Like an engagement ring, your wedding band is something that you’ll potentially wear for the rest of your life. If you’re wearing this piece of jewelry every single day, you’ll want to be sure that it fits comfortably and looks appealing to you.
While traditional wedding bands are known to be simpler and more modest, modern wedding bands have become more intricate and personal. At Noe’s Jewelry, we have a large selection of wedding bands you and your future spouse are sure to love. When you start shopping around for your wedding bands, here are a few things to consider.
When to Buy Your Wedding Bands
Many couples shop for their wedding rings a few months before the ceremony. Amidst the wedding planning stress, ring shopping with your significant other is a great way to relax and spend time together.
Some couples may choose to wait until about a month or so before the wedding but cutting it close and not giving yourself enough time will only add to your stress. Exactly when you buy your wedding bands is up to you, but make sure to give yourself enough time to shop around and find something you really love.
Keep in mind that certain wedding band features, such as custom bands or engravings, will take more time. Depending on your jeweler, it’s usually safe to give about six to eight weeks for the ring to be completed.
Traits of Comfortable Wedding Bands
Unless you have a reason to take them off, both you and your future spouse are likely to wear your wedding bands regularly. The last thing you want is to lose your ring sometime down the road because it fits too loosely or decide not to wear it because it doesn’t feel comfortable on your finger.
As you look for wedding bands for you and your significant other, here are some important elements to consider to ensure that you find the right rings for you.
Fit
Fortunately, most jewelers will professionally size and resize your ring if possible. Many classic wedding band materials, like gold, platinum, and silver, are softer and easier to resize when needed. More durable metals like titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, or ceramic cannot be resized, so finding a size that fits when you buy the band is important.
Other factors go into the fit of your wedding band, as well. For instance, the actual shape of the ring, along with how your fingers are shaped, will determine how effectively the ring sits and how comfortable it feels.
A wedding band that’s wide, thick, and has straight interior edges may not fit as well since they tend to pinch or cut into people’s fingers. If you have shorter fingers, a wider ring is more likely to dig into your skin when you move your hands or are carrying something.
On the other hand, wedding bands that offer a slight curve on the outside edges tend to be more comfortable and easier to take on and off. Although you’ll most likely wear your ring a lot, you will need to take it off occasionally; therefore, you’ll want something that will fit over your knuckles but snuggly around your finger.
Some people may also be sensitive to any etchings or engravings on the inside and along the edges of the band. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to choose a hypoallergenic material with a polished, smooth finish.
Style
Depending on how much you plan to coordinate with your future spouse, there are many different styles of wedding bands to try. Some are made especially for men or women, while others are designed to match the bride-to-be’s engagement ring.
- Wedding Bands for Women: For women, it’s important to make sure her wedding band complements her engagement ring. Ladies’ wedding rings come in many different styles with various features. They can be plain gold or sparkle with a line of diamonds. If you’re buying your future bride’s wedding band, do some research and make sure you understand her style.
- Wedding Bands for Men: Men’s wedding rings don’t get as much attention as women’s do. However, they are just as important when considering your wedding band options. Some men may choose a more modest, plain look, while others might want something flashier and fancier. Fortunately, wedding bands for men come in all different types of metals and styles, so there are options for everyone.
- Matching Wedding Rings: For couples who want something more traditional, consider matching your wedding bands. Plain gold bands are perfect for this since they can complement the bride’s engagement ring while still looking nice on the groom. If you opt to choose more individual styles instead, that’s okay, too.
- Buying a Bridal Set: Bridal sets can be very convenient since they include both the engagement ring and the wedding band. These sets offer a cohesive appearance, shape, and proportions, and they are easier than trying to match rings on your own. Most bridal sets are sold separately, so you can buy the wedding band later and complete the set.
- Engagement Ring Enhancers: If you want a little extra shine added to your engagement ring, enhancers are a great option. Enhancer rings are meant to add more character to your engagement ring and create a cohesive appearance. A ring wrap is a popular choice, where the band wraps around the engagement ring to enhance the center diamond or gemstone.
Material
Nowadays, you can find a wedding band in many different types of metals. Many couples may stick to the traditional options—gold, silver, and platinum—while others may opt for something more unique, like stainless steel or titanium. More unique metals are especially popular for men’s wedding bands because of their contemporary appearance, durability, and comfort.
The metal you choose for your wedding band will depend on what you like appearance-wise, as well as your lifestyle. You may also want your wedding band to match your spouse’s, which could determine what metal you decide on. Here are common metal options couples tend to go for:
- Platinum: This material is durable and strong. Platinum has a natural shine that will never fade, so it’s a popular material for both women’s and men’s wedding bands. As a symbol of everlasting love, platinum is a great choice to show how your love for your future spouse will last forever.
- Gold: For a more traditional look, gold wedding bands have a warm and beautiful aura. Gold can also come in various colors, including white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
- Titanium: Wedding bands made from titanium are highly durable and lightweight, maintaining its shiny appearance for decades. Titanium is also hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin.
- Stainless Steel: Like titanium, stainless steel is strong and durable. It’s also a more affordable option if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money. Stainless steel can be polished to look more reflective, or keep a pewter, matte appearance.
- Tungsten: This material is the perfect choice for a wedding band, especially for those who live active lifestyles. Tungsten is hypoallergenic, cannot be scratched, and is resistant to tarnishing. You can purchase tungsten wedding bands in many different shades of color, including white, black, grey, and rose.
- Cobalt: Cobalt has a similar appearance to platinum but is a lot more durable and will last longer. It does tend to feel heavier on the finger, so if you’re looking for a lightweight option, cobalt may not be the way to go. Unlike titanium, stainless steel, and tungsten, cobalt can be resized if needed.