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Find your ideal wedding rings with this useful advice from industry experts.
When to start
Start planning your wedding ring shopping as early as possible, no matter the design
Buying your wedding rings together is an important part of your journey to newlyweds, but there are a lot of options to consider. It is best to start thinking about your wedding rings as early as possible, especially if you want a bespoke, personalised design. You should start shopping for your wedding rings at least three months before your wedding date. This way, you can accommodate for any resizing required, changing of any design elements, or giving enough time for a custom piece to be made.
“Your wedding ring should sit snug, but not uncomfortably so,” says Gavin Marsh of The Diamond Setter. “Ideally, it should slide easily onto your finger but be met with slight resistance when being taken off.”
If a family heirloom or other piece of jewellery is being melted down for your wedding rings, starting the process three months before the wedding date gives the jeweller ample time to work on your ring design. Doing this well in advance will also help you manage any pre-wedding stress, allowing plenty of time for the creation and collection of your wedding rings.
Budgeting
Make sure you keep your budget in mind when shopping for your wedding rings
When shopping for your wedding rings with your partner, bear your budget in mind. Ensure you shop around to get a better understanding of the average price point and to visualise what type of wedding band you and your partner want. What type of metal do you prefer? Do you want an engraving or a gemstone added? Even if you are still undecided, keep these ideas in mind when shopping to determine a rough starting point for pricing so you can budget accordingly.
Styling
Try on different designs and ring band widths to find your ideal wedding ring
A groom-to-be should choose a wedding band that he finds comfortable to wear. Make sure you experiment and try on different ring band widths to find the right size. For the bride, comfort and style need to be taken into consideration as the wedding band will need to complement your engagement ring. You could opt for a traditional plain band, or add some sparkle with a half eternity ring complete with diamonds along half of your wedding band.
You and your partner’s wedding rings don’t necessarily have to match, either. The sentimentality of the design doesn’t diminish if your partner prefers silver while you like white gold. Make sure you are both happy with the design you choose. It is, after all, something you will wear every day.
Considering your lifestyle and hobbies is also important when selecting the metal for your wedding band. Some metals have more durability than others, particularly if you and your partner are quite active or take part in activities that are hands on. Tungsten and titanium are great options as they don’t bend or scratch easily. Pavé settings are another option for those who want a shiny or colourful wedding band depending on the gemstones used.
Robert Whitehead, goldsmith at Robert James Jewellers, says: “When buying your wedding bands, our best piece of advice is to ask lots of questions. The most important questions to ask are:
- Will the wedding ring fit against my engagement ring?
- Will the rings need to be re-rhodium plated?
- Can I choose how many diamonds to have in my ring?
- Can I choose the size and quality of the diamonds?
- Can I customise my wedding bands to make them unique?
“If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you may wish to find another jeweller who can meet your requirements and provide the perfect wedding ring.”
The summer edition of A Kentish Ceremony magazine is available now. Get your FREE copy here, or read the magazine online.
