Bridal Guide
So, you’re engaged – congratulations!
Now it’s time for the next big ring decision, choosing the perfect wedding ring. The list of considerations is quite different for selecting a wedding ring compared to an engagement ring. You should consider how the wedding rings complement the engagement ring and each other, and how it fits into your overall wedding budget. After all, isn’t trying on gorgeous jewellery one of the perks of being engaged? We talked to several jewellers about the tips and tricks to know before you start shopping. Read on to get their advice.
What Do Wedding Rings Symbolise ?
Wedding rings is an age-old tradition to symbolise your everlasting love and commitment to your partner. The gesture of exchanging wedding rings on your wedding day demonstrates your commitment to each other. By wearing your wedding ring every day after, you are telling the world that you are devoted to your love.
How are wedding rings worn? Traditionally, wedding rings are worn on the ‘ring finger’ on the left hand, thought to be closest to your heart. For those with an engagement ring, it can be stacked above or traditionally below it as the ultimate symbol of love and marriage.
Selecting A Metal
Many people assume that wedding bands and engagement rings have to be made of the same metal, but this isn’t true. Be creative! Don’t be afraid to mix metals and shapes. Mixed metals can really give a wedding set a modern look. However, if you do want to match your platinum ring with a platinum band, go for it! There are no rules when it comes to metal pairings, and your final decision should ultimately be a personal choice.
For those considering mixed metals. The most common mix is a white and yellow gold set, but don’t be limited in what you love. Mixing white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold has proven to be really stunning.” Adding yellow gold to a white gold engagement ring can make your set pop and look more unique.
Types Of Wedding Band
After selecting a ring metal, the next step you’ll want to then decide on a style of wedding band you love. To do this, consider whether you want a band that sits flush against your engagement ring, or if you’re okay with a small gap between the two. Generally, this will depend on your engagement ring setting, as high-set rings typically result in no gap when paired with a band, while low-set rings feature a centre stone that sits closer to the finger and, therefore, may produce a gap depending on your style of band.
For those who don’t mind whether or not their wedding band sits flush against their engagement ring, your experience will likely be easy as you can choose from any style of band available.
Classic Wedding Bands
If you don’t want a gap between your two rings, opt for a classic wedding band style. There are plenty of options within this category, like a simple, plain metal band; an eternity wedding band, which features pavé diamonds all around; and a channel-set band for a different way to mount diamonds.
Contoured Wedding Bands
If you have a low-set engagement ring and want your band to sit flush against your sparkler, contoured styles are the way to go. Contoured wedding bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring and are oftentimes custom-made to suit your exact preferences. This is achieved by shaping the front of the band to follow the contours of your ring to create an elegant pairing that looks completely natural.
Notched Wedding Bands
Another option for a flush look is a notched wedding band. If a contoured band looks like it was created specifically for your ring, a notched wedding band looks like a puzzle piece. It’s completely straight until the front, where there’s then a notch so that the stone can fit in place.
Pairing Suggestion
Now that you understand the fundamentals of selecting a wedding ring. Here are a few engagement ring and wedding band pairings that may leave you feeling inspired.
Round-Cut
Round Centre stones are a popular choice for engagement rings. What’s more, they’re also extremely versatile and any type of band will match them. The options are endless with round-cut stones, and they complement all other shapes of stones, and can easily be paired with any other band stone shape.
Princess-Cut
Anania suggests looking for a band that features small round diamonds, like a pavé eternity band. Princess cuts have a different brilliance because of the cut pattern, and adding round-cut stones really ups the sparkle.
Cushion-Cut
While opposites attract in terms of princess and round cut, that cushion-cut centre stones look great with other cushion cuts. Cushion cuts have a great sparkle, so a simple cushion French set band looks great.
Emerald-Cut
An emerald cut is a statement piece, and the band should emphasise the stone even more. Anania recommends a band with round-cut stones. Emeralds are a step-cut pattern that is not as reflective and brilliant as a traditional round cut. Adding a simple round-cut band adds the pop you need to top off this classic cut.
Marquise-Cut
If your marquise stone does not sit in a high setting, it can be difficult to find a band that sits flush with the ring. So, Anania thinks a contoured band is the best fit.
Oval-Cut
For maximum sparkle, Anania recommends pairing an oval-cut diamond ring with a band that features oval stones as well. The result is a beautiful matching band that makes the whole set more interesting.
Radiant-Cut
Radiant-cut diamond rings look good with pavé bands if you want to mix up the diamond cuts, but they also look great with other radiant cuts. Anania love using these in a full eternity style to match your design.
Pear-Cut
If there was ever a time to use a contoured band, it would be with a pear-cut diamond ring. Pear-cut rings pair nicely with contoured bands. Choosing a contoured band means your band will be exposed all around the stone. Pear-cut rings also look beautiful with embellished bands with a crown.
Asscher-Cut
An Asscher-cut diamond ring is unique and attention-grabbing. To help it stand out. Anania really enjoy pairing this cut with milgrain accented bands and step-cut stone bands like emerald cuts.
Baguette-Cut
Another unique cut, baguette diamond rings look right at home with a mix of two different cuts. For this style, Anania always recommend a baguette and round combination band.
Trillion-Cut
A trillion cut stands out so much on its own that Anania suggests really keeping it simple with the band.
Don’t Worry About Matching
A common question that comes up during wedding band shopping is “should our wedding bands match?” Contrary to what some may say, your wedding band does not need to match your loved ones. While choosing coordinating bands is traditional, and still desired by certain couples, don’t feel pressured to match if you two have different tastes. You should express your individuality and choose the ring you most love—and let your partner pick the ring that best suits them.
Choose Rings That Are Easy To Resize
As wedding bands are for all seasons, in fact for a lifetime, the couples should keep an eye on the re-sizing part. There would be times when the ring would tighten as the body swells during certain seasons or post-workout and sometimes the bands would become loose when the fingers shrink during winters. Moreover, women tend to gain weight during pregnancy and lose it post the arrival of the baby. These are considerations couples need to ascertain while selecting wedding rings. Most jewellery experts recommend rings that can be easily resized in the future.
A Wedding Ring Should Match Your Lifestyle
Many people choose to wear their wedding band every day. If this sounds like something you’ll do, it’s important to keep your lifestyle in mind when choosing the right ring. If you’re super active, go to the gym regularly, or use your hands for work, you may want to choose a more durable wedding band option to prevent damage and premature wear.
This also means considering the maintenance. The more intricate your wedding band, the more time and care you’ll have to invest in keeping it in tip-top shape.
Custom Wedding Ring
One current trend in wedding bands is some element of personalisation with many couples opting to write a sweet message or engrave with their name, initials or wedding date on the wedding band. If you want some sort of engraving on the inside of your band, make sure you choose one that is wide enough to accommodate your message. If traditional engravings aren’t your thing, there are other options.
To conclude, you can always get the best wedding rings provided you think, plan, and well execute the selection process. Every detail can be looked after when the couple has enough time for it and all aspects can be covered when you know what you want. Whether it’s about budget, type of ring settings, online purchase of rings, or choosing custom wedding ring designs, both partners need to discuss and agree to the individual as well as couple choices.
If you need help picking out the perfect wedding ring, one of the wedding ring experts at Anania Jewellers would be happy to assist you. Stop into our store or call (02) 9299 4251
