Choosing the eternal symbol of love is not a walk in the park. Along with your personal tastes, there are some tips you need to know: types, models, engravings, traditions, a real world apart! Here’s how to choose the perfect wedding rings.
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In organizing a wedding there are some choices related to the individual spouses and others in which the couple must prevail. The choice of the wedding dress, for example, is linked to the physicality and aesthetic preferences of the woman, and vice versa that of the groom’s suit. For the purchase of favors or for the engagement of the band, however, it is necessary to meet. And the wedding rings? It is obvious that you have to choose them together, compromise and find the solution that satisfies both of you. You will find that it is a huge world of its own, in which it is likely that you will feel lost right away. Don’t panic, here we are to your rescue. In this article we explain how to choose the perfect wedding rings.
How to choose wedding rings: models, materials and tips to follow
- 1. General advice on choosing wedding rings
- 2. Curiosities and history of wedding rings
- 3. Wedding ring materials: which is the best?
- 4. Types of wedding rings
- 5. Tips for personalizing wedding rings
General advice on choosing wedding rings
Before delving into the infinity of materials, models and colors of wedding rings, it is necessary to dwell on some arguments that are perhaps more generic but absolutely fundamental. What are the traditions behind the faiths? Who should buy them? When do you buy the rings? Let’s summarize these key points both to understand the symbolism of this important object and to have a more practical idea regarding the purchase.
1. Who buys the wedding rings?
The good rules of etiquette require that the purchase of wedding rings be done by the groom. Yet, in the useful years, there is a real change in trend. Like many of the items that fall under the marriage budget, wedding rings often converge in the category of investments to be split equally into pairs. Have you already decided how to split the payment? Will only the groom take charge or will you both pay for them?
As some know, however, this is not the only alternative. In many regions it is the duty of witnesses to purchase wedding rings as a wedding gift. A nice gesture that in addition to your love will sanction a lasting friendship over time.
And who delivers them? Tradition has it that it is the best man who keeps and delivers the rings on the wedding day, a rule that – like all the others – can be bypassed and revolutionized at will.
2. How much do wedding rings cost?
On average, the cost of wedding rings is between € 200 and € 800 per ring. The price of a 7 gram gold wedding ring, for example, runs around € 350 – € 400, but it is not uncommon, however, to find models that even exceed € 1000, due to the addition of diamonds or if it comes to wedding rings in double gold. The cost of any engraving or rhodium plating is then added to the final price for the wedding rings in white gold or other color.
Among the cheaper models there are the classic ones, of the tradition: a 3-gram wedding ring in 18-karat gold costs about a hundred euros. Obviously the cost goes up if you opt for a more elaborate model, perhaps with more precious metals and the addition of engravings and small diamonds.
3. When to buy the wedding rings?
Even for the purchase of wedding rings it is necessary to organize with good notice. About three months before the date, between a taste test in the room and an appointment with the florist, add a tour to your trusted jewelers in your diary. This time frame will serve you to browse the various catalogs, choose the supplier that suits you and re-enter the time required for customization.
4. A sentence is forever
Remember the maxim “a sentence is forever” to associate the type of engraving you are going to make on your ring. Today couples certainly do not skimp on the customization of their ring therefore, alongside those who prefer to remain faithful to tradition with the name of the future spouse and the wedding date, there are countless couples who opt for the engraving of their initials, those who want to engrave a nickname, who still wants to add an entire sentence or quote. Speaking of phrases, here is an article where you will find 50 romantic phrases to engrave on your wedding rings.
Alternatively, here are other ideas for engraving wedding rings.
5. Never forget maintenance
The wedding rings that will be delivered to you by the jewelry will be perfect and polished respecting the texture of the material but, since you wear them, it will be your concern to take care of them. After a few years it may be necessary to remove scratches or dull marks . In general, a careful choice of faith must take into account your lifestyle, so that it can be practical and suitable for your routine. Read our article on how to clean wedding rings, it will certainly be useful!
Curiosities and history of wedding rings
Each piece of the wedding has its own particular meaning: during the celebration, you know, there are gestures, anniversaries and elements that date back to a specific tradition of the past. Just as the white dress was to represent the symbol of the bride’s purity, even the wedding rings – being the symbol of the union of two people – carry a curious story.
Origin of the custom
There is certain evidence of the exchange of wedding rings since the medieval frescoes; it was in fact with the IV Lateran Council of 1215 that the Catholic Church officially regulated marriage for the first time. In reality, however, the history of this rite dates back to a long time before, even to Ancient Egypt, in which the art of jewelery, especially bronze, was one of the cornerstones of this culture. The circle – figure without beginning and end – was considered the perfect shape and represented the union and love that never ends. The rings were already exchanged at the time, although not in the same materials as today. A custom that has survived intact to the present day.
Wedding rings traditions in Italy and in the world
First of all one wonders, why is the wedding ring worn on the left hand? The answer is simple, the left side of the body is considered the one closest to the heart, at least this is the meaning we give to this custom in Italy. Did you know that in Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Russia, Austria and many other European countries and the ring is not worn on the right hand? France, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Switzerland also adapt to the Italian custom, where the ring goes to the left, as well as in most American states.
It is not said, then, that the wedding ring is necessarily worn in one hand only. Yes, because there are countries and cultures where the position of faiths changes. A particular case is that of wedding rings in Jewish weddings. In this case the spouses exchange the wedding ring which is inserted into the index finger of the bride’s right hand, but at the end of the ceremony the wedding ring is moved to the left ring finger. In addition, there are traditions that provide that the engagement ring and the wedding ring are worn in different hands and other cultures, such as Indian for example, which provide that the wedding rings are also worn on the toes .
But what about the ring finger? Why should the faith be worn right there? Find out by reading our article on why faith is worn on the fourth finger.
Wedding ring materials: which is the best?
Beyond the classic yellow gold band, there are other materials and colors that you can choose to have a good piece of jewelry to wear on the left hand. For example, platinum rings are one of the most exclusive choices of recent times, while safeguarding tradition; the white gold rings combine cleanliness and modernity to those who want to break away from the classic concept of faith, the rose gold rings, on the other hand, focus on the classic style combined with that retro taste, the diamond rings reflect the glamorous taste of couples attentive to aesthetics and details.
But let’s take stock of the situation and understand how to choose the perfect wedding rings according to the material:
- wedding rings in yellow gold: the most classic choice but never démodé, also because it is possible to choose between various colors of gold. Yellow, white, pink gold, combinations of gold and other metals; although gold is the emblem of tradition, its versatility cannot be denied. If you want to know all the secrets of the most precious metal in the world, here is our article dedicated to gold wedding rings;
- white gold wedding rings: very current and also more accessible in terms of prices. The flaw: since nickel is no longer added (because it can cause allergies), the tendency of the metal is those to yellow a little. Many creators mix it with palladium or orlanium, to give stability and maintain the original appearance over time. Check out our article focusing on white gold wedding rings;
- wedding rings in rose gold: the rings forged with this color take on tints of porcelain. A great shade for blondes and redheads. It is very glam when it goes with other colors. Another of its qualities is solidity. The flaw: the color can jump to the eye and can be difficult to wear. At the same time, it all depends on tastes;
- silver wedding rings: the perfect alternative to gold for those who must be careful not to exceed their budget. The silver wedding rings are also customizable in terms of shape and color and suitable for couples without too many pretensions, who perhaps with a too important ring on their finger would feel uncomfortable. If you are inclined to this type of choice, take a look at the article on silver wedding rings;
- Platinum wedding rings: precious, solid, reassuring, platinum is a real concentrate of virility and for this reason it is often much loved by the male part of the couple. The flaw: pay attention to the glossy effect. The price of platinum wedding rings is between € 330/400.
- titanium wedding rings: a novelty in the wedding world, titanium rings are ideal for their resistance. They are perfect rings for a decisive and characterful married couple, two original people, who want to break the mold while maintaining high elegance. Find out more about this by reading our article on titanium wedding bands;
- steel wedding rings: a bold and modern choice, ideal especially for people allergic to gold. Steel, then, can be fully customized; choose the shape and color that best suits your couple, but pay attention to maintenance! As with silver rings, it is essential to take them more often to the jeweler to have them rhodium-plated. To learn more, do not miss the article on steel wedding rings, you will find much more information.
Here is a more in-depth summary of the types of metals to choose for your wedding rings, where you will find other types of very special materials.
Types of wedding rings
Are you starting to understand how complicated it is to know for sure how to choose wedding rings? Among the many materials available, the various shapes and colors you end up getting lost in a sea of ​​possibilities. And that’s not all. In addition to what we have already mentioned, it is good that you know that there are different types of wedding rings, depending on the shape and weight. Here is a short list of what awaits you:
- classic wedding ring: the one in yellow gold that we all know, a ring generally 4 mm thick, one of the most requested for its simplicity. It can be embellished with precious or brilliant stones;
- French wedding band: a thinner ring than the classic wedding band, perfect for those who are not used to wearing rings;
- Neapolitan faith: a very particular faith, which can be opened in half and which often contains phrases of love within it;
- Sardinian faith: a ring of other times, highly decorated and linked to the most ancient tradition, the Sardinian faith is an example of goldsmith’s art at the highest levels;
- Mantuan wedding band: thicker than the classic one, about 6 mm and flat on the inside;
- Etruscan wedding ring: a yellow gold wedding band with a wide and flat band;
- Ossola faith: another classic ring, whose history begins in Val d’Ossola, in Piedmont, a land famous for its goldsmith tradition. This ring can be personalized with local symbols, such as buckwheat or edelweiss.
Newlyweds, that’s not all! These are just some of the most famous types of wedding rings. If you are a curious couple and you don’t want to miss anything, take a look at our article on the types of wedding rings, there will be other models and details not to be missed.
Tips to customize wedding rings
Customizing your wedding rings means expanding their symbolic meaning, making them even more unique and in essence truly yours. Looking at them you will think of your love, perhaps of a particular moment spent together. There are many ways to personalize wedding rings, from choosing an original engraving to purchasing an unconventional pair of rings. Before deciding whether or not to customize the wedding rings, however, consider some important aspects:
Unisex details or not?
Once the wedding rings were very simple and the future spouses did not even wonder if it was appropriate to personalize them or not; today the trend is changing and more and more couples choose to enrich the rings with details that often change between men and women. So here is the first evaluation to do, if you want to have personalized but identical wedding rings you will have to look for a detail that goes well with both the male and the female look. Opt for two rings that, while differentiating, marry perfectly.
Type of processing and maintenance
You can customize a wedding ring in many ways: internal and external engravings, colors and materials, addition of inserts such as diamonds or decorations. All these possibilities require different types of maintenance which will consequently be more or less expensive. Internal engraving certainly involves less effort both from the point of view of processing and with respect to the economic expenditure, other solutions may require more work and that is not limited only to periodic polishing.For these reasons make sure to ask for information when you go to choose if and how to personalize your wedding rings.
Unconventional wedding rings
Not all spouses want to adapt to social conventions and traditions related to marriage. On the other hand, love is certainly not measured by the choice of classic gold wedding rings or those of the immaculate white dress. Just as there are couples who opt for a very intimate wedding, with eccentric dresses and out of the ordinary arrangements, there are also lovers who wish to customize their wedding rings to the maximum or opt for a type of very original rings.
How about for example black gold wedding rings? They would be perfect for a gothic wedding with dark features! But not only the color determines the eccentricity of the wedding rings; also the shape or the engravings are an aspect not to be underestimated:
- rounded wedding rings: a rounded shape combined with a personalized craftsmanship will make the result exclusive. You could, for example, have them made in all colors of gold, according to your preferences;
- embossed wedding bands: this creative design, with embossed and notched processing that gives life to irregularly shaped segments, is the perfect choice for those who love to give an original touch and who don’t want to go unnoticed in life;
- Matte Wedding Bands: How about a nice satin color for your wedding bands? An original idea that is becoming fashionable in recent times;
- rough processing: slightly wavy with raw / shiny contrasts or with carving, classic but at the same time with a unique and singular shape. Depending on your needs, you could opt for a natural white gold or yellow gold color.
- wavy wedding bands: what about wavy lines instead, in yellow and red gold, or maybe white with pavé diamonds for her, and simple in natural gold for him? A fine and elegant choice but undoubtedly particular;
- double two-tone: why not think of a double wedding ring, with a slightly rounded line and a wavy shape, the right combination of classic taste and exclusive design? The ideal to seal your love forever;
- solid gold wedding bands: a rough surface for a solid gold wedding band. This design could be for you if you like sober and delicate lines and, moreover, it would look equally beautiful in all shades of gold.
- wedding rings in black and white: if diamonds are your passion, why not get personalized wedding rings set with diamonds? You could decide for both white and black ones, in both cases the result would be sublime!
- wedding rings with fingerprints: a very personal touch to engrave your fingerprints on the wedding rings. If you want to make your jewelry unique, this is undoubtedly the best option. You will have the possibility to choose whether to have them engraved inside the ring, keeping them as a precious treasure, or outside to put them in plain sight in front of everyone’s eyes. Moreover, the drawing of the fingerprints will create a beautiful game of engravings on the faith giving it a very modern and particular style. To make the engraving of the fingerprints on the wedding rings, the lost wax casting technique will be used, a methodology dating back to the Bronze Age, through which your real footprint will be impressed, as it is.
In case you still don’t have enough, we advise you to read the article on alternatives to classic wedding rings, where you will find further ideas to customize the rings symbolizing your eternal love to the maximum. Wedding rings in wood, the Sardinian wedding ring, the bronze one and much more!
Handmade wedding rings
Rounded wedding rings, fingerprints imprinted forever, diamonds of all kinds: in short, there are plenty of customizations. But did you know that there is a way to make your own wedding rings? More and more often, goldsmiths agree with the spouses on a day in which to learn how to make wedding rings, during which the couple will be able to see and participate in the whole process of creating the jewels. Can you imagine more customization? Here is an article dedicated to DIY wedding ring courses.
So what do you think of handcrafted wedding rings? This is a winning idea to customize the rings. But how to choose the handcrafted wedding rings? Well, you will be spoiled for choice, because you can agree on size, shape, color, combinations of materials, engravings and everything you deem necessary to seal your love forever. Today’s technology allows master goldsmiths to create the model by computer, even presenting the 3D project , the ideal method to avoid making mistakes and to get a clearer idea of ​​the final result.
Ask your jeweler about this option and start the wedding ring customization process together.
A last alternative to be able to personalize and give even more meaning to your wedding rings is to reuse family gold or wedding rings that belonged to grandparents, for example. A decision to be made from the gut, to sanction your indissoluble love and to address a thought to two loved ones. In this article you will find all the options on how to create wedding rings with history.
Once you understand how to choose the wedding rings, imagine which will be the perfect casket able to keep them; you know, it’s the details that make the difference. Design the ring holder carefully according to the style of your wedding and other event decorations: a finely embroidered cushion, an engraved wooden box, a terrarium, a vintage jewelry box decorated with the flowers of the bouquet or a book open on a page memorable for your couple. There is certainly no shortage of ideas!
