Wedding Rings
A wedding ring, also called wedding band, is a precious metal ring that symbolizes marriage. It is usually worn on the finger next to the little finger of the left hand, but in some countries it is worn on the right ring finger. The custom of wearing wedding rings can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians made rings and bracelets from plants and were exchanged between partners. Rings were worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that the vein going to the heart was located there. Throughout time, wedding ring has symbolized commitment between a couple, and the gold band has been a popular representation of this.
White or Yellow, Platinum or Titanium
The metal that will be chosen for the ring is important as this will influence the cost and the style of the ring. A practical consideration should also be given to the constant wear and tear the wedding ring will be exposed to, and job and lifestyle of the wearer play a role here.
Platinum is heavy and durable and can be combined with 18ct yellow gold. A platinum wedding ring, however, is much more expensive than a gold one. Gold comes in different purities called carats. The higher the carat, the higher the amount of gold, but the more pliant it is. An eighteen-carat gold is highly recommended because of its good colour, excellent quality, and durability. Yellow gold is a classic metal for a wedding ring, but a white gold wedding ring is a good option for those who want the look of platinum at a more affordable cost. White gold is also more suitable for those who do not normally wear jewelry. But for those who want a combination of the rich yellow and subtle white tones, the two-tone gold ring provides flexibility because it allows wearing various jewelry with the wedding ring. Another metal choice for those who place premium on durability is titanium. Titanium has a silver-greyish-white colour and is lightweight and more durable than platinum. It also comes in different colours, which gives an individual more choices. A titanium wedding ring, however, cannot be resized because it cannot be soldered.
A Wide or Thin Band
The length of the fingers, particularly the space between the base and the knuckle of the finger, are considered when selecting the width of the ring as this gives an idea as to how big a ring an individual can comfortably wear. In line with this, for women who will be wearing a wedding ring set on the same finger, the proportion of the engagement ring should also be taken into consideration for the purposes of comfort and aesthetics. As a rule, the wedding ring should be of the same width or slightly wider than the engagement ring. Also, if a wedding ring engraving is desired, then a wider ring should be chosen to allow enough space for the engraved message. The width of wedding rings for the bride ranges from 2 to 8 millimeters, while the groom's measures 4 to 10 millimeters. It is advised to try on different widths to see the different effects and the level of comfort.
Comfort and Fit
The shape of the ring depends on its suitability to the hand. As a rule, the shape of the wedding ring follows the shape of the engagement ring. Comfort and fit also dictate the shape of the ring. A popular shape is a band that is slightly curved inside to conform to the shape of the finger. Another choice is a soft fit ring, which has edges that are slightly curved for a better fit. Ensuring that a ring has a good fit, through the shape and the size, is important for comfort and to prevent losses.
Going Classic or Trendy
The wedding ring design is a personal preference. However, since the wedding ring is expected to be worn through changing times, a timeless style is very much desired. The classic simple band is still a favourite but the celtic, patterned, and diamond set rings attract those who prefer a more modern twist.
The design of the ring also influences the finish or the surface coating of the ring. Since the wedding ring will be worn constantly and for a long period of time, the finish should not blemish or easily wear off. There are different kinds of finishes, namely, hammered, matte, satin, and high polish. Hammered includes indentations that create patterns and texture, while matte is a non-reflective finish that appears soft and flat. Satin, meanwhile, has a grainy texture with a soft shine similar to a satin cloth, and high polish has a bright sheen similar to a mirror.
Choosing the Stones
In picking stones for the ring, the gem's ability to withstand abrasion is an important factor because the ring is expected to go through the everyday wear-and-tear. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are highly recommended for their level of hardness. Topaz, emerald, aquamarine, garnet, and amethyst can also be used. As a general rule, the darker the colour, the better the quality of the stone.
In choosing a diamond, the colour, cut, carat, and clarity determine the value of the stone. The clarity of a diamond is affected by the impurities and flaws it has. The less scratches and inclusions, the more beautiful and clearer it looks and the higher its value. Also, the more it reflects light, the more sparkle it has, and this is determined by how the stone is faceted or cut. When it comes to colour, the more colourless a diamond is, the more costly it is. Diamonds graded D to J are colourless or almost colourless.
Choosing the right wedding ring is an important aspect of getting married because the bride and groom will wear and look at the bands every single day of their lives. But more than this, the wedding ring will symbolize the commitment the two individuals have made to each other. Hence, this symbol should be as strong and as beautiful as the promises they stand for.