picking the right
wedding rings for
you and your groom
A
lot of thought goes into planning each aspect of your big day, from finding
your dream dress to finalizing your menu, but don’t forget the one important
detail that symbolizes your marriage: the wedding ring. Representing your love
and commitment to each other, your wedding bands are a special investment.
Read
on for tips to help you select the most precious of all jewels.
what to look for
Choosing the wedding bands is often one of the first important decisions a couple will make together. Give yourselves at least two months to shop for your rings. Do your research by browsing through magazines, checking out websites, and perusing fine jewelry stores to get ideas and educate yourselves on wedding rings. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” says Russell Kwiat, bridal jewelry expert at Kwiat. “You don’t want to rush or feel pressured to decide, you should be sure you get rings that you both will love for years to come.” Keep in mind that you might need to start your search earlier if you want engraving, as it can sometimes take up to a month to have it done. Only go to reputable jewelers and get recommendations from friends and family on certified jewelers they’ve worked with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and inspect the rings that grab your attention for the manufacturer’s trademark verifying its authenticity, and the metal purity mark, which shows what the band is made out of.
Quality is the key when selecting your rings. “Platinum is the most popular for wedding bands because it’s a strong and pure metal. T hen comes 18K gold,” says Laurie A dorno, general manager at David Yurman. If you want diamonds in your rings, focus on the Four C’s: Color, the best quality white diamonds should be colorless or nearly colorless; Cut, the facet proportions on the surface of the diamond, which give it its brilliance; Clarity, referring to the imperfections, or preferably the lack of imperfections, within the stone; and Carats, the weight of the stone. Round
and emerald-cut stones are usually the most flattering in a wedding band. Colored diamonds, especially yellow and pink, are as fashionable as they are rare, while rubies and sapphires are other desirable gems to consider.
what
a girl (and her groom) wants
Consider your and your fiancés tastes and lifestyles when picking the rings. Try on different styles to see what you like, says Karen Bussen, author of Simple Stunning Bride. “Make sure the band’s width and detailing work for you and flatter your hand.”
Almost every bride prefers a band that complements her engagement ring, many favoring the symmetry of matching diamonds, style, or metal. However, choosing a band other than one that matches your engagement ring can create a unique look. “Pave diamond and shared prong settings are popular with brides,” says Kwiat. “They’re classic styles that are always chic.” Either way, your band should look stunning on its own, as well as beautiful with your engagement ring.
Grooms usually like something more understated or sleek with a small touch of character, such as a platinum band with a smooth finish or milgrain edge. Slim, unembellished bands are also groom favorites. For the man who likes some bling, diamonds that lie flat within the band, such as channel and bezel settings, are best as they are less likely to catch, chip, or come loose. A wedding ring might be the only piece of jewelry your groom wears, so choose something he’ll be comfortable wearing. Encourage him to speak up about what he likes and dislikes. “See what he gravitates to, most men won’t waiver much from their initial choice,” says Kwiat. Selecting a style that goes with the type of watch he wears is also a good idea, adds Adorno.
current
trends
While you don’t want to lean towards trends when choosing your wedding bands as they should be timeless, there are contemporary styles that endure throughout the years:
stackable rings for the bride
Women tend to modify or add on to their wedding band, so starting a set of stackable rings featuring diamonds or other precious stones allows her to upgrade her band for anniversaries.
This style also complements other classic pieces, making it even more appealing.
titanium metal for the groom
This tough metal’s cool factor—think Lamborghini rims—is one reason why it’s a favorite among grooms, with its matte finish being another draw.
wider bands
More couples are opting for wide-band rings thanks to their modern look with a vintage flair.
custom-made
For the bride and groom who want truly personalized bands, having their rings designed by an artisan jeweler is a great option. Couples can create their own unique setting and details.
singular sensation
Fashion-forward brides are forgoing both an engagement and wedding ring, electing for a more elaborate band with diamonds and details or asking her groom to invest more in an engagement-style ring that she’ll wear as her wedding band.
Current trends allow couples to stray away from the tradition of choosing wedding rings that perfectly match. Now, you’re free to pick wedding bands that reflect each of your personalities while complementing one another’s ring. To maintain a uniform look, some aspect of your rings should coordinate, such as the metal or inscriptions.
everlasting looks
No matter what’s in vogue, let your own taste dictate what you choose, but consider something classic. A classic style can be worn with different types of clothing and on all occasions. Go for simple shapes and elegant accents of stones and details.
A wedding ring is a cherished piece of jewelry to show off to the world. It’s a consistent reminder of your journey through life together; and like your vows, it’s full of meaning and sentiment.
picking the right
wedding rings for
you and your groom
A
lot of thought goes into planning each aspect of your big day, from finding
your dream dress to finalizing your menu, but don’t forget the one important
detail that symbolizes your marriage: the wedding ring. Representing your love
and commitment to each other, your wedding bands are a special investment.
Read
on for tips to help you select the most precious of all jewels.
what to look for
Choosing the wedding bands is often one of the first important decisions a couple will make together. Give yourselves at least two months to shop for your rings. Do your research by browsing through magazines, checking out websites, and perusing fine jewelry stores to get ideas and educate yourselves on wedding rings. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” says Russell Kwiat, bridal jewelry expert at Kwiat. “You don’t want to rush or feel pressured to decide, you should be sure you get rings that you both will love for years to come.” Keep in mind that you might need to start your search earlier if you want engraving, as it can sometimes take up to a month to have it done. Only go to reputable jewelers and get recommendations from friends and family on certified jewelers they’ve worked with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and inspect the rings that grab your attention for the manufacturer’s trademark verifying its authenticity, and the metal purity mark, which shows what the band is made out of.
Quality is the key when selecting your rings. “Platinum is the most popular for wedding bands because it’s a strong and pure metal. T hen comes 18K gold,” says Laurie A dorno, general manager at David Yurman. If you want diamonds in your rings, focus on the Four C’s: Color, the best quality white diamonds should be colorless or nearly colorless; Cut, the facet proportions on the surface of the diamond, which give it its brilliance; Clarity, referring to the imperfections, or preferably the lack of imperfections, within the stone; and Carats, the weight of the stone. Round
and emerald-cut stones are usually the most flattering in a wedding band. Colored diamonds, especially yellow and pink, are as fashionable as they are rare, while rubies and sapphires are other desirable gems to consider.
what
a girl (and her groom) wants
Consider your and your fiancés tastes and lifestyles when picking the rings. Try on different styles to see what you like, says Karen Bussen, author of Simple Stunning Bride. “Make sure the band’s width and detailing work for you and flatter your hand.”
Almost every bride prefers a band that complements her engagement ring, many favoring the symmetry of matching diamonds, style, or metal. However, choosing a band other than one that matches your engagement ring can create a unique look. “Pave diamond and shared prong settings are popular with brides,” says Kwiat. “They’re classic styles that are always chic.” Either way, your band should look stunning on its own, as well as beautiful with your engagement ring.
Grooms usually like something more understated or sleek with a small touch of character, such as a platinum band with a smooth finish or milgrain edge. Slim, unembellished bands are also groom favorites. For the man who likes some bling, diamonds that lie flat within the band, such as channel and bezel settings, are best as they are less likely to catch, chip, or come loose. A wedding ring might be the only piece of jewelry your groom wears, so choose something he’ll be comfortable wearing. Encourage him to speak up about what he likes and dislikes. “See what he gravitates to, most men won’t waiver much from their initial choice,” says Kwiat. Selecting a style that goes with the type of watch he wears is also a good idea, adds Adorno.
current
trends
While you don’t want to lean towards trends when choosing your wedding bands as they should be timeless, there are contemporary styles that endure throughout the years:
stackable rings for the bride
Women tend to modify or add on to their wedding band, so starting a set of stackable rings featuring diamonds or other precious stones allows her to upgrade her band for anniversaries.
This style also complements other classic pieces, making it even more appealing.
titanium metal for the groom
This tough metal’s cool factor—think Lamborghini rims—is one reason why it’s a favorite among grooms, with its matte finish being another draw.
wider bands
More couples are opting for wide-band rings thanks to their modern look with a vintage flair.
custom-made
For the bride and groom who want truly personalized bands, having their rings designed by an artisan jeweler is a great option. Couples can create their own unique setting and details.
singular sensation
Fashion-forward brides are forgoing both an engagement and wedding ring, electing for a more elaborate band with diamonds and details or asking her groom to invest more in an engagement-style ring that she’ll wear as her wedding band.
Current trends allow couples to stray away from the tradition of choosing wedding rings that perfectly match. Now, you’re free to pick wedding bands that reflect each of your personalities while complementing one another’s ring. To maintain a uniform look, some aspect of your rings should coordinate, such as the metal or inscriptions.
everlasting looks
No matter what’s in vogue, let your own taste dictate what you choose, but consider something classic. A classic style can be worn with different types of clothing and on all occasions. Go for simple shapes and elegant accents of stones and details.
A wedding ring is a cherished piece of jewelry to show off to the world. It’s a consistent reminder of your journey through life together; and like your vows, it’s full of meaning and sentiment.