Buying wedding rings is a big decision that requires careful consideration. They are worn daily for the rest of your life and symbolize your eternal bond with your partner. Shopping for wedding rings can be confusing, even if you know what style you want. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the best choice for you:
Metal
A significant choice must be made regarding the metal for your wedding band. You’ll want to select a durable metal that can withstand daily wear and tear. It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and work needs. For instance, avoid delicate rings if you’re a chef or have a heavy labor job. They may get scratched or lost easily. Gold is considered the classic choice for a wedding ring among all the choices of luxury goods & jewelry. Another factor to consider is the resizing ability of the ring. Some metals, like titanium and tungsten carbide, cannot be resized. Therefore, choosing a metal that is a good fit for your fiance’s finger size at the time of purchase is important. If not, you’ll need to resize the ring in the future, which can be costly. Lastly, you’ll want to consider engraving. It is a great way to personalize your ring and make it even more special!
Budget
Your financial situation should greatly affect your spending on your wedding rings. If you’re drowning in debt, an expensive ring might not be the best financial decision for your future as a married couple. Likewise, if your budget is already stretched thin, saving for a different milestone purchase, like a house or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, is a good idea before choosing a ring. One way to get a feel for your options is to start by collecting records of your income and expenses, including take-home pay, interest on savings or investments and other sources of regular income. Record this information on a spreadsheet to see how much you have available for your wedding rings. Another way to get a feel for your options and price range is to shop around. Try hitting up thrift stores, vintage shops and online reselling platforms. You might be surprised at the quality of used rings you can find for a fraction of their retail cost. If you shop for new rings, consider limiting the number of diamonds or other decorative elements to keep your costs down.
Style
Your wedding ring symbolizes your love, so pick one that truly resonates with your partner. Consider their style, as well as the type of lifestyle they lead — for instance, if they work with their hands, a sturdy metal like platinum might be a better choice than a softer gold. Your partner might have dropped hints about her preferred ring style already; if they do, you should be able to decipher them easily. For example, if they frequently gush about her friend’s cushion-cut diamond beauty on Pinterest, you might get a good idea of her vision without tipping her off. If not, you can also use a trick like cutting a piece of non-stretchy string and wrapping it around their ring finger. Then, mark the point where the end meets (this method is less accurate than a professional ring sizer, but it works in a pinch). Compare this measurement to a ring size guide, and you’ll be in business! Alternatively, you could invite them to select their wedding ring if you know they plan to propose.
Gemstones
The gems in your wedding ring can add color and a touch of sparkle to your rings. While most people love the look of white diamonds (rated ten on the Mohs scale), there are many gemstone options too. For example, morganite, aquamarine, and quartz are soft stones with delicate hues that go with almost anything. They’re also easier to clean than harder, more precious stones like sapphires and rubies. Remember that the shape of the stone can affect how brilliant and sparkly it appears. Some forms, like rounds or radiants, may be more effective at reflecting light than others. For instance, ovals and marquises might make your fingers appear longer, while emerald cuts look elegant and graceful on slender hands. One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is the ring you will wear with your spouse for the rest of your life. It will be a cherished heirloom that you pass down through generations, so don’t rush the process. It’s a good idea to begin shopping three to four months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to find the perfect ring.
Size
A ring can be worn for life, so it is important to get the right size. There are a few ways to measure finger size at home, but the best is with a ring sizer. These are inexpensive and available online. They are made from plastic and come in full, half, and quarter sizes. They also have a print of a ring chart to help you see how each number corresponds with the diameter and circumference of each ring size. Another way to measure ring size is with string or floss. Wrap the string around your finger, where the ring will sit, and mark where it meets with a pen. Please measure the line length in millimeters, and compare it to the ring-sizer chart. Lastly, ask one of your partner’s close friends to help measure. However, it can be tricky to surprise them with a proposal! So if you plan to do this, ask in advance and keep it hush-hush.
