Secret Wedding Ring Shopping Hints
Much like individual weddings themselves, each wedding band is a separate and beautiful celebration of love. Depending on when that celebration happens and the way it manifests in bridal jewelry, the shopping experience may look a bit different. Here are some specific tips to help guide you to your perfect band:
If you intend to wear a bridal set: A bridal set has traditionally been worn by women, but modern partnerships have also made stylish mens sets available. This pairing of two or more rings marries an engagement ring and wedding ring into a cohesive design that looks great when worn together. In some cases, the designs and metals might just mimic each other , but in other instances, the engagement ring might be literally surrounded by the wedding band, like an interlocking halo.
If this design will be making an appearance at your nuptials, it can be helpful to purchase both bands at the same time, prior to asking the big question. Given that these jewelry pieces represent a lifetime commitment and thus are usually worn every day, its smart to discuss design ideas with your spouse-to-be as early in the process as possible. If youd still like the engagement or wedding ring to be a surprise, enlist friends and family to get style opinions on the sly.
Wedding Ring First Engagement Ring On Top
Perhaps the most common way to wear them, this tradition stems back to an idea from the Ancient Egyptians, who believed we had a vein leading directly from the left ring finger to the heart. By wearing your wedding ring on the inside, you guarantee its as close to your heart as possible. If you go this route, remove your engagement ring before the ceremony, so you dont have to deal with potentially losing it or awkwardly fumbling with it at the altar. Wear it on your right hand or keep it in a very safe place. Once youve said I do, you can slip your sparkler back on for the reception or wait a little bit to admire your new band on its own.
The Ethical And Environmental Practices Of Engagement And Wedding Band Production Is Iffy At Best
Another reason wedding bands arent necessary is because of the ethical and environmental concerns that they bring up.
Mining for precious metals for our wedding bands is super dirty business and beyond hazardous for the workers. Every year, thousands of acres of habitat is destroyed, enormous amounts of pollutants are pumped into the air, soil, and water, and thousands of workers, including young children, are exploited for the purposes of mining precious metals and stones.
About 20 tons of waste is generated in the making of one gold ring imagine how many gold rings are produced each year!!
Is it necessary for these atrocities to happen so that we can have a beautiful ring on our fingers representing the depth of our love? No, its not.
Before buying any jewelry, we should check to see if the jeweler sources in responsible, ethical ways. If we really want to buy wedding bands, we can choose to buy from eco-friendly companies that sell pieces made from recycled materials.
We can choose to recycle our own jewelry or alter family heirlooms. All of these are better options than purchasing wedding bands from unchecked companies that may be sourcing from nefarious mining practices.
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When To Buy Wedding Bands
Even before you start shopping, you need to keep in mind that the wedding bands you settle on will represent your undying love for each other, a precious representation of that moment you choose to be together until eternity, that frozen in time moment, which means that the wedding bands you settle on shouldnt be an afterthought. It needs to be something that you both absolutely love.
Think through the ring designs carefully and be sure that you will still love the wedding bands after a few months or many years to come.
One mistake most couples make is to buy or choose their wedding bands at the same time they shop for their engagement ring. Now, you might argue that it makes sense to get it all done at the same time, but you should never buy the wedding bands at the same time as the engagement ring.
You could think that you are absolutely in love with the wedding band at the time of choosing the engagement ring, but you will change your mind after some time, which is why you need to wait.
To be on the safest side and to choose the best wedding bands, wait until a few months before the wedding. The best recommended time to buy the wedding band is between 3 and 4 months to the wedding date, and in case of a short engagement period, wait up to 6-8 weeks to the wedding.
Few months to the wedding? Why wait this long?
Theres also the fact that we are human, and just like you, your fiancé could change her mind about the kind of wedding band she ultimately needs.
Engagement Ring On Left Hands Ring Finger Wedding Band On Whichever Finger
Engagement rings are mostly worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Most people who wear their engagement rings stick to tradition. Promise rings are often worn on the ring finger of the right hand. Wedding bands, though, can be worn on any finger the wearer sees fit. It may not be the norm, but each individual must decide for themselves.
Though there may be an official way of wearing your rings, this is the 21st century, and there should be no right way. Every person must do what they feel is best for them. After all, beautiful rings such as Kirk Kara or Michael B rings would look good on anyone, regardless of which finger they are on!
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What Is The Best Metal For Mens Wedding Rings
Mens wedding bands are available in a variety of materials, including precious metals, so you can find a ring you love and to match your partners wedding band if desired.
Gold wedding bands are among the most popular choice for men, as they offer a timeless look and lasting shine, crafted in precious metal. Choose from yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, for a wedding band to suit your style.
Titanium is an extremely durable metal, making it a popular choice for rings that are worn every day. Our black titanium rings offer a modern yet classic look, and our styles featuring black diamonds have an extra unique touch.
Tungsten is a metal with a natural grey colour. It is a hard and largely scratch-resistant metal, making it a great choice for rings especially for those who work with their hands.
At Michael Hill our mens wedding ring designs also include polished, brushed, and patterned metal, so you can find the ideal piece for you.
How To Choose An Anniversary Ring
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Types Of Wedding Band Materials
Today, most wedding bands are made of precious metal:yellow gold,rose gold,white gold or platinum. There are pros and cons to each of the wedding band materials.
Yellow gold: Yellow gold is the purest color and easiest to maintain of all the gold types. Its also the most hypoallergenic. Yellow gold needs to be polished and cleaned regularly.
White gold: White gold is durable and scratch-resistant. Its more affordable than platinum but needs to be dipped every few years to keep its luster.
Rose gold: Rose gold is very durable and more affordable than the other wedding band materials. Its not a hypoallergenic metal.
Platinum: Platinum is hypoallergenic and more durable than white gold. Its much more expensive than the other types of wedding bands and gets scratched and dull over time.
When Should You Buy The Wedding Rings
Generally speaking, theres no hard and fast rule on when to buy your wedding rings. But bear in mind that if your chosen ring is to be engraved or needs to be made to order, there will be a lead time which can be up to a few weeks. If thats the case, its best to be prepared and choose your bands before the last rush in the lead up to the big day.
If its a short engagement, you may not have as much time to make up your mind, but its still worth looking around and popping into your local H.Samuel store to see your options in person.
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Kay Wedding Rings And Bands
As you get ready to say, “I Do,” wedding bands are an important piece of jewelry in the wedding tradition. At KAY, our wedding bands range from simple gold bands to intricate and detailed enhancer rings. Traditionally, the bride-to-be and the groom get matching wedding rings to display they belong together. Whether you are looking for matching bands or a ring that matches each of your individual styles, KAY Jewelers has the ring that’s sure to capture your heart.
SHOP BY METAL
EDUCATION FROM THE EXPERTS
Determining The Quality Of A Wedding Band
You and your spouse-to-be will be wearing your wedding bands forever. Make sure theyre made of high-quality materials so they last for many years to come. Consider these three important aspects when shopping for a wedding band: the type of precious metal used , the diamonds and the setting quality.
Most wedding bands for both men and women are made with durable materials, like yellow gold, white gold, platinum or tungsten carbide. Just be sure to choose a reputable vendor who provides some type of verification of the precious metal used, so you know exactly what youre getting.
As far as the diamonds in a wedding band, theyll be much smaller than the center stone of an engagement ring. In short, the diamonds are simply too small for the expense and time involved with grading the diamonds. For instance, if you were to certify 14 diamonds in a wedding band, the certifications would cost nearly a thousand dollars alone.
Without diamond certifications, its especially important to buy wedding bands from thoroughly vetted, reputable vendors like Blue Nile and James Allen. In a wedding band, much of what youre paying for is craftsmanship and style. The way the band is formed and how the stones are set significantly impact the rings beauty and quality. For instance, the level of the jewelers expertise and amount of time invested will be significantly greater with vendors like Blue Nile and James Allenversus other companies.
Half Round Wedding Band
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Do I Even Need A Wedding Ring
No. Its definitely the tradition to exchange wedding rings during the wedding ceremony but its by no means necessary. And if you do decide to exchange wedding rings, the band doesnt need to be forged of metal or precious stones. It could be wood. It could even be a tattoo of a simple line around the left ring finger. Its entirely personal choice.
The Perfect Symbol Of Your Love
Love, honour and faithfulness publicly declare your commitment to one another with a collection of stunning wedding rings from Bevilles, one of Australias most enduring jewellers. For over 80 years, our wedding rings have been worn by couples seeking a stylish and functional way to express their eternal love to one another.
Find wedding ring inspiration within the walls of our jewellery stores in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Every design has been expertly crafted to suit your life and style, and in a range of carats to meet your means. Or if youd prefer to buy your wedding jewellery online, we also provide a seamless experience.
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Wedding Band Colors + Customizations
Here is the fun part! Make your wedding band uniquely yours by choosing a color, finish, or inlay that speaks to you. Most Hitched wedding bands are available in traditional yellow, white, or rose gold. Want the look of platinum but dont want spend the extra money? Choose a 14K gold ring in white! For an edgy, modern look, choose a black wedding band, a favorite among contemporary grooms.
Most of our mens wedding rings are available in a variety of finishes. Choose polished for a traditional look. Matte gives your wedding band an understated feel, while brushed, hammered, and brushed hammered are great for grooms who want a rugged, yet classy look.
For a mens wedding band that makes a statement, consider a ring with inlay. With a variety of colors and materials to choose from, including meteor inlay, antler inlay, red, blue, and more, your ring becomes a conversation piece that reflects your personality.
Anniversary Ring Etiquette: How To Wear An Anniversary Ring
Which finger should wear an anniversary ring? One modern styling technique for your anniversary band is to wear it in a stacked or nested look on the same finger as your engagement and wedding rings for a full sparkling look. Stacking your anniversary provides an opportunity to repeatedly update the style of your stack for an upgraded look. We suggest starting with our Ring Stacking Tool to explore our style preferences and gather inspiration for curating your unique stack.
It is also common to wear an anniversary ring on the right hand, or any other finger besides the same as your engagement and wedding rings. Some may choose to wear an anniversary ring on their right hand so that it does not compete with their engagement ring or for a more stylized look.
Although it is becoming increasingly less common, some choose to wear their anniversary ring instead of their wedding ring. Couples may choose to trade in their wedding band to put the value towards a new anniversary band, while others would not consider removing the band they slipped on their fingers at their weddings. This is an approached to consider if you are looking to modernize or upgrade the overall style of your bridal look.
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