How to Select a Wedding Ring

Selecting wedding rings can seem overwhelming. There are so many options and vendors available; it is difficult to know where to start.

One of the first things that can aid in the search for the perfect ring is to be familiar with the jargon used by jewelers. Sounding knowledgeable will help increase confidence as well as help to ward off any disreputable vendors. Here are some terms to be familiar with:

• Setting: A setting is the part of the ring that keeps the stone in place. The setting is attached to the band and can be either invisible or pronged.

• Band: A band is the part of the ring that physically goes around the finger. The band is generally made out of gold, silver or platinum, but it can be made out of other metals too.

• Gemstone: The gemstone is the main part of the ring, typically diamonds are used. It is important to know that there are many other beautiful stones that can be used in place of a diamond (see more at http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/StoneSelector.aspx)

Selecting a Jeweler

After learning the vocabulary of the trade, the next step is to select a jeweler. It is important to remember that expense doesn’t always coincide with quality. People get engaged and married all the time, so asking friends and family for jeweler recommendations is a good place to start. It is also important to select a vendor that fits into the budget. It can be really disappointing to fall in love with a ring and then realize that it is outside the price range. Online jewelers are becoming popular among ring shoppers because they typically have lower prices and let you design your own. Online retailers aren’t as hands-on as physical jewelers can be, but sometimes the lower prices can make up for the low-pressure sales environment. Whatever jeweler is selected, online or local, it is important to let them know the budget for the ring. If the jeweler knows the price range, it allows them to show the rings that fit into the budget, while avoiding those that are too expensive.

Is the Ring Practical?

When selecting a wedding ring, it is important that it will fit seamlessly into your fiancée’s lifestyle. For example, the higher a gemstone is set on the ring, the more likely it will get damaged during activities; this type of setting is not for the very active or outdoorsy type of person. Lower set gemstones are a great option for more active people, and it also helps the ring withstand the wear and tear of everyday activities.

Look at Durability

A wedding ring is a big investment, so it is important that the band is durable. The band of a wedding ring should made out of a metal that has been selected according to the lifestyle of the wearer. Everyday activities can eventually wear the band of a ring down, this is especially true with office work. Paper is a mild abrasive to gold bands, and, if the wearer is going to have a lot of exposure to office work, a platinum band should be considered. Platinum is generally the preferred metal for wedding bands because its durability is much greater than gold. Other very durable metals include titanium and steel.

Selecting wedding rings, although sometimes overwhelming, is the start of a new chapter in life. Understanding that a wedding ring is a lifetime companion will help make the choice much simpler.