Is it time to walk down the aisle and say I do? Congratulations! As important as your decision to choose your life partner, your choice of a wedding ring is equally important. It is a once-in-a-lifetime investment, and as with any investment, due diligence is key. Jewelers understand how difficult it is to choose a particular wedding ring, especially with the variety of choices available. Here are a few tips they shared on how best to go about choosing your perfect wedding ring.

Your Style Guides Your Ring Choice

Your jewelry collection helps determine your style.

Do you prefer gold, platinum, or silver rings? Are you more comfortable with simple bands, or would you go for the gemstone rings? Do you lean more on contemporary or conventional wedding rings? What size and shape of diamond crest do you prefer on your wedding ring?

Answering these questions helps determine what to look for when you walk into a jeweler’s shop. Take your time analyzing your style because your ring will be part of your life and an heirloom that will be cherished as it is passed down to future generations.

Consider Your Lifestyle

While selecting your wedding band, do factor in comfort, fit, and function. Your ring should fit your lifestyle. For example, it is more practical for individuals working in physical jobs to go for plain bands. They, too, can select platinum or tungsten wedding rings. Both are non-scratch metals that do not bend easily.

You don’t have to sacrifice sparkle for function. However, if you want diamonds or other precious stones in your ring without opting for the plain wedding bands, channel set gemstone rings are an option your jeweler can provide.

Be Clear on Your Metal Preference

Gold and silver are popular metals. However, they are not the only metals you can choose from. Among the variants you can consider are:

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold rings come in different gold content, referred to as Karats. Options range from 14K to 24K rings. It is best to settle for 14K and 18K gold options. The rings are visually appealing and durable. 22K  and 24K options are too soft for daily use, while rings below 14K might be durable but are less appealing.

Rose Gold

Rose gold rings are a blend of gold, copper, and some, silver. The blend is a beautiful alternative to traditional gold rings.

Platinum

Platinum rings are pricier than their gold counterparts. Platinum is a rare metal and is more durable than gold or silver. Platinum rings last longer and retain their lustrous look over the years. 

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver rings are for couples looking for inexpensive alternatives to gold rings. The rings are durable, appealing and do come in various designs.

Let Your Engagement Ring Inform Your Wedding Ring Selection

Engagement and wedding ring pairing is a popular trend and with good reason. Matching your wedding ring to your engagement ring adds to the visual appeal. It is worth pointing out the several questions that come up when couples face the issue of matching wedding bands to their engagement rings.

Which Option Works Best For Me, Soldered Or Separate Rings?

The pairing comes with the selection of whether both rings should be soldered or should be separate. Soldering requires the compatibility of the metals in both rings. You have the option of simple soldering or one that requires a design change for a perfect finish. Design changes may be needed in instances where you opt for soldering, but the designs of both rings are different.

Should Both Rings Be Of The Same Material?

Both rings should be of the same material if you consider soldering the two. However, you can opt for a wedding ring of a different material for your engagement band if you are comfortable with separate rings. 

If Both Rings Differ In Style, Is Pairing Still A Possibility?

Most people settle for a plain wedding band out of the uncertainty of a miss-match with their engagement rings. This, however, does not have to be your choice. Engage the jeweler. Let them see your engagement ring and advise you accordingly.

Develop a Budget

It is in your best interest to determine earlier on how much you are willing to spend on the rings. With an idea of the rings you are looking for, you can then shop around to know how much your ring choices could set you back. In doing this, your choice of the perfect wedding ring will be one that you can afford. Do not make the mistake of selecting a ring without a budget.

After being clear on your budget, it is time to have a conversation with your jeweler. Let the jeweler know the rings you have in mind and your budget, and they will advise you accordingly.

It is with noting that working on a budget does not prevent you from designing your desired wedding band. The common misconception is that designer rings are expensive. Don’t let this misconception lock you out from designing your wedding band.

Personalize Your Wedding Ring

What makes a perfect wedding ring better than customizing the band to your specifications?

Engraving a special message on your ring is one way to do it. There is no limit to what you can have on your ring. Some opt for their names or a special message to their partner. Of importance is the message and if the width of the ring can accommodate it. Engage your jeweler on what message you’d want to be engraved on the ring, and together, determine the best ring size you are comfortable with and one that can accommodate the message.

Shop Early

Time is essential in any investment undertaking, and choosing the perfect wedding ring is no different. You need time to shop around for a jeweler who offers competitively priced and beautiful wedding rings. Further, time is also required to customize your rings and to ensure they meet your specifications in time for the big day.

Many couples have had to use engagement rings or stand-by rings because their wedding rings were not completed on time, did not fit, or were not delivered in time for the wedding. As the wedding date approaches, many aspects of the wedding will require your attention, so it is best to have the rings ready before then. Six months before your wedding day is an ideal period to have the rings prepared. 

Schedule a fitting date a few weeks before the wedding date. Fitting is an overlooked aspect of wedding ring shopping. Some individuals prefer not to remove their rings. Others may require to remove their rings every so often, especially due to the nature of their work. Therefore, their fitting needs are different and should be factored in on time. It is best to go for a fitting when relaxed and when your body temperature is normal.

Shop For the Rings as a Couple

Planning for the wedding is important in bringing couples closer, and what better way to start than ring shopping. You both share your ideas and narrow your search to wedding bands, you both love. It further helps your jeweler understand what you're both looking for.  In turn, they can make recommendations informed by your ideas.

A common worry between couples is, “Should we get matching rings?”

No, you don’t.

The rings should suit an individual’s tastes and lifestyle. The rings are a symbol of your marriage, and it, therefore, doesn’t matter if they match or not. Of importance is that you're comfortable with your choice, and some of these conversations feature when you shop together.

Choose the Right Jeweler

Many businesses have adopted online shopping, and jewelers, too, have embraced the change. You, therefore, have the option of shopping online or visiting a local jewelry shop. However, the following principles should guide your choice of a jeweler.

  • Price — Settle for shops that offer competitively priced, quality rings. Online shops offer price bargains because they’re 10 to 20% cheaper than their physical competitors. Be sure also to compare the prices if you prefer the traditional approach, walking into a store.
  • Fitting — Fitting is an advantage for traditional stores. You can simply walk into the store to ensure all your customization specifications are right and, most importantly, the rings fit. Most online stores don’t offer these services.
  • Security — You are more likely to be scammed online than in a physical store. Caution is required when selecting who to buy your rings from. Verify the store information from reviews. Alternatively, go for shops with an active social media presence and communication channels (phones, emails, and other platforms).

Our Los Angeles Wedding Dress Store

Wedding ceremonies are memorable events. Time, effort, and guidance are needed to ensure that every aspect of the wedding falls in place. Choosing wedding rings requires much of the attention needed when choosing wedding outfits and accessories. Having a partner to help you in your selection works to your advantage. At Beautiful Day Wedding, we partner with our clients in selecting the best wedding fashion has to offer. If you are in Los Angeles, CA, give us a call at 213-386-1900 and let us help select the best for your wedding day.