A wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment. It represents the unity of your love and is the materialization of your marriage.
While a lovely sentiment, none of this makes it any easier to choose your wedding band. At Janina’s, we know choosing a wedding band can be complicated and overwhelming. We aim to make the process easier on engaged couples, starting with these seven tips for picking a wedding band:
1. Decide how you’re going to wear the set.
Some women prefer to wear just their wedding band, others like to wear both wedding band and engagement ring together. Making this decision can impact the type of wedding band you may want to consider.
If you choose to wear your wedding band as part of a set with your engagement ring, you’ll want to choose a band that compliments the ring. A number of band options exist that place emphasis on your engagement ring, including shadow or contour bands.
Shadow bands – which are also known as contour bands – mimic the curvature of your engagement ring. They have varying degrees of curves and can be custom-made to perfectly match your engagement ring, as well as your style.
Should you choose to wear the rings together, you’ll also want to consider soldering the pieces. Many people decide to leave the rings separate for versatility. This is ultimately the wearer’s decision, though soldering rings can help prevent them from wearing down faster.
2. Decide on your budget.
Before you get too far into wedding band shopping, you’ll want to make sure you know your budget. Most jewellery stores will have options in a variety of budgets, so you’re sure to find something to fit both your budget and your style.
Keep in mind that you can always upgrade or change your wedding band if your eyes like what is a bit beyond your wallet at the current moment.
3. Decide on the metal.
Consider what metal you want. Traditionally, you would want to pick matching metals for both engagement ring and wedding band – at least, colour wise. However, as styles and preferences change, we’ve seen a move towards mixing and matching metals more than ever before.
Each metal has its own drawbacks and advantages. Yellow gold is a traditional and beautiful choice, yet it can dull over time. Rose and white gold choices offer a wider choice of colours but will need to be replated in time. Platinum is durable and hypoallergenic and yet it comes with the highest price tag of your metal options.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget as well as your style.
4. Decide on the style.
You have numerous options for style, regardless of whether you decide you want to wear the band with your engagement ring or just by itself. The main styles to choose from include:
Simple Metal Band
Simple bands with no gemstones add layers to your jewellery. They can be easily stacked and come in a variety of designs. As these designs are made from the metal – and require no gemstones to accentuate – this band style is a more affordable option for many couples.
Pavé Band
These are encrusted bands. The diamonds – or other gemstones if you choose – are set into the metal in a variety of patterns and designs. This allows you to have sparkle and shimmer on your wedding band without prongs.
Eternity Band
Eternity bands have identically sized diamonds that cover the entire ring to symbolize the eternity of your commitment. Two main eternity settings are available: prong and channel settings. This allows a bit of customization for your own personal style and preference.
Anniversary Band
Just like an eternity band, anniversary bands have identically sized diamonds that cover a portion of the ring. Unlike eternity bands, the diamonds on anniversary bands only cover half the band. These bands have all the beauty of an eternity band, just with fewer diamonds.
5. Decide if you want to match your partner – or if you want individually styled rings.
Again, the tradition would be to match with your partner. Of course, wedding bands now come in a variety of styles and designs, so don’t be surprised if you aren’t drawn to the same types.
The most important factor to remember is that you want something you will both wear. This might mean a more stylized ring for one person, while the other might need simplicity to reach for their band every day.
If it matters deeply that to you that you both match, consider custom rings. These allow for complete control over the design, ensuring a happy compromise between bride and groom.
6. Remember personalized engravings.
Custom engravings can tie together a bride and a groom’s wedding band. Our goldsmiths can engrave dates or words on the inside of the ring. Should you choose non-matching rings with your partner, this can provide a way to tie the rings together.
And, speaking about customizing your rings…
7. Fully customized wedding bands are always another option.
Sometimes you just have your heart set on a specific design. If you can’t find it readily available, find a jeweller who offers in-house goldsmithing. Choosing to have your ring created by our goldsmiths means you get the exact ring you want. Goldsmithing allows us to meet all your needs with truly endless possibilities.
Have a question about choosing your wedding band?
Phone: 780-539-9992 // Email: info@janinas.com // Facebook Message: m.me/JaninasDiamonds