Wedding Bands: Demystifying the Ring of Commitment

Depending on what part of the world you’re from, the term wedding band may seem a bit alien. For the uninitiated, wedding rings and wedding bands, both refer to the same thing. The rings that are exchanged in matrimony, and arguably the most important piece of jewellery a person may ever wear. Whilst engagement rings take much of the attention when it comes to fine jewellery: Owing to their greater economic value (precious stones, and visual emphasis etc.). However, there is no disputing the significance of the precious wedding ring. The jewel that carries much meaning and sentiment, and is the symbol and instrument seals the deal of a romantic union. So here we explain a little bit more about wedding bands: their history, character, designs and some things that you need to consider before going in for the big purchase.

A Bit of History on Wedding Bands (Rings)

The origins of wedding bands or rings (bands henceforth), can be, like so much of Western culture, traced back to Classical culture. Though the ancient Egyptians also had some version of these in use as well. However, it was in Classical culture that the use of of these instruments’ as markers of fidelity and commitment gained recognition. For marriages, then as it is today, were a way of bringing not just the couple, but also families and extended communities together. Whilst early versions of wedding bands were not always of metals, precious or otherwise. However, the idea of permanence that is associated with the institution of marriage helped evolve the idea of the wedding band. Which came to be considered as a symbol of a long term union, hence its evolution into something more solid. Metals, notably precious metals like gold and silver, thus became the natural candidates.

A common practice associated with wedding bands (and engagement rings) is that they are worn on the left hand on the “ring finger”. The reasons for this, it is believed, that the ring finger on the left hand, contains a special vein that runs directly to the heart. The Romans called it Vena Amoris: Which means the Vein of Love. It is believed that the Romans were also the first in adopting the use of metals (iron) in making this precious ring, owing to its durable character, that also implied longevity: So a visible sign of love, as something to be sealed with a precious metal was the next step. More can be said on the topic of weddings and wedding bands, but as the reader will know, their importance has been a natural part of human society. And now the idea of associating precious metals, and enhancing them via special designs can be seen as an evolution of this process.

Choosing the Right Jeweller for your Wedding Bands

Arguably the most important point to consider when going for your wedding band. However, the process of choosing the right wedding band often comes down to picking the right engagement ring. Since the engagement precedes the wedding, there is the question of time that needs to be considered. So the first step is to find the right jeweller: one who is able to meet your expectations when it comes to designing the best fitting, best looking, durable engagement ring for the right price.

Sapphire and Diamond Wedding Band Set

Custom made Sapphire Engagement Ring and Diamond Wedding Band Set by Brilliyond

Getting the Measurements Right

Size and fit are key factors in the making of fine jewellery. Whilst much of the emphasis tends to be placed on the external look and feel of the jewellery item, the question of fit, and comfort for the wearer are key points to consider. For often the purchase of a beautiful, high-value wedding band, tends to be the subject of return owing to poor fitting. So it is critical you learn about the services that are offered by the jeweller you choose. The best ones, in addition to having a careful ring measurement options, also maintain a solid after-purchase returns and adjustments policy.

Customization Options

When it comes to fine jewellery many centres on the ability to customize your choice. A matter that is especially relevant in the case of wedding bands and engagement rings. The latter, owing to the many options in terms of gemstones, precious metal types, ring shapes, placements and sizes, is important to consider. So the element of personalization, which strongly applies in the case of must also be considered. When it comes to picking the right (or perfect) wedding band, finding the right jeweller who is able to make the necessary adjustment to the wedding band, shape, is able to make desired additions, like engravings and other minor improvements is crucial.

Wedding Bands for men?

Whilst anything that is associated with weddings, notably wedding rings, engagement rings, and other jewellery items, in addition to the dress and décor; have historically been the arena of women. However, the prominence of men when it comes to marital unions, from the standpoint of bling and style, is now gaining greater prominence. From the growing emphasis on men’s fashion to the popularity of men’s style in general. Hence the focus on men’s jewellery, such as wedding bands for men, have seen a steady rise.

When it comes picking the right wedding bands for men, the same principles that applies to women are applicable here. However, what is notable are the growing design options that are entering the market. In the past, wedding bands for both and men were basically the same. However, in recent times jewellery designers are introducing dedicated styles that seek to provide men more design options. One of the key reasons, in context of weddings, is that men typically don’t wear engagement rings: Hence owing to the absence of these more stylistic jewellery items, means there is now greater emphasis on stylistic additions to wedding band range. In some cases men’s wedding bands could take the place of a man’s engagement ring: with additions such as precious stones, and dual accent stones, or even a combination of metal types being use in the final product.

What Wedding Band is Right for Me?

It is tough to say. But when it comes to choosing the right wedding band, it is best to start by planning ahead. In the process you need to ask yourself some key questions as it pertains to your preferences, your partner’s preferences. Your choice of engagement ring is key in getting your choice of wedding bands right. Which comes down to picking the right jeweler: someone who understand your expectations and is able to make changes accordingly. What you see is what you get, maybe the selling point for jewelers, but just remember that changes to your choice of jewelry, before you get what you wanted, is almost inevitable. 

Rafael Green

Damian Sylvester

Is the Lead Content Developer and Digital Marketer for Brilliyond Jewellery, with a keen interest in the gemstone industry and business development. His posts focus on educating readers on jewelry industry, precious stones. With his academic background in business and professional writing, he brings an analytical approach to developing content writing. His posts adopt a historical approach to the given subject, and combines them with the latest trends in the industry and the business environment. From buying guides, to the histories of precious stones, to exotic topics which most readers are yet to learn about. The reader stands to benefit from both perspectives: as the content is aimed towards buyers, jewellery enthusiasts, and those involved in the business side of the jewellery industry.

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