Wedding Bands: Gold, Silver, Or Platinum?

Choosing a wedding band is an important part of the wedding process. The wedding band is a symbol of love and devotion and will be worn for a lifetime. There are many options to choose from, so it's important to start your search early. Couples should consider their lifestyle, budget, and personal taste when selecting a wedding band. The band should complement the engagement ring and be comfortable to wear. It is also important to decide on the metal, width, thickness, and any engravings or stones that may be desired. While matching wedding bands are traditional, couples can choose whatever style they like.

Choosing a metal

When it comes to choosing a metal for your wedding band, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style and aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a traditional look or something more modern? Traditional choices like gold and platinum offer a classic and timeless appearance, while alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten provide a more contemporary feel. Consider your personal style and that of your partner to determine which metal aligns best with your tastes.

Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is durability. Wedding bands are meant to be worn daily and should be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Metals like platinum and titanium are known for their durability and scratch resistance, making them excellent choices for long-lasting wedding bands. Gold is also a durable option but may require more maintenance due to its softness. Additionally, consider the weight of the metal, as this will affect how the ring feels on your finger. For a comfortable fit, opt for lightweight metals like titanium and tungsten, while gold and platinum offer a slightly heavier feel.

Besides durability, you should also think about maintenance. Some metals, like platinum, are easy to maintain and can be polished to restore their shine. On the other hand, metals like gold may require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep their lustre. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider metals that are more resistant to tarnishing and discolouration.

It's also important to choose a metal that suits your skin tone. For example, yellow gold complements olive and darker skin tones, while white gold and platinum tend to flatter fair and rosy skin tones. Rose gold is a versatile choice that complements all skin tones.

Lastly, consider your budget. Some metals, like platinum and palladium, carry a higher price tag, while others, such as titanium and stainless steel, offer more affordable options. Remember that the cost of the wedding band should align with your financial means, and it's essential not to prioritise cost over quality.

Lifestyle considerations

When choosing a wedding band, it's essential to consider your lifestyle to ensure your ring can stand up to your daily activities. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, you may want to choose a more durable wedding band option to prevent damage and premature wear. This means opting for tougher metals such as tungsten, titanium, or platinum, which can withstand heavy wear and tear.

If your job or hobbies involve exposure to chemicals or abrasive materials, you'll need a ring that won't easily tarnish or degrade. Platinum and high-quality gold bands are ideal in this case as they offer resistance to chemical damage. For those who engage in sports and recreational activities, a wedding band that offers comfort and safety is a must. Silicone rings are a popular choice for their flexibility and non-conductive properties, ensuring your ring doesn't interfere with your active lifestyle.

The more intricate your wedding band, the more time and care you'll have to invest in keeping it in tip-top shape. If you're not into the extra upkeep, a simple, fuss-free gold or platinum ring is the perfect choice. Additionally, accurate sizing is crucial, especially if you plan on rarely taking off your ring. It must be made to fit even when your fingers swell and contract due to temperature changes, exercise, or even pregnancy.

Lastly, consider the height of the ring. You don't want it to hit things or get caught on things, so make sure it's a height you can live with.

Matching the engagement ring

Matching the wedding band to the engagement ring is a very personal choice. There are no strict rules, and you can decide to match your partner's band or not. It's up to you whether you want the set to be a perfect match or complementary.

If you want to match your wedding band to your engagement ring, here are some tips:

• Try on lots of different types of rings with your engagement ring to see what works best.
• If you like your engagement ring, consider returning to the same jeweller to see their wedding band collection or ask about bespoke options.
• Generally, it is a good idea to match the width of the wedding band to the width of the band on your engagement ring.
• Keep the metals the same across both rings, unless you want to make a bold statement.
• If you have a unique engagement ring with a fancy stone shape or setting, consider a contoured wedding band or ring jacket to complement it.
• Decide if you want a flush fit. A flush-fit wedding ring sits level with the engagement ring, creating a seamless look.
• If you want a flush fit, consider a curved or contoured band that fits around the centre stone or setting of the engagement ring.
• Open bands with a gap can also help create a flush fit by allowing the centre stone to nestle in the gap.
• If you don't want a flush fit, consider wearing the rings on separate hands or with a gap between them.
• Select a wedding band type that reflects your personality and enhances the beauty of your engagement ring.
• Stacking bands: Versatile and customisable, these bands can be worn together on the same finger as the engagement ring, allowing you to mix and match designs, gemstones and textures.
• Contoured bands: These bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring, creating a modern and unique twist.
• Classic plain metal bands: Timeless and elegant, these bands are perfect for those who prefer a minimalist and traditional style.
• Notched bands: These bands have a small groove or cut-out, allowing them to sit perfectly alongside an engagement ring, creating a comfortable and stylish fit.
• Diamond bands: These bands feature sparkling diamonds that can partially or entirely encircle the band, adding extra glamour.
• Ring jackets: These bands surround the engagement ring on either side, often featuring additional diamonds, gemstones or intricate designs.
• Open bands: These modern bands have an opening or gap at the top, which can be left empty or adorned with diamonds or gemstones.

Remember, it's important to start your search early, especially if you want something custom-made or with diamonds or gemstones.

Budgeting

Start with Your Budget

The first step is to determine how much you want to spend on your wedding bands. Wedding bands can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the metal, finger size, width, and any additional embellishments. A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 3% of your wedding budget for the bands. If you have a limited budget, consider starting with a cheaper ring for the ceremony and upgrading to a more expensive band on a future anniversary.

Shop Early

It's important to start shopping for wedding bands early, especially if you want something unique or customised with diamonds or gemstones. Most couples should begin their search at least three to four months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to explore different options and ensure you find something that suits your taste and budget.

Consider the Metal

The type of metal you choose will impact the cost of your wedding bands. White gold is the most popular choice, but other metals such as yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and palladium are also popular. If you want a stronger metal that can withstand wear and tear, consider tungsten or platinum. The cost of the metal will depend on its rarity and market value, so be sure to research the current prices.

Decide on Stones and Gems

Adding diamonds, sapphires, or other precious stones to your wedding bands will increase the cost significantly. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to opt for a plain metal band or choose a band with smaller stones or fewer embellishments. Remember that the cost of the stones will depend on their carat size and quality.

Engraving and Etching

Engraving or etching your wedding bands can add a personal touch, but it will also increase the cost. Machine-carved characters are usually cheaper than hand-engraved ones. Expect to pay around $25 for 15 machine-carved characters or $75 for 8 hand-engraved characters. Keep in mind that intricate designs may be harder to clean and may trap dirt more easily.

Width of the Band

The width of the band can also impact the cost. Men's wedding bands typically range from 4mm to 7mm, while women's bands can be skinnier, ranging from 2mm to 4mm. However, don't feel limited by these ranges—mixing widths can create a unique look. Just keep in mind that wider bands will likely be more expensive due to the increased amount of metal used.

Insurance and Maintenance

Don't forget to factor in the cost of insurance for your wedding bands. Adding a jewellery rider to your homeowner's or renter's insurance is usually inexpensive and can give you peace of mind. Additionally, consider the cost of maintenance and cleaning solutions to keep your bands looking their best.

Timing

If you plan to wear your engagement and wedding rings as a set, it's beneficial to try them on together before making a purchase. This way, you can ensure the styles complement each other, fit well on your finger, and sit flush against each other without any unsightly gaps. It's worth noting that a gap between the two rings is not always undesirable, and some couples prefer this look.

When scheduling your ring fitting, choose a time when your body temperature is normal, and you're feeling relaxed. Avoid the early morning or right after a workout, as your fingers may be swollen or inflamed, affecting the accuracy of the sizing.

While there's no perfect time to buy your wedding bands, starting to browse at the same time you shop for an engagement ring can be advantageous. This allows for thoughtful consideration of how the rings will look and fit together. It's also an opportunity to explore custom designs and ensure a seamless pairing.

Don't rush the process of choosing your wedding band. Take the time to visit multiple retailers, try on different styles, and seek guidance from jewellers. This is a ring you'll be wearing every day for the rest of your life, so it's worth investing time and effort into finding the perfect one.

Frequently asked questions