A gold wedding band is a classic choice, much like a solitaire diamond engagement ring. As a symbol of eternal love and promise, gold bands have been worn on ring fingers and wedding sets for centuries. You can customize your classic wedding band with a range of styles, engravings and etchings. This makes it a timeless choice for brides and grooms.
For thousands of years, people have exchanged rings to show their love and devotion. But gold bands, which are arguably the most well-known band in history, found their niche in the Victorian era from 1830-1899. Catherine Thies says that mass production of jewelry gained momentum during the Victorian period. It was cheaper and easier to make, using a lower percentage of gold (either 9 or 10 karats). Engagement rings and wedding bands became the norm at a wedding ceremony.
Wedding rings have been a symbol of love, loyalty, and faithfulness throughout history. This tradition dates back to ancient times and can be found in nearly every culture. Wedding rings are highly prized because they are considered sacred pieces of jewelry.
The approach to buying a wedding band is different from an engagement ring. The majority of couples purchase their wedding rings together, so there is no surprise. Both parties make rational and practical decisions. It is often the most important piece you will both buy together, and it is an expression of your love, style and values.
Select Your Metal
Although gold was the most common metal used for wedding rings, you can now purchase your ring in many different metals. It is a good idea to have the bride and the groom choose the same metal for a matching look. Although the styles may be different, the metal that is used gives them a subtle but beautiful connection.
Some brides and some grooms like different metals. Rose gold, for example, is a soft, feminine color that is great for a bride. However, the groom may prefer something more sturdy and masculine. This is perfectly acceptable.
Many brides prefer to match their engagement rings with metal. This makes sure that the rings work well together and not against one another.
These are the top metals for wedding rings.
Yellow Gold
This is the classic wedding ring. It is better to choose yellow gold in either 14 karats or 18 karats. These are the most durable and attractive.
Yellow gold over 75% purity will be too soft to wear every day and can easily become brittle.
A lower 14-karat alloy will be more durable, but it will not have the same look as gold.
Silver
Silver is a soft metal that easily scratches. It is not suitable for everyday wear. It is often used for wedding bands, as sterling silver is an alloy. Silver oxidizes over time, so polishing is necessary to keep it shining and vibrant. Silver is much less expensive than other metals.
Platinum
Platinum is more costly than gold, as it is more difficult to make and is very durable. Platinum is a naturally white metal that will not tarnish or fade. It is resistant to scratches.
Platinum is very hard and can wear out other metals. It should match your engagement ring.
White Gold
White gold is a great option if platinum is not within your budget. This is a popular choice for wedding rings and is also a very affordable metal. The rhodium plating in white gold will eventually wear away, so it is important to have your ring re-polished.
Rose gold
This metal was very popular in Victorian times, and it has been gaining popularity again. This ring has a pinkish hue that gives it a romantic and feminine touch. Copper is what makes it a durable metal. It is resistant to tarnish and retains its color.
These are timeless metals that can last a lifetime. These metals have been used for decades in wedding rings. These days, industrial metals are becoming more popular for wedding rings.
Both titanium and tungsten can be confused as they are very similar metals. Titanium is a lighter metal and can scratch easily. Tungsten is heavier and more resistant to abrasion.
Cobalt is another popular metal. It has a high shine and doesn’t fade or discolor with age. Cobalt is seven times more durable than silver and four times stronger than platinum. It is also resistant to scratches and scuffing.
Wedding rings are also becoming more popular in stainless steel. Although it looks similar to silver, stainless steel does not tarnish. It is stronger than silver.
The Pros And Cons Of Gold Bands
Gold is versatile and can be worn with almost any outfit, just like a little black dress. Thies states that almost every gemstone looks great when paired with a traditional gold band. A classic gold band is a great alternative to wearing alone when you have a soft gemstone engagement ring, such as morganite, pearl, or opal. These gemstones are susceptible to damage due to their weak strength. A gold band that you can wear every day is the best solution.
Thies claims that there are many settings styles that work with the classic gold band. She calls it a “staple piece in any collection”. So the possibilities are endless for creating your own ring stack.
If you are intrigued by the idea of wearing a vintage band, here are some details to consider. She says, “You want them to last for everyday wear.” You should look out for signs of deterioration. Thinning and pitting are two signs that the gold has begun to deteriorate. Thin, worn bands may crack or break.
Select Your Style
There are so many styles of wedding rings on the market that it can be difficult to choose one. Most wedding rings can be divided into one of two categories: traditional or modern.
Traditional wedding rings
Channel Set
This style is very popular for wedding rings. This consists of one row of small diamonds set in a groove in the metal. The Channel set, also known as eternity bands, can include a whole ring or just half of a ring.
Comfort Fit
These bands are more comfortable because they are rounder on the inside. Comfort-fit bands are easier to take off and put in. The ring should not be worn so that you can feel its entire width against your finger.
This style requires that you order the right size ring. The ring should also not move much when worn.
Half-Round
These are more traditional, and they are often very simple in their design. Half-round wedding bands allow you to feel the width of the band all around your finger.
Modern wedding rings
Pipe Wedding Band
This is the shape you get when you cut a pipe piece. Pipe bands have straight edges with a flat, flat top. This feature is particularly popular in men’s wedding rings. Sometimes, it is called a flat-cut wedding ring.
Pave Wedding Band
This is one of the most sought-after styles for wedding bands. This is a great option if you are looking for something different from the standard channel setting.
Pave bands are a brilliant choice. They look elegant and expensive but are actually quite affordable. This is because, although the style contains a lot of diamonds, it is very affordable and small.
Prong set bands
The thin metal prongs hold the diamonds in place. This setting puts the focus on the stones and not the metal. There may be several stones.
Wide range of wedding bands
These ring styles are trendy and modern, and they’re very different from traditional designs. A wide ring must have a minimum width of 7mm to be considered. This style should match your engagement ring. Wide wedding rings can look strange with certain styles of engagement rings.
It is a good idea to select a ring 1 1/2 times larger than your usual size to ensure it fits your finger. Because all of the metal touches your skin, a wider wedding ring might feel tighter. You may not be able to slide it over your knuckles. This style is best suited for those who have the right measurements.
To ensure you select the right size, use a ring sizer. You should also check the resizing policies of your retailer.
Get Started Early
Many couples wait too long to buy their wedding rings. They don’t allow enough time for their ring to be made, and they overlook production times.
It takes about 3-4 weeks for your rings to be sized.
Allow more time if you have your wedding rings made by a custom-made vendor. Some styles may take longer, and some retailers may need to make your wedding rings in 3-4 weeks.
It is best to start the search at least six months before your wedding. This will ensure that you don’t feel pressured or rushed. You might not be able to find the perfect ring if you wait until the last minute.
Choose Your Budget
It is important to establish a budget before you start shopping for rings. It is recommended that you set aside 3% to 5% of the total wedding budget to purchase your wedding rings.
You can experiment with ring metals and styles to make your budget stretch. A half eternity band is a better choice than a full eternity. It will be less expensive, and it won’t affect the look of your ring as much. White gold is a better option than platinum because they look the same, but it’s more affordable.
Let’s take these two rings as an example. This is a half-eternity prong set wedding band. While this is a complete eternity band, both are made from 14k gold. Half eternity contains. 30 carats worth of diamonds, while full eternity contains diamonds equivalent to 0.75 carats. Although there are some small differences in clarity and color, the two bands are very similar in quality and beauty. What is the price difference? It was almost a thousand dollars!
Designer rings and big brands can add significant costs to the overall ring price. A wedding ring is a timeless piece of jewelry. Whether you buy it at a major brand store or your local jeweler’s, the appearance will not be drastically different, but the price will.
Consider Your Lifestyle
This may seem obvious, but many people forget that the wedding rings they choose should be suited to their lifestyle. This is a piece that you will wear for many years. It is important to make sure it suits your lifestyle.
You should choose a ring that is both stylish and practical. Your ring should be durable enough to withstand the elements if you live an active lifestyle, are outdoors often, or are exposed to chemicals. This should be taken into account when choosing your metal and style. Before you make your purchase, check with your jeweler.
Should You Match Or Not Match?
There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to matching.
- First, is your wedding ring meant to match the ring of your partner? While traditional wedding bands were either complementary or matching, there were no rules. It is always nice to have a connection between the rings. This can also be done in other ways. A heartfelt engraving, for example, could add a personal touch to the rings even if they don’t look the same.
- Another aspect to consider is whether or not you want to match your wedding ring with your engagement ring. There is no set rule. The two rings should complement one another and look great together. Experts agree that the best way to achieve this unity is to use the same metal. However, it all depends on what look you want.
Many jewelry stores sell bridal sets that include matching engagement and wedding rings. A trio set is where the groom’s wedding ring is included. If you want a perfect match, this is the set for you.
Where And How To Shop
Because there are two people involved in buying wedding rings, it can be time-consuming. It is best to be knowledgeable about the different styles, metals, and designs that are available on the market.
Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, make a group and browse the many online wedding rings! As you talk about what you like and dislike, narrow down your options. Then you can decide whether to buy in a brick-and-mortar store or online.
Online shopping is more convenient and cheaper than buying in person. You can instantly compare the merits of hundreds of rings and their prices from the comfort of your home without having to engage in pushy sales.
However, you will not be able to try on the ring and feel how it feels. This can be avoided by visiting a physical shop to determine your preferences and size, then searching online.
The main benefit of shopping in a physical store is the ability to establish a relationship with your jeweler. They often offer lifetime maintenance for your rings. If you have any problems with your ring, you can return it to them, and they will help you in the best interests of their business. Online jewelry stores offer as competitive an after-sales service as physical shops.
As you can see, online and physical shops have their advantages and disadvantages.
Enjoy the process and forget about stress!
The most important thing is to make sure your wedding ring lasts a lifetime. You will still love your ring decades later, despite trends changing.
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