George Boyle
A wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment, so it's important to choose one that you'll love forever. Wedding bands tend to be much simpler than engagement rings, but it's still a big decision. When choosing a wedding ring, it's crucial to consider your personal style and lifestyle. You may want to match your wedding ring with your engagement ring, or you might prefer a unique design. Whether you're selecting a ring on your own or with your partner, it's important to take the time to find the perfect ring that feels authentic to you and that you'll be happy to wear every day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | Custom or traditional |
| Stone | Diamond, gemstone, or unique |
| Setting | Prong, pavé, or channel-set |
| Metal | Gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum, etc. |
| Size | Comfortable and proportional |
| Lifestyle | Active, practical, or decorative |
| Cost | Affordable, within budget |
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What You'll Learn
The stone: the colour, clarity, cut and carat weight
When it comes to choosing a wedding ring, it's a big decision as it's a ring you plan on wearing every day for the rest of your life. It's important to lean into your own personal style and lifestyle. You want to make sure the ring feels authentic to you and complements your engagement ring.
The stone is a key part of the ring and there are several factors to consider when choosing it: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Colour is graded on a D-to-Z scale, with D meaning that a diamond is completely colourless and Z meaning that a diamond has a light yellow or brown colour. In this colour range, diamonds with less colour are rarer and more highly sought-after.
Clarity refers to the absence of internal features (inclusions) and surface irregularities (blemishes). Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless to Included.
The cut of a diamond determines how well it interacts with light. The most popular cut by far is the round brilliant cut, which has 57 or 58 facets. However, choosing a fancy shape, such as a heart, pear or oval, can be a good way to save money and choose a unique centre stone.
When it comes to carat weight, diamond prices increase significantly when they weigh half or whole carats (like 0.5, 1, and 1.5). You can save money by choosing a diamond that is just shy of these common weights.
Remember, the stone you choose will likely dictate the setting, so it's important to focus on finding the perfect stone first and then designing the setting around it.
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The setting: prong, pavé or channel-set
When choosing a wedding ring, it is important to consider the setting, which refers to how the stone is held in place. Three popular settings are prong, pavé, and channel-set. Here is some information about each of these settings:
Prong Setting
The prong setting is a traditional and popular choice for engagement rings and solitaire settings. It uses metal claws or prongs to hold the gemstone in place, allowing ample light to pass through the stone and enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. Prong settings provide a secure option, although they can be prone to snagging and may require periodic tightening. They are generally less expensive and simpler to create, accommodating various gemstone shapes and sizes.
Pavé Setting
The pavé setting features multiple rows of diamonds or small melee stones held in place by shared small prongs, giving the appearance that the jewellery is "paved" with stones. This setting offers a dainty, feminine design with a beautiful sparkle. However, it is notorious for having a higher likelihood of losing stones due to its delicate prongs. The cost of pavé settings can vary, as while the smaller stones tend to be less expensive, the labour involved in setting many stones can balance out the price.
Channel Setting
The channel setting is a modern and sleek choice, particularly suitable for those with active lifestyles. It involves securing gemstones between two bars or channels of metal, creating a continuous flow. This setting provides excellent security as the gemstones are nestled securely, reducing the risk of snagging. Channel settings can be more expensive due to the additional metal used and the complexity of the setting process. They tend to showcase the metal more than the gemstones, resulting in a diminished sparkle.
Ultimately, the choice between prong, pavé, or channel-set comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the jewellery piece. Each setting has its unique advantages and aesthetic appeal.
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The metal: gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, etc
When it comes to choosing a wedding ring, the metal is an important consideration. The type of metal you choose will impact the overall look and feel of the ring, and different metals suit different lifestyles and personalities.
Gold is a timeless and classic choice for a wedding ring. It is a traditional option that symbolises opulence and luxury. Gold is a durable and long-lasting metal, making it a popular choice for everyday wear. If you're looking for a warm-toned metal, yellow gold is a classic option. For those who prefer a more modern aesthetic, rose gold offers a unique and romantic alternative to traditional yellow gold. Rose gold has a vintage feel and can be paired with geometric diamond cuts or black diamonds for an edgy look.
Platinum is another popular choice for wedding rings. It is a naturally white metal that is strong and durable, making it ideal for those who lead active lifestyles. Platinum is a good choice for those who want a bright and shiny metal that will last a lifetime. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.
Other contemporary metals are also available, such as tantalum, which can be considered based on personal preference. Ultimately, the choice of metal for a wedding ring should reflect the style and personality of the wearer. It is important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and personal style when making a decision.
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The band: simple or detailed
Wedding bands are traditionally much simpler than engagement rings, even if they feature engravings or inlaid gems. However, this does not mean that you cannot opt for a detailed wedding band if that is what you prefer.
If you are considering a detailed wedding band, it is important to keep in mind that your wedding band should complement your engagement ring. Some engagement rings do not allow a band to fit flush against them, so you may need to consider the full package of prong versus pavé and channel-set stones before committing to an engagement ring style.
When it comes to choosing a simple or detailed wedding band, it is essential to consider your lifestyle and personal style. If you constantly work with your hands or play sports, a simple solid gold design or a low-profile ring might be a better option. On the other hand, if you want some sparkle without sacrificing durability, a channel-set gemstone wedding ring could be a good choice. This setting features small, round diamonds or other gems placed securely between open channels.
Ultimately, the decision between a simple or detailed wedding band is a personal one. You may want to visit multiple retailers or spend time at one jewellery store to try on different styles and think through your options. It is also a good idea to seek guidance from your partner, trusted friends, or family members who know your taste well.
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The fit: resizing options
When it comes to wedding rings, you want to make sure you get the right fit. After all, this is a ring you plan on wearing every day for the rest of your life. It's important to get your ring size measured by a professional jeweller, especially if you want an accurate final size adjustment. You can do this by visiting a jewellery store and trying on a ring sizer, which is a series of plastic or metal rings in different sizes.
If you want to keep your ring a surprise, you can try to guess your partner's ring size by borrowing a ring they already own and tracing the inner circle on a piece of paper. Or, you can slide it down one of your own fingers and draw a line where it stops. A jeweller can then help you to estimate the approximate ring size. Keep in mind that ring size varies from finger to finger, so this method will only give you an approximation.
Most rings can be easily resized up or down by a size or two. Resizing more than that may be more difficult depending on the style of the ring. For instance, rings with an eternity design or stone settings may not be resizable. Additionally, some ring styles may only be adjustable by 1.5 sizes. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have been sized by a professional jeweller before confirming your purchase.
If you have an active lifestyle and want to wear your ring during workouts or sports, consider a simple solid gold design or one that's low profile. If you don't want to sacrifice sparkle, a wedding ring with channel-set gemstones is a good option. With this setting, small round diamonds or other gems are placed side-by-side between open channels that keep them secure. This way, you can wear your ring wherever your adventures take you without worrying about potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step in choosing a wedding ring is to determine the look and feel of the design that suits you best, including the shape and size of your desired stone and metal of your preferred band.
If you work with your hands or play sports, consider a simple solid gold design or a low-profile ring. If you want sparkle and an active lifestyle, consider a ring with channel-set gemstones, which keeps the gems secure.
Wedding bands tend to be much simpler than engagement rings. When choosing a wedding band, consider what style would match your engagement ring. Some sparklers don't allow a band to fit flush against them, so consider the full package of prong versus pavé and channel-set stones before committing to an engagement ring style.
Diamond prices increase at half or whole carats, so choosing a diamond that is just shy of these common weights will save money. Heart-shaped diamonds are typically more affordable than round brilliants.
The best way to find out your ring size is with a ring sizer, which is a series of plastic or metal rings in different sizes that you try on. Your jeweller will have a ring sizer and can help you find the perfect fit.
