If you're set to get married in the next few months, you'll need to find the perfect wedding ring that you'll be happy to wear for many years to come. In this article, Jack Jahan from Ramsdens Jewellery provides some top tips for doing just that.
Wedding jewellery has traditionally been the focus of the bride and her bridesmaids. But, in recent years, grooms have been putting a lot more thought into their wedding rings, looking beyond just the traditional gold band and towards something that reflects their tastes.
With this in mind, I've put together some tips for choosing your ideal wedding ring ahead of your big day. From looking at metals and styles to thinking about what will suit your lifestyle, there's plenty to think about before you make a final decision.
Think about your lifestyle and taste
Before you start your ring search, it can be helpful to stop and think about your lifestyle and tastes in jewellery, as these are the factors that can help you narrow down the search.
Your taste is particularly important, as you don't want to end up with a wedding band that doesn't reflect your style. For instance, if you wear jewellery regularly, you won't want to choose something that looks completely out of place among your other pieces. On the other hand, if you don't often wear jewellery, you may want something more understated.
You'll also need to think about your lifestyle, as this can impact decisions about your wedding ring. If you have a job that involves work with your hands or you lead an active life, for example, you might prefer a ring made with a hardwearing metal, such as titanium or tungsten. You might also prefer a plain design that's less likely to catch on anything.
Get to know the wedding ring styles
You might not have realised it, but there is plenty of choice when it comes to men's wedding bands, so it really is worth getting to know the different styles before you go shopping.
Here are some of the most common:
Classic rings: These are the traditional type of band, with no detailing for an understated look. They're sleek and timeless, which ensures they remain a popular choice.
Carved rings: These rings are similar to the classic ring but add a bevelled edge to modify the look of the piece. The result is something a little broader than other rings.
Diamond rings: Diamonds are not just for engagements! They can be added to a wedding ring for a more luxurious appearance, but they'll also increase the price.
Alternative rings: Alternative wedding rings are those that don’t conform to traditional styles and use different metals, shapes, and design features to stand out from the crowd.
Different rings will also have different profiles to them. You'll find domed rings that are shaped like a "D" at one end of the scale and flat rings, with very little curvature, at the other end, with plenty of choice in between. Generally, it's worth remembering that domed rings tend to be more traditional and suit thicker fingers, while flat bands tend to suit thinner fingers and have a modern look.
Choose your preferred metal
You will need to think about which metal you'd like your wedding ring to be made from. You'll want to decide on what colour you'd like, as this will depend on the material, as well as how much you'd like to spend, as some metals will cost more. If durability is vital, then this should also be considered.
Here are some of the most common metals:
Yellow gold: This is a mix of gold with another metal to create a ring with a soft glow. Yellow gold is a traditional choice for a band.
White gold: For a ring with a white-ish glow, gold is plated with a metal like rhodium or, less commonly, nickel, silver, or platinum.
Rose gold: Copper and silver are mixed with gold for a ring that has a reddish or pinkish look to it. It's not a common choice, so it's possible to create a unique look.
Platinum: A metal with an elegant white-silver look. Platinum is a rare and expensive metal, so rings made with it can be pricey. Most are a 95% mix with another metal.
Palladium: Palladium looks a lot like platinum, with a silvery appearance, but is less rare and has a lower price tag.
Pick a ring that fits you
Now you have chosen a style and metal, you can think about buying your ring. However, before you do so, you'll need to make sure it is the perfect fit. After all, should your wedding band be too big, it may slip off and get lost. If it's too small, it will be uncomfortable and may injure your finger.
Usually, the most straightforward way to get your true ring size is to get measured by a jeweller. But, if you want to shop online, you will need to print out a size guide and try different sizes yourself. If you find that you're between sizes, always go upwards, as it's more difficult and expensive to make a ring larger.
Think about your desired ring width, too. Lots of grooms pick a wider design, as they think it looks a little bit more masculine, but this should never be a priority over comfort. Try to strike a balance between a band that looks good and feels right to get your perfect wedding ring.
Take these tips on board and you'll be well prepared to shop for your ideal wedding ring. You will be able to choose a piece that suits your lifestyle and taste, fits you like a glove, and is your desired style and metal.
If you’d like to get in touch with Ramsdens Jewellery and chat about your ideal wedding ring, find them on their website here.
