Your wedding ring is likely to be the single most important and emotionally significant piece of jewellery you own alongside your engagement ring, so it’s essential to choose something you can wear everyday of your married life with pride. There are many different styles, metals and designs available these days from the likes of 77 Diamonds, but if you’re more of a traditional bride then here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect wedding band.
Choose the metal you desire
Traditionally, the material of your wedding ring will be dictated by the engagement ring. This means if you’ve a white gold rock on your ring finger already, you might decide to opt for the same metal to keep things consistent. Similarly, if you have a rose gold ring, you might want an engagement ring to match the beautiful hues of your existing accessory.
Many ring providers also offer beautiful matching sets, but if they do not, always try on the wedding bands you like to ensure they sit well next to your engagement ring. If your engagement ring has a large central stone, for instance, this might cause a gap between it and the wedding band in which case it’s worth looking for a shaped wedding ring or one that locks with the stone.
And if you can’t find a wedding band in the same material as your engagement ring – fear not. Two separate rings mark two separate occasions and therefore there’s no harm in seeing the distinction so long as the pair complement each other in terms of style and fit.
Despite being a traditional bride, you might even spontaneously decide to go against the grain and opt for dazzling rubies, amethyst gems or something else completely different. The rules aren’t set in stone, so take your time to look and find a ring that really complements your style and tastes.
Consider your lifestyle
Moreover, when selecting the ring of your dreams it’s also worth taking your lifestyle into consideration –particularly if you plan on wearing the band continuously. Some metals are stronger than others and while a 22-carat yellow gold design might be to your liking, it would perhaps be better to opt for 14 or 18-carat alternatives as these are stronger and more durable for everyday use. On a similar note, white gold and platinum are the strongest of all wedding band materials, so if you want something that you know will stand the test of time, these are your best options.
Buy your rings together
There are a number of etiquettes to consider when getting married, but often, traditional brides want matching rings for both the husband and wife. If this is the case, speak with your partner and decide on something you both like together. Of course, this might not be a straightforward process, particularly if your groom-to-be wants a ring to match his watch while you want something with more sparkle and shine, but starting the conversations early and doing plenty of research should help iron out those little niggles.
Set a budget
Tying the knot can be expensive, so be sure to set a budget that includes the price of your wedding ring. Once you know how much you have to spend you can then start making realistic purchasing decisions and browsing rings that are within your price limit – after all, checking out the most expensive varieties will only lead to disappointment if they’re not affordable.
Choosing a wedding ring that will stay with you for life is not the easiest of decisions (especially with so much choice available) but with a little organisation and patience you will find something special.
