How to Buy Your Wedding Rings

Although usually a smaller financial outlay than a house or car, buying your wedding rings requires some consideration and research. After all, those wedding rings are meant to last a lifetime. Read on to ensure that your wedding ring will last from now to eternity.

Allow enough time. Yes, there are plenty of wedding rings in the local jewelry store. But, are they in your size and preferred metal? Even adjusting the size of a readily available wedding ring can take time. Engraving a wedding ring will take even longer. Don’t forget that peak wedding seasons, think Holidays, spring and summer, may mean an even longer wait. Those couples wanting custom made wedding rings should allow at least 2-3 months. Don’t wait till the very last minute or you may end up being disappointed with what is available.

Determine a price range. One of the best things about starting early on the wedding ring expedition is that you will have plenty of time to research prices, and the varying impacts that metals, stones, and engraving may have on the final price tag. The selection process will be much simpler once you have an idea of what you prefer and your budget.

Hallmarks and stamps. As with any jewelry purchase, you should ensure that your wedding rings are stamped or hallmarked. At the very least, there should be a stamp indicating the metal used and the quality. (Each metal has its own stamp or symbol, and these can vary a little globally). A quality wedding ring should also have a maker’s mark, identifying the particular manufacturing jeweler.

Lifestyle. This is one of the biggest considerations when selecting wedding rings. First up, are you planning on leaving your wedding ring on your finger 24/7, or taking it on and off? Those who have active lifestyles, or work with their hands, may well prefer a more sturdy band, or a flatter design that is less likely to wear or catch.

Test of time. You love your wedding ring now, but will you down the track? Are you selecting your wedding ring because it is the height of fashion or because of the symbolism? Slaves to fashion may well live to regret wedding rings that will be easily dated. (Unless you are planning a new wedding ring each anniversary ala Tori Spelling.)
Metal selection. You have many more choices now than a simple yellow gold wedding ring.

Some points to consider before deciding on the metal are: What looks best with your skin tone? What is your other jewelry made from? Are you planning on wearing your old jewelry or upgrading? What color is your watch? What do both of you prefer? One simple way to cover many bases is to select a two or three tone metal wedding ring. Those in contact with harsh chemicals or conditions may prefer a tougher metal such as titanium. Those with sensitive skin may prefer to select a hypo allergenic wedding ring such as platinum, titanium, or palladium.

Ring sizing. Regardless of whether you haven’t gained a pound in ten years, or you are planning on letting yourself go once the honeymoon is over, getting the ring size right is important. A wedding ring that is too small will cause skin irritations more easily, and one that is too large can easily slip off. Your finger size can change fairly dramatically from summer to winter and just during the course of the day. Ensure your jeweller factors these considerations in when sizing your ring. Those planning on gaining a few pounds after the wedding may like to know that titanium wedding rings can be more difficult to resize than other metals due to their being almost indestructible.

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry industry with much of his experience in polished diamonds, engagement rings, wedding rings and custom jewelry design. He is an accomplished business consultant and is available for advice on topics such as marketing, advertising, merchandising and business turnarounds.