Choosing a Great Wedding Ring - Six Keys to Consider

So you have done the hard part. Proposed to your future bride, and she said ‘yes’. Your charm, timing and choice of engagement ring, worked perfectly to get you the outcome you so desired. Now what? If the engagement ring has gone on her finger, the next step is to get the next key ring on her. So what’s the deal with wedding rings? What is the right process that leads you to a great one? Does this process even matter? Should, just any old wedding ring of choice (hopefully a metal one) do the trick? Not quite. Finding a great wedding rings, which are apparently simpler in style in contrast to engagement rings, come with a number of locks that need to be opened before you find the right one. We’re here to help you unlock them for you. So get set.

Match your Engagement Ring

A point that cannot be overstated. When it comes to buying your beloved a precious wedding ring, its connection with the engagement ring is key. What kind of engagement ring does she have on her finger? How does this ring proceed to combine with your choice of a wedding ring? Consider the following factors before making your purchase:

The metal of choice and its colour

- Are you going for a platinum or gold, or silver engagement ring? What is the colour of the metal? Note, metal types come in different colours. Gold wedding and engagement rings are not only found in the traditional yellow but also white and rose gold. Pay attention to these colour varieties, as it will impact your choice of a wedding ring.

For example rose gold engagement rings are considered a great choice for all skin shades, which means your choice of wedding ring ought to be one that combines well with it. Platinum is considered a more durable metal than gold. So if your engagement ring is of this metal type, then it is best to go for the same type for your wedding ring.

The type of precious stone and it's colour - Again the same principle applies. For it is worth considering that certain gemstones are better suited for certain precious metals. And the colour of the stone in your engagement rings may be a better match with certain precious metal types, and so affect your wedding ring. Blue sapphires engagement rings combined well with white or silver-toned metals, and so affect your wedding ring.

Plan purchasing the engagement ring and the wedding ring together

The second key follows logically from the first. If you’re planning on buying your engagement ring, then it is natural that you would consider going for a wedding ring down the line. Whilst, there is always the question of ‘Will She’ or ‘Won’t She’. As a principle, it is best to consider your search for a wedding ring alongside your hunt for an engagement ring. Doing so makes sense for a number of reasons.

First, you are able to ensure the colour and style of your engagement ring fits with your planned wedding ring. Ensuring the colour and style combination of the two rings is key. For you don’t want to be giving your partner a white gold engagement ring with a blue sapphire stone, only to be paired up with a yellow gold wedding ring. The contrast-which may work for some-is not likely to look great. And she might even end up hating it.

Changes to design. This is a point which I will get into later. But the point is, when changes are made to an engagement or wedding ring, it is important to consider the effects it is likely to have on the other. So having both rings in your sights will help you deal with unexpected outcomes: repair, change in design or maybe a replacement. These changes are best made with both rings in mind.

Check Her LifeStyle

The third key also extends from your choice of engagement ring. For your engagement ring: in terms of design, stone shape, metal type etc. Will greatly depend on the lifestyle and career of your partner. So when picking a wedding it is worth consider this factor, for if your finance happens to be is an outdoor person, with a very active lifestyle that brings her into contact with rugged terrain, with a lot of rough environments, then a more durable metal of choice (like platinum) might be suitable. If her work involves working with many tools with a high risk of damage from implements, then you have to consider the stone placement and design of the ring. A choice will impact your wedding ring, depending on the changes that are made. Importantly depending on the kind of wedding and engagement ring that you choose to meet her lifestyle demands, it will have an effect on the after-purchase services like maintenance, return policy etc. So it is best to keep an eye out for this before you go to make your decision.

The Design of your Wedding Ring 

Contrary to what many people may think, wedding rings are not always the simple, mono-coloured metal bands: with no accents or designs, or the presence of precious stones. With the changing interests of the modern consumer, with notable changes taking place in fashion and lifestyle, driven by the power and connections of social media, bridal jewelry are also seeing interesting changes. With notable changes in the design of wedding rings.

From accent colors, to the presence of distinct cuts, to even the addition of precious stones, though less noticeable than what is found in engagement rings. These changes are adding a new dimension to the purchasing process of wedding rings. If your in the market for a wedding ring, you better let go of the idea that buyers, or in this case, your future wife, is simply looking for “just another wedding ring”!

Modern jewelers seek to add new variations and styles, which includes the additions of gemstones and even diamonds to the wedding rings. But be warned not all brides-to-be are likely to accept the idea of highly stylized wedding rings. Take time to learn about what she wants. Which takes us to the next point.

Talk to Your Partner

There’s nothing more important than having the right information about her needs and expectations before going into purchasing your wedding or engagement rings. Whilst engaging such matters, which are meant to be a surprise, may not be the easiest thing to do. Especially for men, for whom conversations about weddings and engagements are not the most topical subjects.

However, when it comes to these key decisions, you need to have some idea of what her tastes are? What kind of metals does she like? Her favourite precious stone and metal? In preparing for your proposal, the process to help get the most suitable engagement ring will help in this regard. But there are some key questions you must ask her. Here’s a list of a few important ones:

Her favourite metal.

Her choice of precious stone.

Does she like precious stones, other than diamonds (e.g. blue sapphires).

What does she think about accent coloured rings (Solitaire. Pearl)

Her outdoor interests.

Does she prefer the old school style, or something different!

Know your Jeweler

Probably the most important key to unlocking a great engagement ring. When picking your wedding ring it is important to know that your choice of jeweller has the history and the product range to meet, not just your expectations for the best wedding ring, but also for the right engagement ring. As you may realize, buying an engagement ring and a wedding ring is a process that goes together. And usually the jeweller your pick to buy your engagement ring is one who almost always ends up being the choice for your wedding ring.

However, picking your jeweller who provided the engagement ring as your wedding ring destination is not only a matter of convenience. Since precious jewellery is a long term purchase, there many other factors to consider when making this key decision. Your choice of jeweller should be able to meet the following key requirements:

Does your jewellery pass the basic reputation test? Jewellers involved in fine jewellery (diamonds and other precious stones) need to be GIA certified. Whilst this credential only applies to diamonds, it is a worthy distinction that separates ordinary jewellery sellers and distributors from those involved in the art of jewellery design.

The range of products the jeweller provides. The good jewellers provide a range of products and services, that go beyond the wedding and wedding-related accessories. Since you’re choice of engagement ring provider also ought to be your choice of wedding ring provider, this will allow you more time to appraise the quality and range of services they are providing.

The customization options that the jeweller is able to provide. When it comes to purchasing your wedding or engagement ring, there will always be changes or slight improvements that the customer is likely to request. Whilst the reputable companies work according to the “What you see is What you get” principle, jewellers must be prepared to meet the specific requirements that customer may demand. The more reliable jewellers tend to have their own jewellery design team, in house. So changes can be made more quickly and effectively.

Relationship. Does the jewellery value you as a person? Not as just another customer to make money out of. This is a general principle that applies to any business transaction. But it is especially important in the jewellery business. Where the prices are higher, and the purchase is similar to an investment. For the decision is something that stays with you. Which is important when it comes to customer support and after-sales services. The good wedding jeweller is someone who values the connection with the person at another end. The best jewellery companies seek to build a relationship that remains even after the sale has been made. Here it is important that you study the business practices, support services of your potential jeweller.

Weddings are meant to last a lifetime. Or at least a very long time. The decisions to purchase a quality wedding or engagement ring is not a simple one. It is worth taking the time and investing the effort getting the best possible ring. Hope this sets you on the right track.