Selecting your Wedding Ring

The proposal has been made. An engagement ring may have been given at the time of the proposal or the couple may have opted to only have wedding rings. In either case thare are a number of decisions to be made before either ring is purchased.

Wedding rings can be made of a number of precious metals:

Gold

Gold tends to be the most universally purchased metal. It can be purchased in different hues of white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Karats range from 14k to 24k. The most durable is 18k.

Platinum

Platinum is the most durable and hardest of all wedding ring metals. It is also the most expensive.

Silver

Budget-conscious couples may opt for silver until they can afford a more expensive metal. Silver is the least expensive metal but it is prone to corrosion and doesn't wear well over long periods of time.

Titanium

Titanium has become popular as a metal for wedding rings because it is durable and affordable.

You can purchase a ring you see online or in a store or you can have your ring custom made. When shopping for a wedding ring, consider the design. This is one of the most important factors in purchasing your ring. Not all rings look good on all fingers. You may find a picture of a particular ring and you love it. But, when you see the design on your finger, it may not be as you perceived it. There is a myriad of designs to choose from at local or online stores. You should try on different rings to see what style or design best suits you.

Along with design, consider whether the ring will be plain or have gemstones. You want to make sure the cut of the gemstone is flattering to your finger as well as fit the design you have in mind.

Diamonds are usually the gemstone of choice. But man-made diamonds have become very popular and are durable. The shanks are usually 14k gold. This means that you may be able to purchase a ring with a larger stone for less. And, with many of the man-made diamonds, only your jeweler will know if it is real or not.

It doesn't matter what metal you choose or whether your ring is a plain band or filled with gems. What matters is that the wedding ring you choose is one that fits you and symbolizes the love you have for each other.