Even though engagement rings get most of the attention, wedding bands should not be ignored. As a sign of commitment, this piece of jewelry is a wonderful symbol of love for all couples who embrace marriage. As a physical representation of love and devotion within a relationship, wedding bands predate engagement rings (dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek times).

In today’s world, this special accessory has evolved in its outward appearance, now available in a variety of styles, colors, and shapes to meet the needs of modern-day nuptials. The choice is truly endless when it comes to finding a style that’s long-lasting and memorable for a couple.

The perfect wedding band to express your own love story.

Here is everything you need to know about finding the perfect band for you and your partner:

A Guide to Wedding Bands

When it comes to finding a piece that is right for you, there are so many options available since wedding bands evolved from their ancient beginnings. As a result, it’s important to understand the basic characteristics of wedding bands before you begin shopping.

What it is made of?

Metal is one of the first things to consider when choosing your wedding bands. Gold is a classic choice, and it can be found in different hues such as yellow, white, rose, and even black. Contemporary designs often combine different gold colours as well. Choose 18k or 14k gold, as 22k (or 916) gold is too soft to stand up to everyday wear. Platinum is another popular option. Even though the lustrous white metal is not scratch-proof, it is more resistant to wear than gold.

Metals

Traditional wedding rings are made from white or yellow gold, but platinum and titanium are becoming increasingly popular choices. Since the wedding and engagement rings will be worn together, we recommend choosing the same metal for both.

To make their wedding bands unique, couples add stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Choosing between pavé and channel styles adds a lot of sparkle and flair, but this decision is entirely up to you. Ultimately, this is up to the individual, but they should consider their lifestyle in order to make sure the choice is practical. Due to the higher cost of bands with stones, budget is also an important factor.

Finish

Your ring’s finish can make the accessory truly stand out when it comes to the final details. If you prefer a more textured style such as stone, brush, matte, hammered, or sandblast, or a satin or high polish, a finish will make your ring truly unique.

Engraving and Etching

It is possible to embellish your band with everything from vintage art deco designs to stars and florals. It’s important to keep in mind that intricate etching is more likely to trap dirt (and is more difficult to clean), and that any additional designs (or engraving on the inside) will increase the cost.

Width

One of the most important choices you’ll need to make is the width of your band, which can range from 1mm to 8+mm. Younger generations tend to prefer a thinner, daintier wedding band than older generations.

The most common wedding band widths range from 2mm to 4mm, with most brides choosing to match their bands to their engagement rings. Don’t be afraid to mix widths to create an individual look, so don’t be afraid to go big or small depending on your overall theme.

Wedding band vs engagement ring – what’s the difference?

An engagement ring is given to the woman for the man to chope her so that every man within her vicinity knows she has promised her devotion to someone and is off the market. It is impossible to chope “your woman” until the wedding if you do not have an engagement ring.

Despite the fact that engagement rings really just promise rings (and not commitment rings that symbolize a lifetime commitment), they have always received more attention. Perhaps it’s because it’s more flashy or dramatic.

In any case, the wedding ring is what you place on your spouse’s left finger (the ring finger) during the ceremony. Following that, it serves as both a reminder and warning to potential suitors of your commitment. Inflation and a lack of knowledge of the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band have led to many couples bundling them together.

But why a ring? That’s thanks to the Egyptians. It is believed that they exchanged wedding rings for the first time. The circle was considered a symbol of eternity by them. Thus, the ring symbolized the couple’s, everlasting love.

Why the left ring finger? That’s thanks to the Romans. According to them, the vein on the 3rd finger of the left-hand leads directly to the heart. It was called the vein of love. It represents your spouse’s direct link to your heart when you wear the ring he or she gave you on that finger.

Shopping Tips for wedding bands

Start shopping early for your wedding band as you embark on your wedding band journey. “It’s important to start early, especially if you want something unusual, or with diamonds or gemstones,” Notes that most couples should begin their search at least three months before the big day. Because most wedding bands are custom-made, you should take your time when choosing the right one. Give yourself some time to make the ring after choosing it.

Decide who will buy the ring

Couples are increasingly purchasing their own wedding bands rather than letting only one person take on the responsibility. However, ultimately it is up to you and your partner to decide what is best for the two of you.

Personal preferences, financial situation, and cultural background can all influence who should buy the wedding band. Others may choose to split the cost evenly or establish a shared wedding account to contribute to the purchase of each other’s bands as a symbol of their commitment.

Understand the standard costs

You can expect to spend around 3% of your wedding budget on wedding bands. However, prices can vary significantly based on the metal, finger size, and width of the ring.

A couple’s wedding band should be a reflection of their relationship, and there’s no rule stating that a metal hue or style must be agreed upon. It’s about finding what you love and what reflects your individual style. Consider a gender-neutral option, such as a braided band that blends two metals you both like, or a similar element, such as a hammered finish, if you do want similar bands. It’s all about finding a solution you both love, whether you match, choose something unique, or forgo bands altogether.

The Best Way to Take Care of a Wedding Band

To clean your wedding band, soak it in warm water with some dish soap and a soft brush. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth and it should look like new again.

You should also remove your wedding band when cleaning, swimming, cooking, gardening, playing sports, sleeping, and showering. The best way to ensure your rings remain intact is to remove them before any activity that can tarnish, scratch, or result in loss.

Customer Service

During this process, customer service is also extremely important. Make sure your questions are answered clearly. There are many reviews and praises for James Allen‘s customer service, whether it is via online chat or telephone service. Their service makes you feel valued as an important customer.