A Guide to Buying Wedding Rings
Wedding rings are a crucial part of many marriage ceremonies all around the world, and have been since Ancient Egyptian times. These days, they come in a variety of metals, and in many different designs, although a plain gold band is still the most popular in the western world. If you’re about to tie the knot, the choice can seem bewildering.
The first step when choosing wedding rings is to decide what metal you want. One favourite is 18 carat gold, since this means around 75 per cent gold, and the ring will be hardwearing over many years. A higher carat, such as 24, may look lovely but could bend with wear. Many couples also go for 14 carat, because these wedding rings are cheaper, and very durable.
It’s also possible to have wedding rings in white gold, which gets this colour from an extra Rhodium layer. Brushed gold or platinum gives the ring a more muted, modern appearance, while polished metal offers a more traditional look.
Deciding width is another important factor when buying wedding rings. Men, for example, usually wear wider rings. And, if you’re already wearing an engagement ring, you may want to go for consistency with a wedding ring of the same width. Equally, you may also be looking at wider wedding rings if diamonds are being set into the band. This will allow for tiny areas of gold on each side of the diamonds, and, in fact, diamond-set wedding rings are increasingly popular.
Patterned wedding rings, designs in two colours and shaped wedding rings are all available. You can buy court-shaped wedding rings, curved gently on the inside and outside, or D-shaped, which are flat inside and rounded on the outside. Or you may opt for a style of ring which is flat inside and out. For diamond-set wedding rings, a flat outside with a curved court shape inside are ideal. For a more contemporary feel, think about a ring which is concave, meaning it curves in at the centre. Personal choice is everything. Your selection needs to reflect your own style, and complement the clothes you wear every day.
Since it is increasingly common for both partners to wear wedding rings, you may also have to decide whether to go for matching or individual wedding bands.
Another factor you may not have thought of is the shape of your hands. People with larger, wider hands can more easily accommodate bigger rings with large stones than those with more narrow or smaller hands. Because rings are three-dimensional, you should also take height into consideration. A slender finger wearing a ring with a tall setting can look very graceful.
The high quality range of wedding rings available from Marlows Certified Diamonds really can add sparkle and sophistication to your special day. The rings available include diamonds set in platinum, gold or white gold, along with plainer wedding bands, and wedding ring sets for him and her.
