iBride Articles - Wedding and Engagement Rings - More Then Just Jewelry

Choosing a Wedding Band

Your ring is not only a important element of becoming married, but its also a longlasting symbol of your love and commitment. The circle representing perfect union with no beginning or end. A European tradition encourages the engraving of the name of one's intended spouse and the date of one's intended marriage on the inside surface of wedding rings, thus strengthening the symbolism and sentimentality of the rings as they become family heirlooms. In British tradition, the best man has a traditional duty of keeping track of a marrying couple's wedding rings and to produce them at the symbolic moment of the giving and receiving of the rings during the traditional marriage ceremony. There are many tales and myths surrounding the wedding band, making the purchase of your own wedding rings one of the most significant aspects of your wedding plan.

Because your wedding rings are more that just jewellery, choosing the wedding band you will each wear is an important decision which should be done twelve or more months before the wedding date. Keep in mind your ring size may change as you get closer to your wedding day. A ring that fits perfectly the month before may be too loose after the hectic pace of planning a wedding is over.

Follow your instincts with the look and design of your ring, while asking yourself if it will be a design you'll be comfortable wearing every day for the rest of your life. The traditional plain gold band will be in style for years to come. If that's too plain for you, consider a beaded edge or an engraved style. It is traditional to wear your wedding ring closest to the heart, and wear the engagement ring on the same finger, over the wedding ring. If you choose this tradition, consider how the rings will fit together. Some rings are designed to fit together, side-by-side. Many women like the symmetry of two matching rings, with diamonds of the same size and shape, or just the same type of metal. You may choose a ring other than the one designed to match your engagement ring. This creates a unique look that is becoming popular.

Men have a few simple choices. He can select a ring thickness, choose between platinum or 18k gold, and choose a ring set with diamonds or one with a unique design. Some couples choose matching men's and women's wedding rings. To be sure you'll enjoy your rings for years to come, just choose rings that you love.

Most wedding bands come in gold or platinum, which can both be brushed or polished. Brushed gold wedding bands or brushed platinum wedding bands provide a more muted, modern look, while polished precious metals offers a more classic look. The bride's engagement ring may dictate which metal you choose for your wedding bands. However, no selection rules apply, so feel free to mix and match different colors of gold or try a different metal entirely for your wedding bands. Be as creative or as traditional as you like.

Choosing an Engagement Band

The classic engagement ring is composed of two parts: a diamond and a setting. For the best value, find the engagement ring setting she'll love then devote the remainder of your budget to a beautiful, certified diamond. This is an emotional event, and a purchase that will last a lifetime. The two-months salary convention is a common starting point, but we believe that regardless of the amount you budget, your most important considerations should be quality and value.

Discovering what kind of ring she likes can be a challenge if you want to keep your proposal a secret. How do you know if she'll like the ring if she doesn't pick it out? If you consider her tastes and lifestyle, you'll be sure to make the right choice. Take a good look at the colour of jewellery your partner wears. What colour is the metal? Ask her friends or mother if she has mentioned a preference for a particular type or style of ring. Is she very active or not used to wearing jewellery? If so, consider a cathedral or contour setting, which will protect a diamond from rough treatment. Engagements are rarely an out-of-the-blue surprise, so it is common to discuss engagement ring choices with your partner. The only way to ensure you find a ring that will match her taste and style is to shop for a ring together.

Five Common Mistakes When Choosing Your Engagement / Wedding Bands

Not Allowing Enough Time To Order Your Wedding Bands - Many wedding bands are custom made to size. The manufacturers require anywhere from four to six weeks to deliver this type of ring. It's important to order your rings at least eight weeks prior to your wedding.
Inaccurate Finger Sizing - Many people, when trying on ring sizing devices, have a tendency to order a ring too large. Any experienced jeweler can help you measure your finger accurately.
Matching Your Engagement Ring - Many people have a tendency to choose a very elaborate wedding band. Depending on the style of your engagement ring, some wedding bands can tend to overpower the engagement ring and not look well when worn together. Many engagement rings are designed to standalone. When you try to put a wedding band next to it...they just don't complement each other.
Non-Matching Wedding Bands - There is no religious custom that requires the man's wedding band to perfectly match a lady's wedding band. Many times the man's ring will be more simple and masculine. Many people will choose wedding bands to suit their own tastes and do not necessarily match. This non-matching is perfectly acceptable for many people.
Shopping for Wedding Bands in Ordinary Jewelry Stores - When choosing a wedding band, it's a ring that you will be wearing for the rest of your life. You should be looking for a wide selection at a store that specializes in engagement rings and wedding bands.

VISIT OUR DIRECTORY OF WEDDING JEWELRY, WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS IN USA AND CANADA

LOCAL WEDDING RESOURCES:

iBride Articles - Wedding and Engagement Rings - More Then Just Jewelry