How to Choose a Wedding Ring

An engagement and wedding set will be one of the most important things you choose for your upcoming marriage. It is a symbol of your love that will last forever. But when it comes to the look and design of the ring what do you need to know and just how you can best determine if the ring you are buying really does say “I Love You.”

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide on whether you prefer the wedding ring to be gold, silver or platinum and determine a budget as well.
2. Let the jeweler know from the beginning the amount of money you are looking to spend and don’t be coaxed into spending anymore than that no matter what the “rules” are when buying a wedding ring.
3. Will you want a diamond ring or are there other precious stones you prefer to use for the wedding ring. Each decision says something about the design and look of the wedding ring. A diamond might say “I love you,” but an amethyst symbolizes eternal love, an emerald is called the lover’s stone and a ruby is associated with passion.
4. The hardness of a stone, particularly a diamond is important so ask for that information as this determines the stone’s durability. You need to stay above a seven when buying a precious stone with a diamond being 10, an amethyst seven, an emerald eight and a ruby nine.
5. When determining the metal the choices of yellow gold, white gold or platinum each make a difference. Yellow gold is used most often and you will find this metal in 14k, 18k or 24k. White gold is often used too and looks good with silver or platinum jewelry. Platinum is an expensive metal and symbolizes enduring love above all else.
6. The shape of the stone and the setting is another determination and there will be plenty of choices. Small solitaires or clusters are popular so go with what looks and feels right. Remember this is the wedding ring that will symbolize your life together.
7. Decide if the bride and groom will have matching ring sets as this can also make a difference in price and style.
8. There are payment plans so discuss these options if you can’t afford to pay one lump sum for your wedding ring at the time of purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• Have some styles, stones and metals in mind when arriving at the jewelry store, but don’t be afraid to change your mind.
• Be careful when buying a diamond and know something about the quality of diamonds overall. A reputable jewelry store will usually be honest about what they are selling you.