Buying wedding rings is an exciting and meaningful process that will mark the beginning of your life together as a married couple. Wedding rings symbolise your love and commitment to each other, and are worn every day for the rest of your lives.
Choosing your wedding rings can be an enjoyable and memorable experience, however, it can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. But do not worry, we will guide you through the ring buying process and our top tips for picking the perfect rings.
How Does Buying Wedding Rings Work?
- Deciding on a budget
- Choosing the ring design
- Choosing the right metal
- Determining the ring size
- Tips for Buying Wedding Rings
- Guide to Buying Wedding Rings
Deciding on a budget
One of the first things that you will need to do is determine a budget for what you are comfortable with spending on the wedding rings. Some people choose to keep it basic, while others like to splurge on high-quality rings that boast a hefty price tag. Ultimately you will need to consider what is best for you and your partner.
The price of wedding rings can vary massively and really depends on what metals they have, whether they are embellished with designs and stones and the maker/ brand itself. You can get gorgeous yet basic wedding rings for as little as $100. However, you can also find wedding rings that head well into the thousands.
Once you have figured out the logistics of your budget, you can start the fun part!
Choosing the ring design
There are countless wedding ring designs available from vintage to minimalistic, so you are guaranteed to be able to find one that suits your personal style.
- Classic bands: simple and timeless, classic wedding bands will stand the tests of time. They are simply a plain metal ring without any embellishments or added decorations.
- Diamond bands: calling all sparkle fanatics, the dazzle doesn’t need to stop at your engagement ring. Many wedding rings are complete with small diamonds that are set into the band - usually in a channel setting to protect the stones.
- Vintage-inspired rings: if you are in awe of the unique designs of the 1950’s and 60’s, then you may be a fan of vintage-inspired rings that feature intricate detailing and flourishes that effortlessly evoke romance.
- Two-toned bands: If you can’t decide on one metal, then not to worry, that’s what two-toned metals are for after all! These rings combine two metals such as yellow gold and white gold or platinum and rose gold to create a unique look.
Ultimately the right wedding band will be one that reflects your personal taste, style and preferences.
Choosing the right metal
There are a few popular options for the metal used in wedding rings, each with their own properties. A wedding ring is bought to last a lifetime, so you need to make sure that your wedding is high quality and will last a long time.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most popular metal choice for wedding rings. It is luxurious, timeless and sophisticated. There are two main kinds of gold rings that you will come across, 9ct yellow gold and 18ct yellow gold. These numbers refer to the amount of gold present in the alloy, 18ct gold has over twice as much gold, which means that it is worth more, has stronger durability and a richer yellow tone. The higher gold content in 18ct rings makes them more ductile and malleable, hence they are tough enough to last many many years. Whereas 9ct yellow gold is more prone to cracking and breaking and has a duller yellow tone.
Platinum
Platinum is a silvery-white metal that is mined mainly in Russia, it is 30 times rarer than gold. Platinum alloys are very pure and therefore, will not corrode, discolour or tarnish. Not only this, but it is naturally white and so will not fade to a yellow or change colour over time - without the need for rhodium plating. It is ideal heirloom jewellery and will not wear over time in the rings and prongs. Platinum wedding rings will wear the same as they do now, in 50 years!
Determining the ring size
Looking at purchasing your new wedding rings but wondering - what is my ring size? And how do I find it?
It may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry! It doesn’t need to be. We offer a range of ways for you to find out what your ring size is. You could go into the store to get measured by one of our lovely team members or order a multisizer to measure your ring size in the comfort of your own home. Learn about using a multisizer here:
Tips for Buying Wedding Rings
Start early
There is no time too early to start looking for your wedding rings. In our opinion - the more time the better! If you start looking early, you can figure out all of your options and really find out what you like and don’t like. It also gives you a chance to get your head around the budget and save for more if you need to.
Consider lifestyle and practicality
One of the most important things to consider when choosing wedding rings is your lifestyle and practicality. Wedding rings are often worn daily, and for many years, so you want it to seamlessly blend into your life without interrupting your day to day activities. If you’re not used to wearing rings, you might want to stick with something simple and lightweight, or if you’re someone who works a lot with your hands, you’ll want a piece that is tough and durable. Alternatively, many tradespeople choose to wear their wedding ring on a chain around their neck to ensure that it is safe and sound when working.
Choose a reputable jeweller
When buying wedding rings, it is imperative that you are buying from a reputable jeweller. There’s nothing worse than paying top dollar for a ring and finding out that it is poor quality and made from unauthentic materials. Consider the company's reputation, the breadth of their selections and how realistic the pricing is. While it might seem as though you have scored a deal, you might later find out that it’s not real at all!
Guide to Buying Wedding Rings
Matching v. non-matching wedding bands
It is a popular tradition for couples to wear matching wedding rings! This is a sentimental gesture of your partnership that will stand the tests of time. You could choose to get the same ring in different sizes, or have a similar design with a few small variations. Something to think about when deciding on whether to have matching wedding bands is your personal style. If you and your partner have very different tastes, then you may prefer non-matching wedding rings that reflect your individual style. However, in some traditions it is customary to wear matching rings. It’s entirely up to you and your partner and your beliefs.
Bridal sets
If you want to take the guesswork out of buying a wedding ring, then you can make it simple with a matching engagement ring and wedding ring. A pre designed set will effortlessly complement each other and fit perfectly together on the finger. When shopping for an engagement ring, consider purchasing a bridal set!
Mens Wedding Rings
Mens wedding rings are usually simple in design with various styles including classic, modern, vintage and unique. Always choose a ring that fits your personal style and aesthetic, and that suits your everyday needs.
Men’s wedding rings come in the traditional metals as well as alternative materials such as tungsten and titanium. Tungsten is a greyish-white metal that is known for its exceptional strength, high melting point and extreme hardness. Therefore, it is a popular choice for wedding rings, and comes in variations of grey to pure black.
Titanium is also popular for mens wedding rings due to its durability, strength and hypoallergenic properties. It is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal that is stronger than steel but much lighter in weight. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin and comes in a range of finishes from polished, brushed and matte.
