For those who decide to say, ‘I do’, the wedding day is one of the most special events of your life. The act of joining yourself to another person is a remarkable moment, and there is the added joy of celebrating your marriage with all of your friends and family around you. However, after months or even years of planning, the occasion will be over in a flash.
In addition to the photographs and the memories that will last a lifetime, it is your wedding rings that provide a daily reminder of your union. Used for centuries as a symbol of everlasting love, these bands act as an important tangible symbol of commitment between you and your other half.
Given their significance and the fact that they need to go the distance, your wedding rings need to be exactly tailored to you and your partner. This guide to choosing the ultimate wedding ring for him and her will help you find the perfect bands to journey with you through your marriage.
To match or not to match?
Traditionally wedding rings were matched to one another to reflect how marriage unites a couple forever. However, increasingly there has been a move towards individual designs for wedding rings. These unique pieces are sometimes linked by a central theme but also can be starkly different. If you and your partner have different tastes in jewellery, do not be afraid to investigate unique ring styles.
Finding the right shape
While you can choose any kind of ring you like, that doesn’t mean that there are no considerations. Of particular importance is finding the right shape. This does not just mean getting the right fit on your finger: those with an engagement ring will need to consider how the wedding band sits alongside the ring.
For engagement rings with high settings, classic court-shaped wedding bands should slot in nicely. Those with a cluster or halo engagement ring may need to look into specially shaped wedding rings to ensure that the two pieces sit flush together.
Consider your lifestyle
You may not wish to wear your wedding ring all the time, especially in situations where damage might be caused. However, a wedding band will be on your finger for much of your life. Considering your lifestyle is therefore exceptionally important when you are choosing your wedding ring.
Hard-wearing metals such as scratch-resistant zirconium are an ideal option for those who use their hands a lot in day-to-day activities. You may also need to consider hypoallergenic metals such as titanium. Platinum is a popular option as its natural bright white colour does not tarnish or fade.
Align with your style
Given that the wedding ring will be the most treasured part of your wardrobe, it is essential that it aligns with your style and is a design that you can be confident you’ll love forever.
For example, if you wear a lot of gold jewellery, it might be sensible to choose a gold wedding band. Weddings rings set with diamonds are visually spectacular and ideal if you like to make a statement – although it is worth remembering that these will need cleaning more often than plain metal bands.