Wedding rings are more than just a symbol of wedlock; they are the most essential bridal jewellery a person can possess. Today, wedding rings are available in a variety of designs and are made using more than just traditional precious metals like gold and silver. Traditionally, wedding rings are supposed to be nothing more than a band of silver or gold with an inscription (hence the term wedding bands), today wedding rings are made from various precious metals and gemstones. Although each wedding ring guide has its pros and cons, there are few things that need to be kept in mind while buying wedding rings.

Give Yourself Time

Don’t go looking for wedding rings a few weeks before the wedding. With so many options available, choosing wedding rings in a hurry can be a difficult task. You should ideally search for wedding rings a few months before the wedding. Spend time and compare the cost, construction and quality of wedding rings you have looked at. If you are planning on customizing the wedding rings with engravings, you should order the wedding rings at least 1 month before the wedding. Ideally, the process of short listing and buying the wedding rings should span a time period of 2 months.

The Budget

Wedding rings can cost anything from $150 to $1500, and most wedding ring guides agree that the wedding rings should constitute around 3% of the wedding budget. Depending on the weight and the number of precious stones, a platinum wedding ring with diamonds can cost nearly $3000. It is important to have a strict budget in mind and stick to the budget at all costs. If the bride’s ring is already available (a ring that is passed on from generation to generation), there is no harm in spending a little extra on the groom’s ring.

Ergonomics and Looks

While shopping for wedding rings, keep in mind that the wedding ring will be on your fingers at all times. If you love outdoor activities and sports, you might want to buy a ring that is rounded and does not have sharp edges (such rings are aptly named “comfort fit” rings). Similarly, avoid rings with precious stones, and if you are allergic to gold or silver, invest in a platinum ring (as platinum is extremely hypo allergic in nature). Base your decision on both the looks and the comfort of the ring, and not just the looks and price alone.

Quality Matters

Make sure the wedding rings have the manufacturer’s trademark and quality mark. Manufacturers hallmark their jewelry to symbolize their commitment to quality and to indicate they stand by their products. If your wedding rings are a composite of more than one precious metal, make sure there is a quality mark for each metal. For example, a platinum and white gold ring should have a quality mark for both platinum and gold.

Style

Do not choose a wedding ring that is flashy or has too many precious stones. No matter what wedding ring guide you are reading, it will remind you over and over again that you will be wearing the wedding ring for a long time to come. Wedding rings should blend in with all types of clothing and stay in fashion for as long as possible. Try and buy a wedding ring that is a blend of more than one precious metal.

His & Hers

Although wedding ring guides are full of his and hers ideas, you don’t need to match your wedding rings in the conventional sense. Wedding rings should reflect an individual’s taste and preference, and should complement the person wearing them. Think out of the box, and if possible consult a few wedding ring guides to get ideas on how you can match your wedding rings while maintaining your individual taste and preference. For example, wedding rings can have similar inscriptions or be made from the same metal to ‘match’ them.

The human body grows and contracts during the course of a day, you should avoid giving measurements for your ring early in the morning or immediately after sports. To make sure you find the best possible fit, get your fingers measured when you are relaxed and your body temperature is normal.

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