The wedding ring is probably the single most important piece of jewelry
that you will ever give to your spouse.
Consequently, you’ll want to choose a ring that will be timeless in style and
never look outdated. In choosing a wedding ring, different options are available
to men and women; the rings don’t have to match. Traditionally, a couple picks
out their rings together. This should be an enjoyable experience, without either
the bride or groom feeling anxious about choosing the “right” wedding ring for
their partner. Choosing the rings together relieves the concern a couple may
have that the spouse may not like the ring chosen for him or her to wear for the
rest of their life.
An important consideration for both men’s and women’s rings is the material of
which they are made. Common materials include gold, silver, and platinum, with
gold being the most popular, although the rings can be made of any material that
the couple desires. Gold can be 14, 18, or 24 karats, with 14-karat gold being
recommended most often for wedding rings. It makes the most durable wedding
rings yet doesn’t sacrifice luster. An 18-karat gold ring can be chosen, but it
is softer and may be scratched. A 24-karat gold ring is even softer and is not
recommended for wedding rings, which are commonly worn all the time.
Silver is a soft white metal also prone to scratching. In addition, it may
tarnish and discolor and require cleaning. However, it is a popular choice
because of its relatively low cost.
Platinum is also a very soft metal, but small amounts of ruthenium and iridium
can be added to platinum to increase its hardness. This results in a wedding
ring that is extremely durable. As a precious metal, it is becoming increasingly
popular as wedding ring material.
After choosing a material for the wedding ring, it’s time to consider the style.
Many different options are available. Basic styles for wedding rings include
flat bands, half-round bands, and comfit bands. The cross section of a flat band
is rectangular. Flat bands may be decorated with engravings. Half-round bands,
flat on the underside against the finger, are curved on top. This is the most
traditional style available. Comfort-fit bands, heavier and more expensive than
other styles, feature an oval cross section. If the bride intends to wear her
engagement ring and wedding ring together, she should choose the same style for
both so that they match and neither one overpowers the other.
After choosing the material and style, you’ll have to decide whether you want
the rings engraved. A good jeweler can engrave letters, numbers, or symbols on
your rings as you wish. Many couples have their names or initials and the
wedding date engraved on the inside of their rings. Engraving is optional and
not a traditional requirement, but if a couple wants their rings engraved, they
may have anything they wish engraved on the rings. For example, instead of names
and the date, a couple might choose a phrase that is significant to them.
A wedding ring is an especially important piece of jewelry because it is meant
to be worn for a lifetime. When choosing a wedding ring, the material, style,
and any engraved sentiment are important factors to consider. Shopping for
wedding rings does not have to be stressful; it can be a wonderful, romantic
adventure for a couple. |
