As you get ready for the big day, finding the perfect wedding ring is one of the most important and exciting elements in your wedding journey. Picking them out is a major decision – it is an enduring symbol of your marriage and signifies the commitment you have made.
With the right knowledge, you can make a more confident purchase for a wedding band that will be worn and cherished for a lifetime. Use these pointers to jumpstart your search for the ring of your dreams.
1. Lifestyle and personality
The wedding ring you choose should suit your lifestyle, considering that this is a piece of jewellery that you will be wearing every day for the rest of your life. As such, it is crucial that the ring caters to your personal style and taste. For those who love the extra sparkle, an encrusted pavé band may be an ideal pick.
The ring you are getting should be stylish but also practical. For instance, if you lead a more active, outdoorsy lifestyle, your ring should be durable and tough enough to withstand that sort of exposure.
2. To match or not to match
There are a couple of ways to go about with matching wedding rings.
Firstly, do you wish to get a matching pair of wedding bands? While this has been the tradition, couples today are also opting for their own rings due to personal style and preferences. Secondly, do you prefer a wedding band that matches the style of your engagement ring?
You can decide on the same metals, or choose a wedding band that stands on its own. If you plan on wearing your engagement and wedding ring side by side, both rings should complement each other – for example, an extremely sparkly engagement ring with a solid band for simplicity. Regardless of your choice, this will allow you to express your creativity and style.
3. Style of the ring
Whether you lean more modern or super classic, there is a style out there to suit you which includes:
Channel set: a row of small stones is set in a channel within the band. This helps to secure the gems in place and offers a clean, sophisticated look.
Pavé setting: small diamonds pave the band to give it a continuous sparkle, which makes the ring look extremely brilliant.
Bar setting: similar to channel settings, but the diamonds are placed separately between metal bars that secure the stones on all sides.
Flush setting: a popular choice for men’s bands, the diamond is set into a drilled hole in the ring band so it can sit securely in place.
4. Metal type
For a matching look, the bride and groom can opt for the same metal with different styles to symbolise a beautiful connection. With that said, some couples prefer different metals to suit their tastes.
You need to look at the properties for each metal since this will affect its wear. Traditional metals for wedding bands are often gold and platinum.
– Gold has always been a standard for wedding or bridal jewellery, well-loved for its naturally warm hue and beautiful lustre. They come in a variety of colours including yellow gold, rose gold and white gold – alloyed with other metals such as nickel, zinc and copper. Karat is used to measure gold’s purity: higher karat gold is purer, softer and appears more yellow, but lower karat gold is stronger and more durable.
– Platinum is often seen as the perfect symbol of everlasting love, due to its strong and durable nature. It is also naturally hypoallergenic and makes a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Platinum will not fade or tarnish, and is also resistant to scratches.
There is also a growing number of options for durable and modern-looking metals that have become popular. Titanium and tungsten will stand up to any degree of wear and tear. Palladium is a precious metal that is lightweight and resilient to discolouration. However, keep in mind that these metal rings cannot be resized.
5. Other details of the ring
Aside from the metal material, the ring design comprises of the shape and finish.
D-shaped bands are flat on the inside but curved on the outside, which creates a D shape in the cross-section. Similarly, court shaped rings are softly rounded on the inside and outside of the ring. Also known as ‘comfort fit’, this offers a more comfortable wear and easy removal. A flat court ring retains the curved ‘comfort-fit’ on the inside but has flat sides on the outside.
The most common ring finishes are: polished, brushed, satin, and hammered. Depending on your preference, this can result in a smooth-textured ring or one that has a slight grainy feel.
6. The most flattering fit for your finger shape and size
This factor shouldn’t be overlooked as well. Consider the length and width of your finger when looking at different rings – and compare it against the shape and size of the main stone, and style and width of the ring.
For instance, thicker bands work well on slender fingers while most styles will work nicely on long fingers. Slender, narrow-width bands can create the illusion of length for short fingers.
You may also need to consider the combined width of wearing both engagement and wedding rings together. But don’t be afraid to try out different rings – you’re the best judge to find the ideal ring that looks good on you.
And to find the right size, avoid doing it in the morning, right after exercise or when you’re extremely hot or cold as your fingers can swell, expand and shrink.
A timeless symbol of lasting love
Wedding rings are the symbols of your commitment and love, and exchanging them during your big day is a momentous highlight you will wish to remember forever.
They are one of the most piece of jewellery that you and your partner will buy together – so it is worth choosing a ring that should last a lifetime and exhibits your love, personality and style.
Visit our showrooms at SK Jewellery to explore our selection of wedding bands, 999 Pure Gold Si Dian Jin wedding jewellery and more. Our Star Carat showroom is also available for appointments where you can browse for stunning lab grown diamond rings to help you celebrate your love.
