Choosing wedding rings is an exciting milestone. Your wedding band will be worn for the rest of your life and symbolises the unbroken bond between you and your partner—it’s a special choice to make. Here’s our guide to choosing a wedding ring which suits your personality, taste, lifestyle and budget.
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings goes back thousands of years, the closed circle representing the eternal and unbroken bond between two people.
Early Egyptian couples swapped reeds. The tradition was adopted in ancient Rome, where rings were made from iron and other durable materials, or gold if you had the money. The practice waned for a time during the Middle Ages.
The Renaissance saw wedding rings return to popularity, becoming more ornate or engraved and worn on what we now know as the ring finger. The meaning behind this is that the vein running through the left-hand ring finger is connected directly to the heart, so was known as the “vena amoris” or “vein of love.” In the Victorian era, sentimental designs became fashionable and wedding and engagement rings became more stylised.
Wearing engagement and wedding rings as a sign of your marriage is now commonplace. Many of the traditions, such as setting a diamond in the engagement band, can be traced back to marketing by diamond merchants of the early 20th century. But there is something undeniably romantic about a precious gift you give to another and share for life.
If you work with your hands, around chemicals, do a lot of art or frequently play sport, you may choose a wedding ring of a more durable metal which won’t be easily scratched or tarnished.
Weigh the cost of your wedding rings against the other expenses which come along with getting married. This will help narrow down the options and guide your search.
Wedding rings come in various metals, such as gold (yellow, white, or rose), platinum, silver, or alternative metals like tungsten or titanium. Consider your personal style, colouring, lifestyle and any potential metal allergies when making your choice.
Wedding ring styles include classic bands, diamond or gemstone accents, engraved designs, or unique shapes. Explore different options and select one which suits your taste and complements your engagement ring. You can have bespoke wedding and engagement rings made to match.
Ensure the ring fits comfortably on your finger—it’s going to be there for the long haul. It’s best to visit a jeweller to ensure a perfect fit.
Explore a wide range of wedding ring options. Try on different styles and metals to see what looks and feels best on your hand.
Do you want matching rings or distinct ones to suit your styles? Consider the details with your other half to ensure you’re both satisfied with the final choice.
You can customise a wedding ring to make it unique. This may involve a special engraving, adding gemstones, or incorporating certain design elements.
Some plain bands, available in all widths and metals.
Some metals, like gold, will require intermittent maintenance to keep them looking their best. Others may require less aftercare or age in a different way.
Ultimately, choose a wedding ring that resonates with you. Trust your instincts and select the ring that you truly adore.
Decide with your partner how much you’re willing to allocate for rings within your overall wedding budget. One rough guide is to allocate around 3% to 5% of the total budget for the rings, but this may not be your priority.
Evaluate your personal finances and determine how much you can comfortably spend on a wedding ring without getting into trouble. Be honest with yourself and also consider how your finances will look after the wedding.
Get an idea of the average prices for wedding rings based on the metal, gemstones, style, and any additional features such as engraving.
Set a budget range that allows you to find a high-quality wedding ring without exceeding your limitations. The best jewellers work wonders with all materials and offer good value for money.
If you want a more expensive ring but cannot afford to pay for it upfront, inquire about financing options. But be mindful of interest rates and any additional fees associated with financing.
If your budget is limited, consider alternative metals which are more affordable compared to your traditional gold or platinum. Also, explore different ring designs that may be the right financial fit as well as suiting your style.
Remember that what the ring represents is far more valuable than its price. Go with your gut and enjoy the process of finding your ideal wedding ring! At Wilkinson Goldsmiths, we design, craft and source rings of all different metals and stones, catering for all budgets. We would love to bring you the wedding ring you’ve always dreamed of.
