How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Rings

In This Article

1. How to Choose Wedding Rings

2. Wedding Ring Styles

3. How to Care for Wedding Rings

4. Shopping Tips

It's far more difficult to find the ideal wedding ring for you and your spouse. The sheer volume of options accessible today is likely to overwhelm you, even if you have a certain aesthetic in mind or have been pinning images to your Pinterest board for years. Therefore, it's normal to struggle with making a final decision.

You clearly want your wedding rings to be something that you truly love because you'll probably wear them every day. Furthermore, as they also represent one of the most significant days in your life, it's good to choose choices that have personal significance for you. Therefore, it may take some time to choose your wedding rings, but it is worth the extra effort to make sure you are delighted with your purchase.

To get some professional guidance on how to choose the ideal wedding rings for you, we talked to two jewelers. They are quick to remind us that it ultimately comes down to what suits your taste and way of life. "We are pleased to observe that there is no 'perfect set' to follow in today's fashion," says Page Neal, co-founder of the jewelry company Bario Neal. "Your wedding rings should be a symbol of your love that you are comfortable with, can wear daily, and are just as much in love with as your partner." To find out more, continue reading.

Meet the Expert

Page Neal is one of the co-founders of the sustainable, woman-owned jewelry firm Bario Neal, which leads the industry in progressive manufacturing and ethical sourcing.

Jeweler Priyanka Murthy developed the direct-to-consumer jewelry store Array, which focuses on fair prices, sustainable materials, and ethical production.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Rings

The style that you and your partner like is the most important factor to consider while searching for the ideal wedding ring. Therefore, it is always best to choose pieces that genuinely speak to you, whether they are traditional or not. Everything else simply depends on the specifics after that.

Find a piece that complements your engagement ring.

Since you will almost certainly wear your wedding band and engagement ring together, you should choose pieces that complement each other in both appearance and feel. Jeweler and Array creator Priyanka Murthy explains,

"The band is usually intended to be a complement to the engagement ring, not the other way around." "So, the band should be designed with the engagement ring in mind. For instance, a band with little diamonds or a plain band can look good with a client's solitaire diamond engagement ring.

Opt for something that is comfortable and convenient.

As previously mentioned, you will wear this almost every day. It ought to be comfy because you will most likely end up regretting your choice of ring in the future. "One piece of advice I always give is to make sure the height of the ring is something you can live with—you don’t want it to hit things or get things caught in it," says Murthy.

Stay within your financial

Indeed, wedding rings are a significant investment; in fact, some people may argue that they are among the priciest things you will ever buy. Nevertheless, you want the cost to be manageable and pay for within a fair period of time. If you don't have to, there's no reason to incur debt.

Shop for styles

The way the ring was made is just as essential as its appearance. "Beyond durability, think about the legacy of your ring," Neal continues. Would you like to create a new heirloom that you can give to your kids or use family heritage metals? Do you want the resources you use to come from ethical and sustainable sources? The origin of your ring influences its intrinsic significance and worth. Investigate the jewelry brands before purchasing any rings, and don't be hesitant to ask the jeweler any questions you may have. 

Consider pieces

Purchasing wedding rings that complement other jewelry is ideal, particularly if you intend to stack them with other pieces. "Couples are going beyond the traditional engagement ring and wedding band to opt for stacks of four or five rings," Neal explains. "Think about the overall aesthetic you want and if you’d like to keep it simple, or mix and match." This could make the difference between something bolder and more adaptable and straightforward.

Wedding Ring Styles

Even though there are many different kinds of wedding rings available nowadays, you'll probably come across the ones listed below.

Plain Wedding Rings

Simple rings composed of a single metal, such gold or platinum, are referred to as plain wedding rings. According to Murthy, they can vary in thickness and width and typically have a flat, smooth surface devoid of any roughness, carvings, or gemstones. However, these minimalist designs may be really lovely and are ideal for someone who likes to keep things simple and adaptable, so don't be deceived into believing plain equals uninteresting. "Plain bands are classic, timeless, and versatile," explains Murthy. "They never go out of style and can be paired with any engagement ring style."

Advantages:

Adaptable

Simple to maintain and clean

Usually less costly than more complex options

Cons:

It is easy to spot scratches and other wear and tear.

When paired with delicate engagement rings, they can appear bulky.

For some couples, they might not be distinctive enough, and they are not very customizable.

Wedding Rings for Eternity

The entire band of an eternity wedding ring is set with diamonds or other valuable stones. According to Murthy, the encrusted stones represent eternal love and are often all the same size. "The eternity band is very popular as a wedding band because the symbolism of love is meaningful and universal," she explains.

Advantages:

Stacking rings is simple.

It creates the appearance of the stones floating in midair.

Cons:

Since the back is not made of solid metal, it cannot be resized.

typically more costly than a simple band.

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Traditional Diamond Wedding Bands

Consider this to be the traditional wedding band that you often see people wearing: a metal band with a diamond placed as the focal point. Depending on your preferred style, the diamond's cut, size, and setting can change. Classic diamond rings are generally renowned for "their timeless elegance and simplicity," according to Murthy.

Advantages: 

Adaptable enough to look well with everything and timeless

The toughest and most resilient stone available is a diamond.

Cons: 

Depending on the clarity and carat, it can be highly costly.

Regular cleaning and care are necessary for diamonds.

Wedding Rings with Sapphires

A sapphire wedding ring is a stunning choice if you're looking for something more distinctive. "Sapphires come in every color, including white, blue, Fuschia, green, yellow, and more," Neal explains. Customers who wish to add some color and vibrancy to their stack of wedding bands might consider them.

How to Care for Your Wedding Rings

The type of stone and setting you choose will ultimately determine how to clean your wedding ring, but regardless of style, there are certain general maintenance guidelines to follow. Wedding bands are designed to be worn all the time, but in certain situations, it's safer to take them off to prevent damage or loss. "Think gardening, rock climbing, sailing, or maybe even specific careers where you have to wear gloves or work with your hands," Neal explains. Additionally, Murthy suggests avoiding harsh chemicals that could harm the metal and stones of your wedding rings, such as hairspray, chlorine, and cleaning supplies.

Generally speaking, Murthy and Neal both mention that you can clean your wedding rings by soaking them for five minutes in a mild solution of warm water and ordinary dish soap. Neal suggests using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the stone and beneath the settings. Additionally, you should have a competent jeweler examine your rings at least once a year. "A great jeweler can check for any damage, loose stones or prongs, and give them a professional cleaning," explains Murthy.

Finally, Neal advises getting your wedding ring insured at all times. "You can add your wedding rings to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or get a dedicated policy specific to jewelry," she explains. We assure you that this will undoubtedly reduce tension.

Buying Advice for Selecting the Ideal Wedding Rings

Don't go into the encounter unprepared, whether you're going to the jeweler or looking for inspiration. Remember these tips to make it simple to find "the one" ring.

Decide budget

When you and your partner sit down to discuss your wedding ring budget, give it careful thought. "Wedding rings can vary in price depending on the metal, style, and quality of the stones, so having a budget in mind will help you narrow down your options," Murthy says.

Schedule time to try on many alternatives.

Try on various styles in person to get a sense of how comfortable they feel, even if you're eyeing a ring you intend to acquire online. "We know that what comfort means differs as much as fingerprints, so be sure to try on a number of different rings and bands to get a feel for what fits your personal style best," Neal cautions. "Some may like a chunkier feel for stability, while others might want a ring that’s more minimal or lower-profile."

Consider what suits your way of life

Given that you will be wearing this ring often, it should complement your daily activities. "If you work with your hands or engage in sports, a more durable metal like platinum may be a better choice than a softer metal like gold," says Murthy.

Collaborate with a trustworthy jeweler

To assist you in selecting a fantastic choice, do your homework and choose a trustworthy jeweler in your area. "Look for a jeweler who has experience with wedding rings, and a variety of ready-made and custom design options," Murthy advises.