The HC “Guide to Wedding Rings!”

Many of you out there have dreamt of the day you officially “tie the knot” with your partner and look forward to a life full of happiness. For some, this is even closer than a dream as they may have already received their engagement ring or being proposed to. Our wedding ring guide helps you to ensure you are picking the right wedding ring to suit your engagement, lifestyle and taste on that magical day .

So now you have been given you a perfect engagement ring, it’s time to start thinking about what wedding ring would be best suited to you. There are many important factors when choosing the wedding ring that is right for you, from styles that will compliment your engagement ring, to durability if you are planning on wearing it every day for the next 50 years.

Thinking Long Term.

Thinking long-term about your wedding ring can be sensible, sentimental and priceless. Going for the latest fashion sometimes isn’t the best idea as fashions and tastes change over time, and after being blessed with these symbolic rings, it’s nice to think you will be wearing the same ring ’til death do us part. Although there’s nothing wrong with an upgrade or alteration, couples choose to do it to mark a special anniversary or when the budget isn’t so much of an issue after paying out for that big white wedding.

Going Through the Options.

Narrowing down wedding ring options can seem overwhelming, with so many styles and factors to consider. But you’re not alone in this. Consider the following questions to help give yourself a better idea of what you want. And remember, we are here to answer any questions or advise you on all your wedding ring needs. You’re not just choosing a ring; you’re choosing a symbol of your love, and we’re here to help you make the best choice.

What Metal Should I Pick?

We suggest wearing the same types of metals together to prevent one ring from wearing down quicker than the other. So, if you have a platinum engagement ring, go for a platinum wedding ring rather than white gold. The same applies to gold. Try to wear the same carat gold together; 18ct gold is softer than 9ct or 14ct.

Feel free to read our Blog, “A Guide to Precious Metals Used in Jewellery,” for more information, and do not hesitate to contact us.

Do I go for a Plain or Diamond Set Wedding Ring?

It all depends on the style of your engagement ring and how you want the set to look. If your engagement ring is a classic solitaire, a fine diamond-set band can complement it beautifully. If your engagement ring is already full of ‘bling,’ a plain wedding band can enhance the stones and style of your engagement ring. But remember, it is all personal preference, and there’s no harm in trying lots of different styles to be sure you are making the right decision.

Do I Need a Shaped Band?

If you have a uniquely shaped engagement ring that doesn’t sit right with a traditional band, there are many options. Many wedding rings are shaped to accommodate a perfect fit, some with a slight curve or V shape. You can also buy and alter a traditional wedding band to fit your engagement ring. Buying a thicker band and having a goldsmith alter the band so your ring interlocks perfectly is a great option.

Do We Get Matching Wedding Bands?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question! Some couples want matching wedding bands, and some don’t. Don’t worry if you like platinum and your partner likes yellow gold. There’s no set rule! Marriage is all about compromise, so why not blend the two metals together with a bi-colour wedding band or pick totally different styles altogether? The important thing is that you are both happy with your choice of wedding ring.

Choosing the Right Wedding Bands for Your Lifestyle.

There are many factors to consider when looking at the practicality of your wedding ring. Are you planning on wearing it every day? Most people do, so if you have a hands-on job, a plain solid band may be better than a stone set ring, as a band with stones set in it can pose the problem of stones becoming loose and falling out through wear and tear. Dirt can also get trapped under the carving of the stones, making them look dull. If you have a less physical job, stone set wedding bands are more appropriate and, with a little TLC, can stay looking their best. Also, consider what activities you like; for example, if you play a lot of contact sports, a stone set band may not be for you.

Which Wedding Band Profile is Right for You?

There are quite a few wedding band profiles available on the market today, from a traditional D-shaped band to a more contemporary-looking flat court band. The profile you choose is an important factor in determining the look you are trying to achieve and the comfort you desire.

Look at the profiles below to give yourself a better understanding of what each profile looks like.

For gents, a popular choice is a Paris band that is curved on the inside and outside of the ring, making it feel a lot more comfortable to wear. Many gentlemen do not tend to wear much jewellery, so a lightweight or medium-weight ring may suffice. For the ladies, we suggest the same profile as your engagement ring because it will match your existing ring well and feel more comfortable.

Read our blog ‘Wedding Bands Explained’ for information.

Which Bandwidth is Suitable for You?

Wedding bands come in all different widths and depths. The depth will determine the weight of the ring, and the width will determine the overall look. Gents tend to go for a wider band that covers more of the finger, and the thicker the depth, the more lasting the ring will be. Ladies often wear a finer band as they wear two to three rings on their wedding finger (because there’s always room for the eternity ring!). Don’t be shy about trying different bandwidths; 1 mm or 2mm can make your wedding and engagement ring look completely different together.

Have a look at our other blogs on our website, including A Guide to Precious Metals Used in Jewellery, The 4 C’s Explained and Wedding Bands Explained for more tips, guides, and useful information about everything related Wedding and Engagement Rings. 

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