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Step 1
Choose Your Style
What's Your Function -
Since this is a ring you'll wear every day, it must match your lifestyle. Super active? Work with your hands? Opt for a simple metal ring with rounded edges, appropriately named a "comfort fit," instead of a wide detailed band or one with stones. If you have skin allergies to metal alloys (found in gold bands), you'll need to invest in platinum, a pure, hypo allergenic metal.
Mix it Up -
Freaking out because he likes yellow gold and you like platinum? Relax, there's no rule that your bands have to match. What matters is that both of you have a ring you'll enjoy wearing.
Test of Time -
Wedding rings are not the accessory for paying homage to the fad gods. Make sure to select a classic style that won't look dated decades down the road. -
Step 2
Examine Your Budget
Since metal selection is so closely tied to cost; you'll need to examine your budget before you get too carried away with your preferences. Here is what you can typically expect to pay:
For a plain gold band - prices range from about $100-$200
For a simple platinum band - prices run between $400-$1000
For a band with diamonds - prices vary widely depending on the metal and quality of stones you choose, but the cost of an average diamond wedding band is about $1000.
Engraving can cost from $1 to $8 per character. Actual cost depends on the font and whether it's engraved by hand or machine. -
Step 3
Start Browsing
Start your wedding ring search at least two months before your wedding day - and even earlier if you want a custom piece or engraving (which can take up to 1 month). Just like any other big ticket purchase, avoid the urge to buy the first thing you see; browsing is a vital part of the ring selection process. You can search hundreds of wedding rings and bands in our interactive photo gallery.
Comments
taskeinc said
on 8/26/2008 This is good info to know .. we're (men) are always in the dark when it comes to buying rings so thanks for sharing .. B