Purchasing an engagement ring can be one of the most important decisions you will make in your wedding process. It is also the decision to last the longest – engagement rings often become heirlooms, passed down through generations. The method of researching your options can quickly become overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
Some people may purchase a ring they are drawn to upon walking into a store – we love you for that! Others are meticulous researchers who are curious about every aspect of the process.
Whether you opt for a brand name or an independent goldsmith, there is a multitude of factors – big and small – that you’ll need to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. As with most essential tasks, my advice is always to divide and conquer.
Most of us, regardless of if we are male or female, love rings and appreciate wearing them. However, buying a wedding ring can be quite challenging as your partner’s tastes may be unique, or we may not know what would suit them. They are fantastic for symbolizing eternal love, but you want to be sure that the ring you choose is just right.
We will start by giving you a brief introduction to the anatomy of the ring so you know precisely what we are referring to, then move on to the types of band, settings, and finally, the different kinds of metal you can use.
Anatomy
All rings comprise similar component parts. Every ring will have a shank, commonly referred to as the band. However, some rings will have some other features, and just a few of these are detailed below:
Setting
The setting which can sometimes be referred to as the head is where the main stone will be situated. There are many different setting styles; some are designed to allow maximum light to enter the stone, while others focus more on protection.
Gallery
The gallery is located under the setting and is visible from the side. In some rings, the gallery can be barely visible; on others, it is a prominent feature and can sometimes house another stone.
Shoulders or Accent
The shoulders, also known as the accent, are the sloping sides from the shank to the setting. On some rings, they will remain plain, but often they are adorned with a series of small gemstones.
Prong
Prongs are a series of tiny metal claws rising from the setting, which will hold the stone in place. Typically, there will be four to six prongs, allowing a large amount of light to pass through the stone displaying a gem, such as a diamond’s famous sparkle.
In a previous post, we discussed how patterns like the polka dot can quickly and effectively liven up any wedding scene. Whether patterns form the central wedding theme, or are used as an accent to the main colors, they are a pleasant addition. Some patterns like stripes can be used everywhere, from the wedding cake to the bridesmaids dresses and rest of the décor.
Stripes are an interesting update to any wedding color scheme. When it is done in moderation, this pattern has the ability to add sophistication and make a color combination more attractive. Depending on the colors and width of stripes that are chosen, stripes can make a scene look more serious, casual or contemporary. Small pin stripes and big bold colored stripes have a casual feel, while softly colored stripes have a stylish effect. Hence it is a pattern to consider using at your wedding.
Check out our top ten ideas here, on how you can add this interesting detail into your wedding.
Gold? Silver? Modern or vintage? With or without diamonds? The multitude of choices that a bride and groom face when choosing their wedding rings can get overwhelming. Here are some quick tips for how to choose wedding rings without losing your mind first.
Before considering different types of wedding rings, think about your lifestyle. Are you active? Are you likely to get your ring snagged on something or dented? In addition to these lifestyle questions that might require a more durable ring, are there other considerations that could impact your ring selection? Do you tend to be drawn to trendy fashions which eventually fade?
Perhaps the easiest decision to make when buying a wedding ring is the metal. Making this first decision can help the bride and groom narrow their choices and make the decision easier. Silver is the least expensive, but it’s not as durable as some of the others. Gold is the most popular choice. Women often chose either white gold or yellow gold to match their engagement rings. In the past, many men picked a wedding ring that was the same metal as their bride’s. However, more and more men are selecting rings based on what they can see themselves wearing regardless of their bride’s selection.
When choosing a style, think about what you will love to wear now and thirty years from now. Maybe you would like something elaborate now, but would feel uncomfortable with it while playing sports or at the office. Take your time trying on different styles of wedding rings. It may be helpful to discuss the things you like about wedding rings that you have seen at other stores or online and get suggestions.
If you like the idea of having an antique or vintage wedding ring, consider checking antique dealers and estate sales. Due to a limited selection of available rings, you might want to opt for a new ring that is designed to look like an antique ring. Many jewelers can craft a ring that is inspired by antiques. You can print photographs of antique rings that you love, and show them to the jeweler. Some couples purchase antique rings that may not be exactly what the couple wants. However, the jeweler may be able to use the materials to adapt the antique rings or create new rings that will be everything the couple wants.
Many engaged couples are turning to the internet to buy wedding rings. Some are reluctant to trust online retailers for a wedding ring purchase. It can be difficult to get a real sense of the quality of a ring online. That’s why it’s extremely important to read the online jeweler’s return policy. The couple may feel more comfortable dealing with a trusted online jeweler rather than an individual through an online auction or Craigslist listing. With proper precautions and dealing with only reputable online retailers, couples can save a significant amount of money by purchasing a ring online.
For more tips about saving money while planning the perfect wedding, visit the Best for Bride blog. There you will find many helpful articles that can show you how to plan a wedding on a budget.
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