Revered British jeweller Beaverbrooks share their top tips on how to find the right wedding ring for you.
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Although often underplayed in importance (let's face it, competing with the gravitas of an engagement diamond is rather difficult) choosing your wedding rings is actually an important task.
Unlike many elements of your wedding - the cake, the décor, the flowers – your wedding bands will stand the test of time and stay with you beyond the big day.
Because it is a piece of jewellery, we turned to revered British jeweller Beaverbrooks to share their top tips on how to find the right ring for you.
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HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
Significance
Your wedding rings signify love and commitment, and symbolise the start of a shared life. It is tradition that the bride pay for the groom's ring, and the groom pay for the bride's ring, as a symbolic gesture of that commitment.
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HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
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Budget
As with most wedmin-related tasks, setting a budget (and sticking to it) is key. The price of your rings depends on design, metal, make etc, but we would say the average wedding ring is around £1,800. "As a rule of thumb we would recommend you spend a little bit more than you would compared to your regular jewellery so it really will last a lifetime," explains Lorna Burhouse, Beaverbrooks Buyer.
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HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
To match or not to match?
It is often said that wedding rings must match up, or look similar, but this isn't necessarily the case. "This is a personal choice for every couple,” says Lorna. “ These rings will be worn for a lifetime so it’s really important that both bride and groom love their wedding rings forever.”
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
Metals
Before thinking about shape or design, start by narrowing down your metal options. Many brides choose a metal based on their engagement ring. Gold is a classic option but if it is too pure (around 24karats) it will be too soft for daily wear; less pure versions are more durable. White gold has become increasingly popular of late, as has platinum which has the benefit of being a very tough metal, able to withstand every day wear and tear. Palladium, similar in colour and durability, is a more budget-friendly option. For something more modern, opt for titanium; it has a darker silver hue and is very light to wear.
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
Shape
The idea is that your wedding ring and engagement ring will sit side by side, so choosing a ring that fits in with your sparkler is important. If your engagement ring is straight-edged you won't struggle, but if the setting is more significant or pronounced you may want to consider a curved ring or fitted ring instead. This will have a delicate curve, a pronounced Z-shape or a cut-out in the ring.
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
Profile
How your wedding ring sits next to your engagement ring aside, there are more shape considerations to keep in mind – especially for men. The ring profile, as it is called, looks to the side of the ring. Your options will include: court shape, which is rounded on the inside and out; flat profiles, which are completely rectangular; or D-shape, flat on the inside, round on the outside. These are subtle differences but you will notice them when you see the designs side by side.
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
Sparkle?
Engagement rings aren’t the only rings that get to sparkle! Wedding rings can dazzle with diamond settings, too. “It is all about personal taste,” explains Lorna. “You can choose a half or full eternity style ring, which are real statement pieces.” Some men like to have diamonds in their wedding rings, too. Those designs are usually have a heavier look and feel though.
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING -
And Finally…
“We really recommend you try on as many as possible to make sure you choose the perfect one,” says Lorna. Can’t argue with the experts, can we?
A few final thoughts for you to take away with you: Make your shopping trip as fun as possible, and make it a joint activity (remember you are supposed to pay for each other’s rings). Try on as many rings as possible to make sure you choose the perfect one. Don't forget – these rings will be with you forever! If you aren’t having a bespoke ring made you can always add a personal touch with an engraving. Don’t leave finding your ring to the last minute – the usually take between 4-8 weeks to be ordered. And, of course, don’t forget your rings on the day!
READ OUR GEM JARGON BUSTER
HOW TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING
THE DOS AND DON'TS OF RING SHOPPING
