Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Band
Whether a man is choosing his own wedding band or his fiancé is surprising him on the big day, the choice can be quite stressful. Here's a handy guide for you.
Step 1: Choose the Metal
Platinum: While you may think it is too expensive, its durability and strength will pay off in the long run. Not only will platinum never break, but its white sheen will never lose its brightness.
Gold: As the most popular choice for jewellery, there is a wide variety of gold ring options. Gold is an extremely versatile metal with a wide variety of colours to choose from, including yellow, white and rose. It will, however, wear over time.
Silver: If you are more concerned with the romantic symbolism, your best option is silver, the oldest metal in jewellery making. If you are worried about the durability of this metal, opt for one coated in rhodium.
Cobalt: Cobalt is the perfect choice if you don't know his ring size, but still want to surprise him on your wedding day. Not only does cobalt allow for easy resizing, but it is four times harder than platinum, making cobalt rings durable.
Titanium: Known as the hardest metal in the world, titanium is light-weight, strong and scratch-resistant. Titanium is known for its darker colour,which makes it stand out. There is, however, not much choice available, as jewellers struggle to work with this metal.
Tungsten: Providing you don¿t mind the weight, tungsten is the ring of choice if you want a wedding band in a darker metal. Tungsten does not tarnish easily and is four times harder than titanium.
Stainless steel: It is known that many men lose their wedding rings the first year of marriage. If this is a concern, spend less on your ring by opting for stainless steel. Despite the low cost, it is strong, durable and scratch resistant.
Step 2: Choose the Profile
Court: The court is the most traditional wedding ring profile and its rounded edges make it undoubtedly the most comfortable option available.
Flat court: If you are looking for something both comfortable and modern, choose the flat-court. It has a curved inner edge and a flat exterior.
Concave: If you want to add dimension to a simple ring, opt for a concave ring. This ring has a rounded interior for comfort and a subtle curve on the exterior for style.
Flat: The flat profile offers an ultra-modern appeal, with a flat interior and exterior.
Halo: The halo is the most simple and popular ring profile for men and women. Its completely circular shape offers a classic appeal.
D-shape: The D-shape is the most popular ring profile. Not only is the exterior shaped for comfort, but its flat interior is perfect for engravings.
Step 3: Choose the Finish
Mirror: Opt for a highly reflective, polished shine if you want your ring to be noticed. This is not only a classic look, but also a very popular option.
Fine matte: A misty effect is created by finely scratching the surface of the metal, without creating any apparent texture.
Coarse matte: The surface of the metal has a noticeable texture because it has been more obviously scratched than the fine matte finish.
Hammering: For a multi-faceted look, choose this finish. The surface is subjected to a tiny hammering effect, leaving a dented surface that reflects light in various directions.
Stardust: A sparkling effect is created by combining rough texturing and high polishing.
Sandblasted: High pressure sand blasting is used to create a coarse look and grainy feel.
Step 4: Choose a Style
Plain band: A plain wedding band is a classic and timeless style.
Gem set: If you want to add a little sparkle to your finger, add a diamond or favourite gem stone to the ring.
Shaped: There is a wide variety of shaped rings for something unique. This is particularly popular among couples who want to have matching wedding rings.
Two tone: Can¿t decide between metals? Two tone style allows you to choose both metals, with one wedged between the other.
Inlay: An alternative to two-colours of metal, a wooden or ceramic inlay offers a unique look to any plain band.
Engraved: Engraving a personal message, your initials or wedding date can add a personal dimension to any ring. Engraving can be done in a variety of styles including hand engraving, machine engraving and laser engraving.
Now that you know how to choose your wedding band, there¿s no reason to procrastinate. So go on, set your wedding date.