Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now that you have found the perfect partner, it’s time to choose the perfect wedding bands. Wedding bands are more than just pieces of jewelry, they are symbols of your love and commitment to each other. However, with so many options available, choosing the right wedding bands can be overwhelming.
That’s why we created this blog to guide you through everything you need to know before purchasing your wedding bands. From selecting the right metal, to finding the perfect fit, to deciding on engraving options, we will cover all the important factors you should consider when choosing your wedding bands. Whether you’re looking for something classic and simple or a more unique design, we’re here to help you find the perfect wedding bands that will stand the test of time. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey to find the wedding bands that will symbolize your love and commitment for years to come!
Whether you’re looking for something classic and simple or a more unique design, we’re here to help you find the perfect wedding bands that will stand the test of time. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey to find the wedding bands that will symbolize your love and commitment for years to come!
The significance and history
Each element of a wedding has its own meaning. During the ceremony there are gestures, customs, and items that date back to a particular tradition. Just as the white dress represents the symbol of the bride’s purity, even the wedding rings, the symbol of the union of two people, carry a curious history. Before learning how to choose wedding rings, let’s discover some interesting facts about them.
Wedding rings are an integral part of the marriage ceremony, and they have a rich history that dates to ancient times. In fact, evidence of wedding ring exchanges can be found in medieval frescoes. However, the origins of this tradition can be traced back even further to Ancient Egypt, where the art of bronze jewelry-making was highly valued. The circular shape of the ring, representing an unbroken bond, was considered the perfect symbol for eternal love and unity. It’s fascinating to see how this simple piece of jewelry has stood the test of time and continues to be an essential symbol of love and commitment today.
1.The Size
Wedding rings come in specific sizes, which is why it’s recommended for couples to choose their wedding bands together. However, maybe you’re thinking of surprising your significant other by gifting them wedding rings but you’re not sure how to figure out their ring size without them noticing. How can you do this without giving away your plans?
The easier solution would be to bring a ring belonging to your partner to the jewelry store as a reference. This ensures that the rings fit perfectly and that your loved one will be as comfortable as possible wearing it.
Alternatively, you can “trick” them into giving you the size. How do you do that?
Get a piece of string and tie it around your partners finger so that it sits comfortably. Cut it out carefully and then reference its length with our measuring tool which you can download and print here.
You can then find the corresponding ring size by referencing the measured size to the ring size here.
2. The Metal
There are several different types of metals that can be used to make wedding rings. The most used metals are gold, platinum, and silver.
Let’s take a short look at each of them:
Gold is a timeless classic that comes in different colors such as yellow, white, and rose. It’s durable and can be easily crafted into different designs. It’s important to keep in mind also the quality of gold you are going to choose. The classic choice when it comes to gold would be the classic 18Karat yellow gold band. It has the advantage of being a timeless design and being hypoallergenic, although, following the trends of the last years we would better recommend an 18Karat rose gold band. Given the high density of pure gold in 18karat rings (75.00% pure gold as opposed to just 58.5% in 14karat gold) the color is subtle enough to still carry the classic wedding band look while giving your fingers a fresher more elegant look, more closely aligned with all types of skin tones. The white gold variant is also a really good choice if you already have an engagement ring or other jewelry in white gold and especially if you will choose to get a wedding ring that features precious stones such as diamonds. We will be discussing this again in the Stones section.
Platinum is the strongest and most durable of all the precious metals, making it a popular choice for couples whose life revolves around the outdoors and/or an extremely active life. It has a white-silver color and it’s hypoallergenic, but it comes at quite a hefty price given its hardness and difficulty to be crafted.
Silver is a more affordable option and has a white-silver color. It’s less durable than gold and platinum, and it comes with the drawback of the possibility of oxidation overtime, especially if you leave in areas with high humidity. Although it can make for a good alternative if you are on a tight budget or if you hold certain religious beliefs.
Other metals that are also used for wedding rings include titanium, tungsten, and palladium, each with their own unique properties and advantages.
Taking everything into account we would strongly suggest you go for an 18 karat rose or white gold or even better a bicolor ring with rose gold AND white gold since it strikes the perfect balance of affordability, durability, looks and feel in the hand.
3. The Stones
When it comes to putting stones into your wedding ring the debate gets quite heated.
There are groups of people that prefer their weeding bands plain and classic, staying true to their idealistic form, while others like to have a more unique look by adding precious gems to theirs.
The truth is that there isn’t really a right or wrong choice when it comes to putting stones in your wedding rings. In our opinion, the addition of a small white diamond would make the ring look and feel even more special that what it already is. For example, people born in April or whose wedding is in the month of April would be a good fit given that the representing stone for April is the diamond. The diamond can be hidden on the inside so that the ring still retains the classic look on the outside. Let’s remember that a diamond is forever, so giving a diamond signifies a hope for an everlasting and unbreakable bond between two people. Given the added benefits and the negligible extra cost we would strongly recommend you consider making your wedding band into a diamond wedding band!
4. The Budget
As you already know, setting a budget is a fundamental step for every decision related to a wedding. In the case of wedding rings, the cost will be closely linked to the chosen material, the main aspect that increases or decreases the price. In addition to materials, which can be more or less precious, the budget can also vary depending on the precious stones that could adorn the rings, such as diamonds, the most sought-after precious stones by couples all over the world. Moreover, it is also important to consider the style of the ring as there are different shapes, finishes, and styles that can still impact the price.
A crucial, but most of the time overlook aspect when it comes to the price, is the craftsmanship of the ring. True, a ring that’s made by hand will be more expensive but it’s important to choose a ring that is most importantly comfortable to wear. Most of the time with the rings that are made solely by machines and in high quantities, the comfort and finishing of the rings remains an afterthought and thus you are left with a ring that scratches your finger, gets caught on your clothes and is all-in-all unpleasant to wear. As you can read from our doctrine , Rexha Gold takes great pride in ensuring that all our wedding bands are crafted by hand with the proper care and finesse. By doing so, we can be certain that the ring will be comfortable enough that you forget you’re even wearing it.
5. The Style
Your personal style plays a significant role in selecting the ideal wedding band design. The rings should reflect both you and your partner’s individual personalities, as well as your identity as a couple, so it’s important to choose a design that you both like. First and foremost, you’ll need to choose the shape, either round or square, and decide whether you prefer a flat or rounded surface. Additionally, there are various options for the finish, including polishing, satin finishing, an icy effect, matte sand, brushing, Florentine, dotted, or enamel finishes.
An important distinguishment to make is whether you’d prefer a plain and classic ring look or if you want to modernize it a bit by choosing something that has more unique details. You can choose a ring with a fancy and elegant shape such as this, or a ring that features precious stones such as this. If you are willing to move away from the classic look, the possibilities are quite frankly limitless. Another possibility can be to try and look for a ring in a fancy and less commonly used metal such as these titanium rings.
6.The Personalization
Sitting closely to the previous point, the personalization of your ring is quite an important part to factor in. It can mean quite a lot of things starting from the shape of the ring itself, customization of the color(s), addition of stones and to top it all off, engraved elements on the inside.
It’s important that if you have a specific model in mind, you find a trusted jeweler to bring that shape to life. Rexha Gold takes great pride at our custom work, handcrafted in Italy. You can learn more regarding our custom pieces here.
When it comes to the engraving, while most couples opt to have their names or wedding date engraved on their wedding bands, it is also possible to add a personal touch by including a meaningful phrase or affectionate nickname that you use in their daily lives. Although others may inquire about the significance of the engraving, it’s important to remember that personalization is crucial in selecting even the tiniest details for a dream wedding.
7. The Time
Undoubtedly, when planning your wedding, you may have given priority to other important aspects, such as the venue, catering, or wedding dress, but don’t forget that wedding bands should not be left until the last minute. To give you an idea, it may require up to a month or more to produce a specific model you have chosen, especially when it comes to more intricate and handcrafted work. Therefore, we recommend that you choose your wedding bands at least three months before the big day to allow time for us to create, if you have chosen a handmade model, or personalize your rings.
8.Combination
When it comes to wedding jewelry, many brides and grooms focus solely on their wedding bands. However, it’s essential to consider how your rings will complement the other jewelry pieces you plan to wear on your special day.
For instance, if you have a diamond engagement ring, consider choosing a wedding band that complements the shape and style of your engagement ring. A straight wedding band pairs well with a solitaire diamond ring, while a curved band is ideal for a three-stone or halo-style engagement ring. If you want to add extra sparkle to your bridal jewelry, you could also consider pairing your wedding band with a diamond eternity band or a delicate diamond pendant necklace.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated look, consider pairing your wedding band with simple, elegant jewelry pieces. For instance, a classic gold or silver chain necklace, paired with a pair of pearl earrings, can beautifully complement a simple wedding band.
When it comes to coordinating jewelry with your partner’s wedding band, you don’t necessarily need to match exactly. Consider choosing complementary metal tones, such as white gold or rose gold, or simple designs that complement each other. For instance, a bride may choose a diamond-studded wedding band, whilst her groom may opt for a simple, sleek band. Together, their rings will create a cohesive look without perfectly matching each-other. Overall, choosing jewelry that complements your wedding band, can help create a cohesive, polished look on your special day. Remember to consider your personal style, the overall theme of your wedding, and the jewelry pieces you plan to wear when selecting your wedding bands.
9. The Maintenance
Three simple habits are enough to make your wedding rings last forever, like your love story. Take note!
Cleaning:
If your rings are made of gold, you can clean them by following these simple instructions:
- Prepare a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of dish soap; stir until it forms suds.
- Soak the rings in the solution for about 15 minutes.
- Gently dry and scrub them with a toothbrush.
- Rinse the rings.
- Dry them with a soft cloth, using soft fabrics and never paper.
Precaution:
At times, it’s better to take off your rings, and the same applies to your engagement and wedding ring:
- While at the gym, swimming pool, or during any sports activity. Possible impacts can damage the rings, while chlorine and sweat can ruin them.
- During household chores, such as cleaning and gardening, because many chemicals can damage precious metals, deteriorating their brilliance.
- In these cases, remove the rings and store them in a dedicated box or the jewelry’s cloth pouch.
Maintenance at the jewelry store:
It is recommended that you periodically bring your wedding rings, which are precious jewels, to a jewelry store for maintenance. Despite your best efforts to care for them, these rings can benefit from a professional cleaning and polishing treatment that can help preserve their beauty. Gold, while durable, can be easily scratched and deformed due to its malleability. Therefore, it is advisable to have your rings serviced every one to two years. The cost of this specialized cleaning treatment is typically affordable and will restore your rings to their original luster.
10. Just Have Fun with It!
Your wedding is arguably the most exciting day of your life and as such selecting the rings that you will be wearing for the rest of your life should be as well. At the end of the day all that matters is that you and your partner are happy, which should not be ruined by a stressful ring selecting experience, that is why at Rexha Gold take great care that you have the most stress free, informative, and exciting
