1. The advice actually starts when buying an engagement ring!
When choosing an engagement ring, carefully consider how a wedding band will sit alongside it. We often advise against selecting solitaire diamond rings with a twist setting as these will restrict the wedding ring options available to you. You really want a wedding band to sit nicely alongside an engagement ring; it may not be a snug fit all the way round but you want it to look as though the two rings are ‘right’ together.
If you’re going for a traditional diamond solitaire engagement ring then a design which has a slightly higher set diamond can be the best option, although it’s also down to personal taste.
2. Gold or platinum? Which should I choose?
For any fiancée who chooses to have an engagement ring, we would always recommend the wedding band is made of the same alloy as the engagement ring. So if the engagement ring is 18ct white gold then this should be your choice for your wedding ring. The two rings are going to sit alongside each other for many years so it’s best to try and choose the same alloy where possible.
3. What options are there for grooms?
In many instances the grooms only ring they wear is their wedding ring and trying on rings can seem a little strange, perhaps daunting! The key thing to remember here is that if this is the first time you’ve tried a ring on it will feel unusual but we can assure you you’ll quickly become accustomed to it!
Whereas with a fiancée the choice of alloy is dictated by the engagement ring, this usually isn’t the case with grooms. First of all have a look at how a white metal ring looks on your finger and compare it to yellow gold; you don’t have to have the matching style to your partner so choose whichever you prefer.
We’re seeing an increase in popularity of cobalt wedding rings for grooms; this metal is white in colour and is harder wearing than gold. Although it will still scratch and show wear cobalt is a popular choice with grooms of today.
4. A wide or a narrow band?
If the wedding ring is going to sit alongside an engagement ring then try on different widths. A quality jeweller is not going to rush you when you’re making this decision as they know it’s going to be a symbol of your marriage for many years ahead. We find that brides often choose a 3mm band, but there really is no right or wrong option.
As well as thinking about the width alongside the engagement ring, you want to consider whether you might fancy an eternity ring to add to your collection in the future. Traditionally this sits on the same finger as your wedding and engagement rings so thinking about the space you’re left to play with in the future is important! You need to consider whether you think you’ll be adding an eternity ring on your wedding ring finger as going for a wider wedding ring may mean a third ring in the future on this finger is not going to work!
Usually grooms choose wider bands but there’s really no rule. We always recommend brides and grooms try various widths on to see how they look and get a feel for them. Don’t forget, you don’t need to choose a matching pair and there’s no right or wrong choice.
5. What on earth is a profile?
Although a traditional plain band, wedding rings can feel different when on and this is down to their profile. There aren’t many to choose from but it can be confusing when you’re first asked which ‘profile’ you prefer. The profile is the shape of the band, it’s not complicated but we’re sure you’ll have a preference!
A ‘court’ wedding ring has a slight curve on the outer and inside edges; it’s often referred to as being a comfort fit as it sits so nicely against the finger.
D-shape ring profile D-Shape
A ‘D shape’ band is exactly what it says; it’s slightly curved on the outside but flat on the inside. Outwardly the court and D shape bands look the same as they’re both curved on the side seen but you may like the ‘feel’ of one more than the other. The difference may not be obvious so try them both on and see if you have a preference.
Flat bevel ring profile Flat Court
A flat court shape is the opposite to a D shape; the outside of the band is straight with the interior which sits alongside the finger being slightly curved. The addition of a bevel edge finish to a flat court ring is proving very popular with grooms today who are looking for a slightly more modern feel to their wedding ring.
6. Diamond set or plain?
Whether choosing a diamond or plain band, this is purely down to your preference and budget. Grooms tend to choose plain bands without the additional sparkle of diamonds; this may be because they’re not as used to wearing rings as brides.
With a brides’ wedding ring it all depends on the design of engagement ring, how much ‘bling’ you’re after and whether you’re planning on adding an eternity ring to the finger in the future! By far the most popular choices with our customers are the plain bands but we suggest you try on a few options.
So in a nutshell, what we’re saying is that there are a few different things to consider but all in all, it’s down to your personal preference. Take the time to look at various different options, try a few rings on to get a feel and see which is the one for you. Remember, the team at Chapelle Jewellery are able to offer help and advice, particularly when it comes to the size you should order, but you need to feel comfortable with your selection. You’re going to wear the wedding ring for many years ahead so spending some time getting it right is certainly worth doing.
