Congratulations! You're getting married!
The choices for a perfect ring for this wondrous occasion
are immeasurable. Whether you've always known what kind of wedding band you'd
like, or if you still undecided, this guide will help in your search.
Shimmering and shinning, it will sparkle around her finger, always reminding
her of your love and devotion.
No matter if your nuptials are small, simple affair or a
major, extravagant undertaking all of it will be left in the past, and only
your wedding band will stay with you long after the wedding day, so it should
be chosen carefully. One of the first choices that you'll need to make is
whether you're getting two matching bands or if each of you will select your
own, individual ring style. Another would be whether you want your wedding band
to match up in style or materials with your engagement ring, if you plan to
wear them together.
Remember that fashions change with time, but the wedding
band will stay with you through many changes, so you should choose a ring that
truly reflects your style and taste. To begin your search, first take a look at
simpler bands, and then move on to those with designs within the metal or even
diamond rings. Nowadays the options for wedding bands are widely varied, and
even a bride with the pickiest taste is sure to find something that would be
just perfect.
Among things to consider is the width of the band.
Traditionally, wife's wedding band has always been the wider or the two, but
each family makes their own traditions, and if the groom prefers the wider band
that could just be the perfect choice for you.
As we've said before, this ring should reflect your true
style, so if you're not completely sure what style you'd like for your wedding
ring you should explore the following questions. What texture do you most
prefer? Highly polished or brushed, texture metal? Are you more classical in
style or more modern? The rounded, polished ring would be a more classic,
traditional choice, while a band with flatter, more square-like look is more
suitable to a modern style. Also a more modern choice would be a ring with
intricate engraved designs or a diamond ring. A compromise between the more
traditional and modern looks would be a mixture of the two, for example a ring
that combined a polished and textured metal, or has channel set diamonds, that
would draw less attention than a prong set diamond ring.
It is also very important not to forget that any ring
style should complement the shape and size of the hand that it is going to
adorn. The simplest tip for choosing the rings is that wider bands will add
width to your fingers and hand, and longer rings will add to the length of your
hand. The bands with flatter appearance, those with diagonal design as well as
those with light, open, wide spaced designs usually look better on slim, narrow
hands.
If you've chosen a diamond ring, it is important to pay
attention to its height as well. Besides making sure that it will fit with your
engagement ring you should also remember that a broader, higher set design will
compliment wider hands. Smaller hands
will look better with rings that contain multiple smaller stones, while larger
hands will be complimented by a single large stone. When choosing a gemstone
ring setting, don't forget to consider your lifestyle. Rings with a tall, prong
set diamond will be much easier to damage if you lead a very active life, while
diamonds with a channel setting will be stunning, while being protected.
Learn more about Diamonds.
It is important to see what metal both of you usually
wear, but even if your styles do not entirely match there are a number of
characteristics that could help you in this choice:
Yellow Gold
The most common and classic choice for the wedding bands
Yellow Gold is less expensive than White Gold or Platinum and has a warmer
appearance. When considering your lifestyle it is important to know that it is
a lot softer and more easily damaged than Platinum. For those reasons it will
wear away over time, but is easier to repair and polish than other metals. Gold
is available in 14, 18 and 24 Karat (K), the larger the K the larger the
percentage of gold in the alloy, the more golden in color the ring will be.
White Gold
Though White Gold is less expensive than Platinum it
still has a similar sparkle and cool brilliance. Just like Yellow Gold it is a
lot softer and more easily damaged than Platinum, but unlike Yellow Gold it
will loose its silverish appearance and will need to be brought to the jeweler
for a rhodium treatment about ones a year. Though it will wear away over time
it is relatively easy to repair and polish. Just as with Yellow Gold, White
Gold also comes in 14, 18 and 24 Karat (K).
Platinum
Platinum is the most expensive of the jewelry metals but,
lasting and enduring like your love, it is also the strongest of them. It is
very durable and highly resistant to damage and unlike Gold it will not wear
away or loose its color. However it isn't indestructible, and because of its
strength and durability it is hard to repair or polish.
Mixed Metals
If you're having a problem compromising on a single
metal, you might consider rings of mixed metals. No matter what color of metal
you usually wear, rings of mixed metal would go with any jewelry you already
own and will be an interesting and unusual choice.
Learn more about Jewelry Metals.