When choosing wedding rings, first decide whether you need a matching set or non-matching rings. Next, consider the ring design and choose options that suit your lifestyle and budget. Design aspects to consider are profile, style, width, and metal.

When planning your big day, an important decision to make is what ring to buy.

Choosing a wedding ring can be daunting as there are so many options.
In this article, we’ll explore the options available when choosing wedding rings, some important things to consider, ring design aspects to pay attention to, and more.

At the end of this guide, you’ll be able to choose the ring that perfectly symbolises your undying love and commitment.

Let’s start the discussion by understanding what a wedding ring is and what it means!

What is the meaning behind a wedding ring? 

A wedding ring is a ring that two people exchange on their wedding day and wear afterward. It is an emblem representing the love and commitment between the two married people.

As part of a marriage ceremony, the couple will say vows to each other while exchanging rings. The vows usually include a promise to love each other and be faithful and committed to each other for as long as they live. 

The practice of exchanging wedding bands started in Ancient Egypt, with those early rings made from reed.

On which hand or finger should you wear the wedding ring?

Wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. However, deciding which hand or finger a wedding ring should be worn on depends on tradition, religion, and personal preference.

The wedding ring is almost universally worn on the fourth finger. It’s why that finger is called the ring finger.

The popular tradition of wearing the wedding band on the fourth finger of the left-hand stems from the Ancient Greek belief that the “veina amoris” (love vein) connects the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. 

A few people (especially in Northern and Eastern Europe and India) wear their wedding rings on their right hand. This is informed by beliefs that associate “left” with evil or uncleanness.

While tradition and even religion have long dictated which hand or finger the wedding ring is worn on, personal preference is now becoming as important.

What options do you have when choosing your wedding rings?

When choosing wedding rings, one of the first things to consider is whether you and your partner should go for matching or non-matching rings.

There are three options in this regard, namely:

• Wedding set
• A wedding ring that matches the engagement ring (for women)
• Non-matching wedding rings

A wedding set

A wedding set has two rings (the bride’s ring and the groom’s ring). Being in a set ensures that both rings have many characteristics in common.

A wedding set is perfect for couples that want to take their togetherness to another level. However, it limits your options when choosing wedding rings.

The ring for him in the wedding set is usually a no-fuss plain band. While the ring for her is often more stylish, featuring patterns or embellishments.

Regardless, it is usually clear that the two rings form a set. 

Wedding ring that matches the engagement ring (for women)

Women usually wear their engagement rings and wedding rings together.

However, if wearing two rings that seem to conflict is too much, it makes sense to go for a wedding ring that complements the engagement ring. To create the perfect pair, start by opting for the same metal.

A wedding ring that complements an engagement ring ensures that both rings sit together perfectly on the woman’s finger. For example, you may opt for a shaped wedding ring that curves around the prominent stone of the solitaire ring.

Bridal sets are recommended to avoid the arduous task of finding a wedding band that complements her engagement ring.

Non-matching wedding rings

In this option, the man and the woman go with their own preferences without considering whether the two rings have anything in common.

Non-matching wedding rings may be the best option if you and your partner have varying tastes. Each of you chooses the ring you like individually, ensuring you’ll always love your piece.

Going for non-matching rings may seem like an individualistic approach to choosing wedding rings. However, you both exchange rings as a sign of your love. So, with non-matching rings, your emblem of love speaks to both of you as a couple and as individuals. 

Things important to consider when choosing wedding rings

Some of the things to consider when choosing wedding rings are:

Design

Wedding rings come in different materials, sizes, shapes, and styles. So, one of the first things to consider is how you want it to look.

Do you want a simple round band or something that shapes around her engagement ring? Do you want a plain ring or a piece with delicate patterns and embellishments?

Whether you want a classic ring or something more exotic, Beldiamond has wedding rings to suit every design preference.

Lifestyle

Another important consideration when choosing a wedding ring is how it fits your lifestyle. 

Know that you will wear the ring daily for the rest of your life. So, while going for something stylish, also go for a piece that is practical and able to withstand the rigours of everyday wear.

Your lifestyle should dictate the ring material and style you choose. For example, if you are very active and work with your hands, you need a durable material like gold or platinum. Platinum is even more durable than gold and it does not wear off over time, so it is a better option for people with a very active lifestyle. Also, a flat band may be more practical if you work with your hands.

Budget

Wedding rings are available in a wide price range. So when choosing your rings, you should consider how much you are willing to spend. 

The components of wedding rings (the type of metal, amount of embellishments, etc.) dictate their costs. So, when considering budget, you and your partner should decide the order of importance. For example, is diamond embellishment more important to you than platinum metal?

While this is a once in a lifetime investment, you should be comfortable with whatever amount you decide for your wedding ring. Beldiamond wedding rings suit every budget.

Wedding ring styles and designs

Wedding rings come in different styles and designs. The different design aspects to take into account when choosing your rings include:

• Profile
• Style
• Width
• Metal 

Profile

A ring profile is the shape of a band when looking at its cross-section. The differences aren’t only visible to the eye, but also affect comfort.

The common types of wedding ring shape/ profiles are:

 

Court shape

Court profiles are rounded on the internal and external edges of the band. The curved interior makes the court-shaped ring one of the most comfortable to wear.  

D shape

The D-shaped rings are rounded on the exterior edge of the band and completely flat on the internal side. The flat interior makes D-shaped wedding rings excellent for those who want their band to fit snugly.

 

 Flat shape

The flat ring features a rectangular cross-section due to its flat interior and exterior with crisp, right-angled corners. The flat interior makes flat profile rings fit snugly. They are a more contemporary choice for wedding bands and may be perfect if you want a modern look. 

 

Flat court shape

The flat court ring is like a reverse D-shaped ring. It is flat on the external side of the band but rounded on the internal side. This gives you a modern / contemporary look on the outside while giving a comfortable fit.

Style

From classic plain rings to dazzling eternity rings, there are so many styles to choose from when considering wedding rings. The most popular styles are:

• Plain rings
• Eternity rings
• Half eternity rings

Plain rings

Plain rings are loved for their simplicity. The timeless design takes the form of a simple, unadorned ring.

However, “plain” doesn’t mean classless. Plain rings are crafted from different precious metals, creating classy bands in various colors (silver, rose gold, yellow gold, etc.).

For an elegant plain ring that combines comfort and modernity, you can’t go wrong with the Alfo flat-polished wedding ring. It features a contemporary flat surface, and its polished finish ensures it’ll be noticed.

Advantages of plain wedding rings

• Highlight an engagement ring. An attention-grabbing engagement ring should be accompanied by a wedding band that helps showcase it. A plain wedding ring style perfectly contrasts an elaborate engagement ring and helps your diamond stand out.
• Easier to maintain. Plain wedding rings are easier to clean because it is less likely for dirt to stick to their smooth surfaces. This makes them the perfect wedding rings for people who work in a manual environment.
• Easier to rework and repolish. You may want your ring repolished down the line to make the surface look new. You may also want to add some customization. It’s easier (and thus less expensive) to do these with a classic plain ring.

Disadvantages of plain wedding rings

• Too simplistic. Some people see a plain wedding ring as too simplistic, not allowing them to express themselves.
• Does not hide scratches and scuffs. The plain rings have larger smooth surfaces, so scratches and scuffs are easily seen.

Eternity rings

An eternity ring is a band adorned with a continuous circle of diamonds or gemstones.

The never-ending row of diamonds or gemstones radiating around the band symbolizes never-ending love. 

The Milana Pave diamond eternity wedding ring is one of the most romantic diamond set bands you’ll find. In addition to its refined design, the pave setting of the band of diamonds adds another dimension of sparkle to the overall appearance.

Advantages of eternity wedding rings

• More sparkle. Since the ring contains diamonds all around, it will capture and reflect more light to create more sparkle. 
• Spin-proof. When a regular ring spins, its prominent features can become hidden under your fingers. With an eternity ring having a band of precious stones, it’ll be displaying these stones however way it spins.

Disadvantages of eternity rings

• Cannot be resized. Resizing entails cutting the band and removing some of the metal. The band of precious stones around an eternity ring makes resizing impossible.

Half eternity rings

A half-eternity ring features a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones on the top, while the bottom (hidden) part is plain metal.

The Lia Half pave diamond eternity wedding ring epitomises timeless class and elegance. Delicate prongs around each stone accentuate the sparkle of the diamond set, creating a romantic look that captivates the imagination.

Half-eternity rings evolved to address the problems of eternity rings.

Advantages of half-eternity rings

• Relatively cost-effective. Half eternity rings have half as many diamonds (or gemstones) as eternity rings, making them less expensive.
• Can be re-sized. Since half the ring is plain metal, it can be resized.

Disadvantages of half-eternity rings

• Not spin-proof. All sides of the rings are not the same. So, if the ring spins, the stones-adorned front may be hidden between your fingers while the plain metal will be exposed. The ¾ eternity rings with diamonds on three-quarters of the band reduce the “spin” problem better than half-eternity rings.

Width

The ring width affects fit and comfort, so it is important to consider these when choosing your pieces. This is especially so for women’s wedding rings.

Women traditionally wear the wedding band and the engagement ring together. The wider the wedding band, the more the overall width of both rings when nestled together. You wouldn’t want an overall width that makes wearing the rings uncomfortable.

The most common band width for a woman’s plain wedding band is 2 or 2.5 mm. For stone set rings, the band’s width is usually under 2 mm. Men, on the other hand, favour wider bands. A man’s rounded wedding band is usually 3 or 3.5 mm wide, and a flat band is 3.5 or 4 mm. 

Metal

Wedding rings are crafted from different metals. The different ring metals have varying properties and benefits. Some are known for their strength, others for their appearance, and others for not causing allergic reactions. 

So, the metal your ring is crafted from is an important design consideration when buying wedding bands.

Some common metals for wedding rings include:

• Platinum. Rings made of platinum have a naturally white colour. So they do not corrode, tarnish, or fade. They are also extremely durable.
• Silver. Silver rings have a brilliant white shine and lustrous appearance. However, they are relatively soft and less durable.
• Stainless steel. These rings are incredibly strong and durable. They are also hypoallergenic and very affordable. However, stainless steel is categorized as an “industrial metal.” So, the rings lack the value and prestige that comes with “precious metal” rings.
• White gold. These rings have a brilliant champagne-white colour. They are usually plated with rhodium for increased durability. 
• Yellow gold. Yellow gold rings have a flattering golden hue. However, they are less durable than white gold.
• Rose gold. These gold rings have a pinkish hue making them more romantic alternatives. They are more durable than white and yellow gold but have copper content.
• Titanium. This is one of the alternative metals commonly used to make rings. Titanium rings are strong and durable. They are also hypoallergenic and lightweight. However, they have a slightly dark gray tone and do not shine.

Best wedding ring material 

The ring materials have different properties and benefits. So, deciding the best material for your ring is a matter of personal preference. However, the most common choices for wedding rings are gold and platinum.

Due to its sparkling beauty, gold became the go-to material for jewellery even before the Egyptian and Roman empires began. Today, gold remains one of the most popular materials for wedding rings.

Pure gold is too soft and impractical for jewellery, so alloying materials are added to increase durability.

18-karat gold is the best composition for wedding rings. It contains 75% gold and 25% alloying metals. Thus, it has abundant pure gold to maintain its sparkling shine while having enough alloying materials to be very durable and scratch-resistant.

Platinum is another popular metal for wedding rings. Platinum gives the lustre of white gold yet is more durable than it.

Platinum rings are wear-resistant as they do not corrode, fade or tarnish. Their incredible durability makes them perfect for people with an active lifestyle.

Gold and platinum wedding rings have stark differences. However, the finish of every ring shows off the metal in different ways. Some common ring finishes are:

Polished finish

It is very smooth, shiny, and reflective. It’s perfect if you want your ring to be noticed. However, scratches are easily noticeable. 

 

 

Satin finish

It is smooth to the touch but is not shiny and not reflective. 

 

 

Brushed finish

It is similar to the satin finish but has a texture (in the form of tiny brush-like marks).

 

 Sandblasted finish

It is a rough non-shiny finish with a grainy look. The coarse texture is noticeable when you run your finger on it. It’s popular in men’s wedding rings. 

 

Hammered finish

What stone setting should you choose for a wedding ring?

A ring setting is how a diamond or gemstone is set or mounted on a band. While a ring setting highlights the beauty of the precious stone(s) on the band, it also affects durability because poorly set stones will pop and fall off.

Thus, the stone setting is an important consideration when buying a wedding ring adorned with precious stones.

Some of the best and most common settings to hold accent gemstones are: 

Castle or scallop setting

It holds accent gems securely while increasing brilliance. It features small indentations that hold the base of the gemstone, while four tiny prongs fold over the top of each stone. 

Bead setting

It’s a very secure setting that holds accent gems in place using tiny beads and prongs in a narrow channel cut into the ring's shank.

Channel setting

A narrow channel is cut in the ring’s shank, and the gemstones are set against each other in the channel and held securely in place with the surface of the shank. The absence of prongs creates a beautiful piece with an unbroken line of brilliance. 

Bar setting

Instead of prongs and channels, it uses bars to hold accent stones in place firmly. The stones are firmly set in baskets, with bars perpendicular to the ring's shank. The setting touches only two sides of the stone, freeing the other two sides to allow more light to produce more brilliance.

Engraving options for wedding rings

You may consider making your wedding rings even more special by personalizing them.

Interestingly, one of the best ways to personalize wedding rings is by engraving them with your wedding date or some meaningful saying. When engraving rings, we recommend keeping the “message” short so it’s readable.

Some great wedding rings engraving ideas include:

• Your wedding date
• Your initials
• Your nicknames
• Forever/ Eternity
• I love you
• Happily ever after
• Till death do us part

How long in advance should you order your rings?

There is no hard and fast rule on when to buy your wedding bands. However, it is recommended that you start shopping for them about 3 - 4 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to handle all the issues that may occur when purchasing your wedding bands, such as choosing the ring, production time and resizing.

It usually takes 3 - 4 weeks for us to make wedding rings and 2 - 3 weeks to resize, depending on the complexity of the ring.

How to know your wedding ring size?

You can know your wedding ring size by using our printable ring size chart or measuring the inside diameter of a ring. 

Using our printable ring size chart

Our ring size chart, which can be downloaded from our size guide, is the easiest way to measure your ring size.

• Print the size chart in real size (without scaling). The chart has different circles representing specific ring sizes.
• Choose a ring that correctly fits the finger you will wear your wedding ring.
• Lay the ring over each circle on the size chart until the ring matches a circle. You get a match when the black line of a circle appears just inside the ring. 
• If your measurement falls between two sizes, opt for the larger size to ensure the most comfort

Measuring the inside diameter of a ring

• Choose a ring that correctly fits the finger you will wear your wedding ring
• Measure the inside diameter of the ring with a ruler or calliper 
• Convert the measurement into the appropriate ring size using the size conversion table in our size guide.

Taking care of your wedding ring

Caring for your wedding ring by cleaning, storing, and repairing it appropriately helps prolong its lifespan.

Some ways to take care of your wedding ring include:

• Keep it free of chemicals. For example, wear your ring after applying cosmetic products (hairspray, lotion, perfume, etc.).
• Don’t wear your wedding ring in swimming pools
• Remove your wedding ring before exercising 
• Periodically clean your ring with a soft cloth and warm water. A soft brush is ideal for intricate pieces
• Store your ring away from natural sunlight and heat 

Takeaway - Get the perfect wedding ring for you and your loved one

We hope that this wedding ring guide will make getting the perfect band for your big day less daunting.

Whether you go for matching or non-matching bands, always consider the ring design and choose options that suit your lifestyle and budget. Design aspects to consider when choosing wedding rings are profile, style, width, and metal.

At Beldiamond, we strive to offer wedding rings that you’ll cherish forever. Do you want comfortable court rings or contemporary flat rings, classic plain rings or dazzling eternity rings, sleek thin rings or bold wider rings, super-durable platinum rings or sparkling gold wedding rings? Beldiamond has wedding rings for every taste and budget.

See our collection of exquisite wedding ring designs for men and women.