their durability and comfort. Despite their unique appearance, low environmental impact, and low cost, wooden wedding rings are not as durable as metal ones, so wearers should be sure to keep their rings dry and remove them before engaging in any activities that could damage or scratch them. Women can choose to match their wedding bands to their engagement rings with diamonds, and men are increasingly opting for diamond wedding rings as a symbol of their love.
Content Summary
- Get married with the help of our comprehensive ring buying guide.
- After dropping a few hints, you finally have the engagement ring you've always wanted; now it's time to find the perfect wedding ring to complement it, and we're here to help.
- Check out our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about wedding rings before you make your final decision.
- Do you want to match the metal of your engagement ring and wedding band?
- This may not be the best option if you'd rather be surprised by the engagement ring, but it can help to have an idea of which wedding bands complement the ring you're considering.
- You may want a more elaborate design that stands out with or without your engagement ring if you intend to wear your wedding band on its own.
- Plan on going ring shopping at least two to three months before the big day.
- Choosing wedding bands that reflect your styles is the key to finding something you both love.
- Shop with the knowledge that the rings will consume roughly 3% of your total wedding budget.
- If you want your rings to be truly unique, you should consider adding diamonds or engraving, but keep in mind that doing so will significantly increase the price.
- The best time to get your finger measured for a wedding ring is when you're feeling relaxed and your temperature is consistent.
- Not only your wedding rings but all of your jewellery should be subject to quality control.
- It's important to verify the ring's metal quality by looking for a quality mark, like "24K or PLAT," inside the band, and the manufacturer's trademark, which shows that they stand behind their product.
- It is helpful to have a general idea of what most couples are spending on wedding rings, even though the price can vary widely depending on the ring's material, style, and decorative elements.
- Using these figures as a benchmark, you can plan accordingly and ensure that the wedding ring is given a fair share of the total wedding budget.
- Simple bands with minimal or no embellishment are the hallmark of minimalist wedding rings.
- Wedding rings with diamonds can feature a single stone or an entire setting.
- The diamonds in an eternity band wedding ring are set around the entire band rather than just in the prongs at the front and back, making it a unique style of diamond wedding ring.
- For those who prefer not to combine an engagement ring and wedding band, these options are perfect.
- As we've established, a matching wedding ring set consists of bands for the groom and bride that are identical or nearly so.
- Your names, the date of your wedding, and possibly a short message can all be engraved on the inside of an engraved wedding ring for a special touch.
- If the idea of an engraved wedding band appeals to you and your future spouse, it is important to select a ring design that allows for sufficient engraving space.
- By reducing the amount of metal needed to hold the stones, rings with a row of stones can benefit from the use of shared prongs.
- One of the most important things to consider when shopping for wedding rings is the metal type.
- Platinum rings are the gold standard in terms of precious metals.
- Pure silver is typically rhodium-plated or combined with sterling silver to increase its durability.
- Vermeil is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something that looks like gold but is made of sterling silver.
- Vermeil rings are constructed from sterling silver and heavily plated with 10k-18k gold.
- If you take good care of your vermeil, it will last for generations.
- You can get a wedding ring made of silicone if you want a traditional look without breaking the bank.
- Incorporating a diamond or other precious gemstone into the design of your wedding ring is an option to think about once you've settled on the ring itself.
- Men are increasingly choosing diamond wedding rings as a token of affection for a loved one.
- If you want to make a statement with your wedding ring, go for an unusual diamond shape, even if it means a higher price tag.