They say diamonds are forever, and we hope your marriage will last just that long. In the months between the proposal and the marriage, you and your spouse probably feel like you’re living in a fairy tale. Yet, you must be practical about one of the most romantic things you’ll ever do—picking the rings that’ll symbolize your love and commitment.
There are a number of things to take into consideration, from cost to style and everything in between. How well you make this decision can be a good portent of things to come so, let’s simplify this process for you as best as we can.
Ask yourselves the following questions:
What do we want?
We’re assuming that you’ve decided on rings as a symbol of your union in the first place. Do you both want rings or does one partner believe in no rings? Yes, that’s actually a thing. There are people who do not believe in wearing rings for all sorts of reasons ranging from the religious to health-related. So, this is something you and your partner have to be on the same page about. Neither of you should feel slighted by the decision you arrive at.
What do we like?
This is a question much like the first one. You want to check for your preferences in jewellery. Do you like silver while he loves gold? Do you go for the traditional while she is on the eccentric side? Is your style elaborate where his is subtle? Classic where hers is trendy? You have to take both your tastes into consideration so that your rings reflect your truest selves.
You might want to retain your individual preferences in one or more aspects and complement in others. Or you may choose not to match at all. If you do choose to match, you get to decide how much and in what ways. You may choose the same metal but different designs or the reverse. You may wear different metals and designs but use matching inscriptions. For the ladies, you may try to find a wedding band to match your engagement ring or trade the latter for a totally different wedding band and engagement ring set. Whatever you choose to do, ensure it’s what feels most comfortable.
How much do we have?
If you’re anything like the average human being, you do not have unlimited access to funds so, you’ll have to work within a budget. Bearing your preferences in mind, your budget is likely to be a major deciding factor in things like the type of metal or the gem size (if any). Even if you don’t have a shoestring budget, you should have a general idea of how much you’re willing to spend on this most important piece of jewellery.
When should we start looking?
It’s never too early to start the search for the perfect rings, especially if you intend to have them custom-made. You should be close to making a choice at least two months to your wedding. This will help you fine-tune details including any changes you want to make. It’ll give the jeweller enough time to create flawless pieces or adjust for sizes, and you’ll avoid last-minute mishaps such as mixed-up orders or late delivery.
How do we check for quality?
As with other kinds of jewellery made from precious metals, there are standard marks to look out for. Your rings should have, inside the bands, the quality mark for as many metals are as used (e.g. PLAT for platinum, 925 for sterling silver or 18K for 18carat gold) and the manufacturer’s trademark.
Do we need insurance?
For inexpensive rings, there is no need really as insurance might end up costing more than the rings themselves. However, for costly jewellery with precious metal and/or gemstones, the simple answer is yes. If you can’t be bothered to make the effort, you might want to consider less expensive options.
Do they fit?
Be sure to get the right sizes, not tight enough to hurt, not loose enough to fall off. Your rings will be with you through daily finger size and temperature fluctuations and you need to ensure that they can weather all these changes without pain or loss. For best results, try rings out in the mid-afternoon to early evening.
Can we wear them every day?
How do your rings fit into your lives? Does your occupation require that you work with your hands, wear no jewellery or dress conservatively? How durable is the material? How comfortable is your ring for everyday wear? Will you still fancy this ring in ten or thirty years?
We wish you the best with asking and answering these questions on your way to finding the perfect, forever kind of ring for a forever kind of love.