Choose The Perfect Metal
There are four main choices when it comes to your setting metal: platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
First, opt for the color that complements your partners style the best. If she tends to wear silver jewelry, choose white gold. If she prefers more color, consider a rose gold ring . In general, we recommend choosing white gold over platinum. White gold is significantly less expensive and requires less maintenance and cleaning than platinum.
Second, when deciding between 14K and 18K gold, keep in mind that the main difference is in their alloy composition. 14K gold is 58.3% gold and 18K gold is 75% gold. Both are mixed with other metals in order to be durable enough for jewelry.
14K gold is the most popular metal for engagement rings, because its cheaper than 18K but is just as beautiful and slightly more durable. Ultimately, though, the decision is a personal choice. For instance, this 1 Carat 18K yellow gold solitaire ring from James Allen is just as stunning as this 14K gold ring also from James Allen.
Who Should You Pick To Be Ring Bearer
Typically the ring bearer is the nephew or godchild of the bride or groom, second cousins, younger siblings, or the child of the maid of honor, best man, or other close friend. If you or your partner have a son that is perhaps too young to be in your wedding party, this is a great role for them as well .
Not having kids in your wedding? A recent trend that we personally love is having an adult friend or family member be the ring bearer. Even your grandpa! You can also decide to include your pets.
Before you answer this important question and make your final decision, youll want to make a list of potential ring bearers. If you do end up going with a younger ring bearer, youll want to ask the childs parents if they can participate in the festivities, and if theyre ok being in the spotlight.
Throw Tradition Out The Window
Some couples are all about following tradition, while other couples throw tradition out the window. Some people dont ask the brides father for her hand in marriage, while other couples dont serve cake at the wedding. The point is, not every couple is the same when it comes to the engagement and the wedding celebration.
Traditionally, the future groom surprises the bride with a ring during a special proposal. Going ring shopping together does not follow the traditional route, but its an option that works for a lot of couples. This tradition is not mandatory, so you dont have to go this route. You can still have a special proposal moment, even if you know the ring in the box is the exact ring you chose.
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Diamond Set Wedding Rings
Once youve chosen the wedding ring, now is the time to consider including a diamond or other precious gemstone. Diamond-set wedding rings are becoming more fashionable and are more commonly found in womens wedding rings to provide a sparkly backdrop for the engagement ring.
But grooms shouldnt discount diamonds. Diamond wedding rings are finding favour with men, too, as a way of remembering someone close to their heart. Another fun way to do this is with an imprint of your fingerprint.
Diamonds in wedding rings are usually brilliant-cut or princess-cut , but you can also find designs with pear-shaped, emerald and marquise-cut stones. The more unusual the diamond shape, the more glamorous your wedding ring and probably, the more expensive!
Choose A Metal For The Band
Traditionally, engagement rings are made from yellow gold, white gold, silver, or platinumalthough in recent years rose gold has emerged as a fresh, modern alternative. While platinum may look quite similar to silver, platinum is significantly more expensive as it has a greater density . Some metals scratch easier than others, so be sure to consider lifestyleas well as budget, of coursebefore deciding how important of a factor metals are the final decision. You’ll also want to think about if you want stones set in the band, as well!
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Matching Wedding Ring Sets For Him And Her
Many matching wedding ring sets for him and her involve designs that are only complete when the two rings are displayed adjacent to each other. For example, some rings feature half a heart on his band and the other half on her band, so that when the rings are put together, their complementary designs form one large heart. This way, the rings serve as a metaphor for the loving couple: beautiful on their own, but more stunning when together.
Tips To Buy A Perfect Wedding Ring
Have you been dreaming about wedding rings? It doesnt necessarily mean your partner is going to propose. It may be a subconscious signifier of oncoming grief, a need for communication, good fortune, or a relationship that needs repair. If you dream that youre shopping for a ring, you may need to listen to that advice youve been ignoring. Or maybe youre getting a new job.
But back in the real world, hunting for a wedding ring can be almost as stressful as saying yes to that dress. And it can be more nerve-wracking if its the groom thats picking. So lets look at some wedding ring buying tips to make your jewelry excursion more pleasant, preferably without canceling the wedding altogether. Pro tip: Dont bring your mothers while you shop!
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Simple Mens Wedding Bands
When it comes to simple mens wedding rings, you cant beat a classic. This shiny ring will look just right on your hand. Its available in a variety of sizes, from a slim two-millimeter to the standard seven-millimeter. The best part? The four different finishesyellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum will match perfectly with your spouse’s ring.
Blue Nile classic wedding ring, from $120, Blue Nile
This brushed and polished wedding band is the perfect combination of rugged and sophisticated. Choose from black, silver or white tungsten carbide in a generous six-millimeter width.
Blue Nile brushed and polished comfort fit wedding band, from $195, Blue Nile
We love this simple wedding ring because it puts a unique spin on the classic wedding band. Plus, the flat top won’t get in the way of anything. Form and functionwhat more could you ask for?
Mejuri titanium signet ring, $125, Mejuri
If hes looking for a wedding band thats easy to slip on and off, hell love this mid-weight band from Blue Nile. Available as a four- or five-millimeter band, its designed for a lighter feel on his hand. Available in white gold, yellow gold or platinum.
Blue Nile mid-weight comfort fit wedding band, from $320, Blue Nile
Get a simple wedding ring that makes a statement. This gold signet ring comes with a center made of forged carbon, which gives it a fashion-forward feel without looking over-the-top.
David Yurman forged carbon signet ring in 18k yellow gold, $3,400, Nordstrom
Find The Most Brilliant Diamond
Of all the tips for buying an engagement ring, this one might be the most important.
More than any other aspect of your ring, the sparkleknown in the diamond world as brilliance and fireis a diamonds most eye-catching feature. Thats why we encourage our readers to spend more of their budget on cut quality than any other characteristic.
You want to avoid a diamond thats cut too shallow because the light hits the pavilion at a low angle. In a shallow cut diamond, the light exits through the sides, instead of reflecting through the table to your eyes. You also want to avoid a diamond thats cut too deep. The light is dulled because of the sharp angle of reflectioncausing the diamond to be less radiant.
For assistance in selecting a diamond thats exceptionally cut, reach out to our experts for complimentary advice.
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Tactic #: Sneak It Into Conversation
Level of Difficulty: 7/10
This tactic will take some skill. Do you have it in you? If you think you can smoothly ask for her ring size in a conversation without giving anything away, it’s a perfect technique to utilize in order to find her ring size.
You can be creative with how you bring it up in conversation. One idea would be to ask her ring size because you are buying a ring for your sister, mom, relative, etc. Whether you actually buy that ring is up to you, but you could ask her to give her ring size to get an idea of what size to get for the present. It can be used as a benchmark, even though we all know that the real ring is coming soon after.
Or, maybe you are at a wedding for a friend. Mention that the ring caught your eye and you wonder how the groom was able to figure out the ring size. Maybe she’ll reveal her ring size as she explains her own theories.
There are a lot of ways to do this, so be creative! Just make sure you can execute it in a way that is natural and doesn’t lead her down the path of suspicion.
Typical Shapes Used In Wedding Rings
Unlike an engagement ring which typically has a large centre stone, wedding ring stones are usually small and sit in line with the wedding band. Many wedding ring styles are perfectly suited to the ever-popular round shaped stones. Square, rectangular , and marquise shapes are also commonly used in wedding rings. Square stones in particular are often chosen for mens stone-set wedding rings.
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How To Pick A Wedding Ring
As Jewelry Shopping Guide editors, we write about things that we love and we think youll like too. We often have affiliate partnerships, and may generate some revenue from these links at no cost to you.
Theres so much talk about engagement rings that sometimes, wedding rings dont seem to get the attention that they deserve. After all, a wedding ring will be worn every single day for the rest of your life! It signifies the greatest commitment that you have made and is a enduring visible symbol of your marriage.
Throughout history, wedding rings have symbolised love, loyalty and faithfulness. This tradition springs from ancient times and is widely found in almost every culture. Wedding rings are often considered a sacred piece of jewelry that is highly valued.
When buying a wedding ring, the approach is quite different to an engagement ring. Most couples buy their wedding ring together and there is no element of surprise attached to this. It is a sensible, practical decision that is made by both parties. Whats more, often it is the most important piece of jewelry that you both will buy together and is an exhibition of your love, style, personality and values.
If you arent sure about the difference between wedding rings, engagement rings and wedding bands, read our article Engagement Rings vs Wedding Rings vs Wedding Bands which clears up the confusion.
In this article, we focus on how to choose your wedding ring.
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The Wedding Ring Experience
Larsen Jewellery proudly offers couples the opportunity to make each others wedding rings under the guidance of your own personal jeweller. This is a uniquely special experience what could be more romantic than having your wedding ring made by the person who will be putting it on your finger during your ceremony?
Our Wedding Ring Experience includes lunch, and champagne at the end to celebrate the completion of your rings.
You can learn more about our wedding ring experience here.
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Recycled Diamonds On Abe Mor
This email go to Abe Mor our preferred partner for diamonds
Another option for a personalized ring is choosing a colored diamond or gemstone. This yellow colored diamond ring from Leibish & Co., for example, is stunning and uniqueand this sapphire halo engagement ring from James Allen certainly stands out from the crowd.
Select Your Rings Precious Metal
Your setting can be made of a variety of metal types and colors. A rings metal not only adds to the personality of the design but it can even enhance the look of the gems its supporting. Heres a rundown of the most popular options for engagement rings:
- Platinum The strongest jewelry metal and 30 times more rare than gold making it more expensive as well. It is 90 to 95% pure and does not cause allergic reactions.
- 18k Gold Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world. Because pure 24k gold is too soft for everyday wear, 18k gold is a better option for engagement rings. This metal is 75% gold and 25% other alloys that determine its color. Naturally yellow and rich in color, this precious metal is more soft than platinum but also more affordable.
- 14k Gold Considered the most wearable, it is comprised of 58.3% gold and 41.7% other pure alloys, making it the most durable but also more moderate in color and price.
Different alloy mixes produce different gold colors. The most popular gold colors for engagement and wedding rings are yellow, white and rose.
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Who Pays For The Wedding Rings
The cost of the average American wedding continues to grow higher, so sticking to a budget is very important. The cost of the wedding bands should be factored into this overall plan, but there are a number of ways to decide who pays for each ring. Historical examples suggest the bridge should purchase the grooms ring and vice versa, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the parents of the bride or groom may step in to pick up the cost. More often, though, the cost of the wedding rings is part of the wedding budget. This allows for easier planning and payment.
A 18k Rose Gold Pave Diamond Wedding Band
When deciding, keep in mind the style of the ceremony and the preferences of your partner. Also, it is important to remember that the rings themselves are symbols of everlasting love, but that does not mean they have to match exactly. A marriage is a union of two individuals, and each person is bound to have a style they like best. When picking out wedding rings together, discuss your likes and dislikes with your partner. It will help determine the perfect band for your new spouse.
What To Consider Before Choosing Your Wedding Band Width
So, now that we know what our options are, how should you choose the right wedding band width? Well, here are the main factors to consider before purchasing anything:
- If your fingers and hands are overly slim, youll probably prefer a thinner ring.
- If you like classically stylish and dainty jewelry, thinner will be the way to go again.
- If you work with your hands a lot, choosing a medium thickness of 4 or up to 6 millimeters is advisable. Here were talking about anything from administrators and bartenders/waitresses to nurses and doctors.
- If you take your ring off while working, then it doesnt matter what your occupation is.
- If youre more of a contemporary person who rejects most classical styles and types of jewelry, a thicker wedding band will likely suit you better. Many unconventional brides go for 7-8mm or up to 10mm as this gives them a unique look as well as the opportunity to engrave their rings with something more complex and special.
- If you want your wedding bands to be identical the 6-8mm range is where men and women typically overlap.
- What materials would you like? If you want a thin, gold ring then youll need to discuss it with your jeweler. Our recommendation is to go for lower karat gold, 14k instead of 18k, for example, as those are harder. Also, rose gold is harder than white and yellow gold because of the copper in its alloy so keep that in mind as well.
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