How to Buy a Wedding Ring
The Ultimate Guide
Congratulations on Your Engagement!
You're officially engaged and the date is set for your wedding. This is an exciting time and a momentous milestone in your relationship.
While there are many ways to express your love for one another, one of the most fundamental symbols of your love is a wedding ring. The wedding ring you choose symbolizes not only your individuality but also your identity as a couple.
Guide Overview
- 💍 Metal Types & Quality
- 📏 Sizing & Width Guide
- ✨ Styles & Finishes
- 💰 Budgeting Tips
Understanding Precious Metals
Types of Wedding Band Metals
Popular precious metals for wedding bands include:
- Yellow Gold - Traditional and timeless
- White Gold - Modern and versatile
- Rose Gold - Romantic and unique
- Platinum - Luxurious and durable
- Palladium - Lightweight and hypoallergenic
Gold Purity Guide
| Type | Gold Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 14K Gold | 58.3% gold | Durability & value |
| 18K Gold | 75% gold | Luxury & purity |
Wedding Ring Styles
Handmade Wedding Rings
Artisan-crafted rings offering a personal touch. Using exact metal amounts makes them inherently stronger and more unique.
Diamond Wedding Rings
Featuring the 4 C's: cut, carat, clarity, and color. Perfect for adding sparkle and luxury to your wedding band.
Antique Wedding Rings
50+ years old designs offering unique craftsmanship, originality, and historical significance.
Religious Wedding Rings
Express your shared faith through subtle or pronounced religious symbols and designs.
Fancy Wedding Bands
Designer rings with unique elements, from romantic styles to architectural influences.
Plain Wedding Rings
Elegant simplicity focusing on metal shine and luster. Perfect for matching bands or complementing engagement rings.
Ring Specifications
Width Guide
- Ladies' rings: typically 2mm to 4mm
- Men's rings: typically 4mm to 7mm
- Design elements may require specific widths
Thickness
Medium thickness ranges from 1.6mm to 2.0mm
Ring Finishes
The finish gives your ring its distinctive character:
- Polished: Shiny, reflective surface
- Matte: Soft, less reflective appearance
- Combinations create striking contrasts
- Can be refinished during maintenance
Sizing & Cost Guide
Sizing Tips
- Use metal/plastic ring sizers for accuracy
- Consider time of day and temperature effects
- Size up ½ size for wide bands (6mm+)
- Order exact size for comfort fit
Price Range
Wedding rings vary in price based on:
- Metal type and purity
- Design complexity
- Gemstone inclusion
- Brand/designer
Typical range: $150 to $25,000
Buying Tradition
Traditionally, the groom buys the bride's band and the bride buys the groom's band, symbolizing their mutual commitment.