How to choose the right wedding ring?
You’ve been scrolling social media and bookmarking your favourite photos of rings but now you have 100 in all different styles and have no idea which one is the best. How do you narrow it down? Choosing the right wedding ring is a significant and sometimes stressful decision; it’s a symbol of your commitment and enduring love and this needs to reflect that surely? You want it to last a lifetime, be durable and beautiful and you want to still love the design in several years to come.
Starting out can seem overwhelming but here's a guide to help you navigate the process to finding the perfect ring:
Set a Budget:
Determine how much you are willing to spend on the wedding ring. Take a look at current wedding ring prices and decide what your limit is. This will narrow down your options and make the selection process more manageable.
Know Your Metal Preferences:
Wedding rings come in various metals, such as gold, white gold, platinum, palladium titanium and rose gold. Consider your personal style, skin tone, and lifestyle when choosing a metal. Which metal do you wear most often? Also, if you are wearing it with your engagement ring make sure you match your metal otherwise if one metal is harder than the other, abrasive rubbing can damage your rings. When choosing your jeweller ask which metals they work with and choose one who has vast experience in the metal you want.
Consider Your Lifestyle:
Think about your daily activities and job requirements. If you have an active lifestyle, you may want a more durable and scratch-resistant metal, such as platinum and you might need to rethink diamond set full eternity bands if you are likely to knock it.
Choose a Style:
Wedding rings come in different styles, including traditional court, classic, modern, vintage, and unique designs. Consider your personal taste and how well the ring complements your engagement ring if you have one. You can get shaped-to-fit or wed-fit rings that are custom made to blend seamlessly with your engagement ring and this is something we, at Timothy Roe, can do. Click here to see how it works!
Even if you go for a plain band instead of patterned or textured there are different edges and styles of bands to consider and they vary on weight. Some court rings are domed, others heavy set and some are flat edged and lighter. Try them on and see what sits comfortably.
Decide on the Width:
Wedding rings come in various widths. Consider the size of your hands and fingers when choosing the width of the band. Try on different styles to see what looks and feels comfortable. Often ladies will average between a 2mm and a 3.5mm whilst men tend to go for wider bands between 5mm and 7mm but of course, this is personal preference and there are no rules so choose what feels and looks right to you.
Select a Stone (If Desired):
Some wedding rings feature diamonds or other gemstones. If you want a stone hidden on the inside of the band or shown on the outer side, consider your preferences for size, shape, and setting style. Keep in mind that stones may require additional care.
Think About Long-Term Wear:
Choose a timeless design that you will be happy with for years to come. Trends may come and go, but a traditional court wedding ring is less likely to go out of style. If pairing with your engagement ring try to create a harmonious aesthetic so the wedding ring does not take attention away but likewise looks beautiful and elegant worn on its own.
Consider Matching Rings:
If both partners want matching wedding rings, explore options that come in sets or can be customised to complement each other. Come and explore your options for bespoke rings with our team because this is something at which we excel!
Get the Right Size:
Ensure that you get the correct ring size. You can have your finger measured at a jewellery store or use a sizing tool at home. Keep in mind that your fingers might change size due to factors like temperature, medicines, hydration, and weight fluctuations so measure them at different times and never use old rings. Metals can stretch and become thinner over time with constant wear and tear and with different thicknesses the sizing on old rings can be completely out. Also, if you have never worn a ring before this can be a strange feeling and you might doubt whether the size is right so regularly checking the size with a professional might help reassure you.
Think About Engraving:
Personalize your wedding ring with an engraving. It could be a special date, a meaningful phrase, or even a fingerprint. Engravings add sentimental value to your ring. Of course, you can have the outside engraved, too in your favourite pattern.
Do Some Research:
Before making a final decision, educate yourself about different metals, gemstones (if applicable), and the quality factors that contribute to a durable and beautiful wedding ring. Research online and ask friends and family what their wedding bands are like. Chat to the experts, like us here at Timothy Roe. We will do our best to answer any questions you have.
Try Before You Buy:
Always, always try on rings and as many as possible. Quite often what we think we like does not translate in reality. Sometimes the opposite actually suits you and if you have an engagement ring make sure you try on wedding rings with it to get the best fit. Visit multiple jewellery stores and ask about brands and compare the quality finishes and their weights. Try on different styles and get a feel for what you like. Also try ones on that you weren’t considering to rule them out and confirm your choice. Take your time and don't rush the decision. Let the experts guide you through the process and bring in any photos or styles you like so they have an idea of what you’ve been considering. Book a consultation today to visit us and try on some styles.
For fun, why don’t you try using our online wedding ring builder to start the ball rolling!
Allow time:
Whilst most jewellers will do their upmost to get your rings for you in time for your wedding, most only stock a handful of average sizes. It costs a lot of money and space to stock rings in every size so often jewellers will need to order in rings or make them from scratch. Some may be able to do express turnarounds but ideally allow 6-8 weeks to get rings ordered, altered, engraved or personalised so you have them in time for your big day. Bespoke-made rings may need longer design depending.
Remember, the perfect wedding ring is a personal choice that reflects your style, preferences, and the commitment you are making. Take your time, communicate with your partner, and enjoy trying on a variety of rings. Take off the pressure and ask friends and family about their experiences with their wedding rings. Have they held up over time? What would they do differently? Would they still choose the same ring again? Jot down some questions and then make an appointment to have a friendly chat with your trusted jeweller. They are there to help you make this decision a little easier. They have been making and selling wedding rings for a long time so have the experience and expertise to guide you. Feel free to book a consultation with us through our website, over the phone or in pop in and we’ll be honoured to help you choose your wedding rings.
Click here for more wedding ring inspiration!
