As you kick off the wedding preparation, one important element is the choosing of the wedding ring. Every lady wants a wedding ring that would mesmerise her. The type she can flaunt in front of her friends and make them marvel. When it is the time to exchange marital vows, this is usually done with the wedding ring. You may want to go out of the norm and try something new. Be open and discuss with your jeweller. Thus, to ensure you get it right, you should follow the tips below:
1. Narrow down your choices
You have several options to choose from be it silver, diamonds, gemstones, platinum or gold. Don’t be overwhelmed by this. Let your style influence your choice. Do you want a simple band or one with embellishments? Would you like matching rings with your partner? Get answers to this kind of questions so that you go for what you like.
2. Buy your rings and bands together
Knowing what bands go with the engagement ring can help you make the right choice. If you have a unique engagement ring, you may want a simple wedding band. This depends as a simple engagement ring may call for the added sparkle of a diamond-studded band. If you intend wearing your engagement and wedding ring side by side, look for a contour or shadow band that is designed to interlock with the matching engagement ring. If intend wearing your wedding ring alone, choose a more unique style that will look great with or without your engagement ring. Talk to your jeweller to help find a band that works with your ring.
3. Start ring searching early enough
Don’t wait to the dying minute. As soon as you have a basic idea of what kind of ring you like, test them. This part can be fun as you visit different stores trying to get the perfect wedding band. You should at least give yourselves at least two to three months before the wedding date to ring shop to get the best option.
Use this period to browse, research prices and revisit stores to recheck those rings that caught your eye. If you have your heart set on a custom ring, you will probably need even more time. Note that extra features like engraving on your wedding band takes time.
4. Mix it up
There is no rule that says you have to choose the same metal or even style as your partner. You should find wedding bands that reflect your individual styles.
5. Have a budget
Know that approximately 3 percent of your total wedding budget goes to the rings. Depending on the seller, plain, 14-karat gold or simple platinum band can cost around 60,000 to 70,000 thousand Naira, and some cost lesser or more.Embellishments, like diamonds or engraving escalate the cost.Work with your budget if you plan to personalize your rings with any extra features.
6. Keep your lifestyle in mind
You are going to be wearing this wedding band everyday, ensure your lifestyle can accommodate it. Choose something that won’t cause discomfort. If you are a sportman or instrumentalists, a slimmer ring with rounded edges is recommended. If you work with your hands, a simple, solid metal ring is better. You should avoid bands with stones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt. Go for a platinum band if you are super active, because it is durable.
7. Think long term
You should not be afraid of being trendy, ensure the style you choose is something that is durable and can last long. You should get value for money and save your self stress. However, you can always make changes to ring if need be.
8. Consider its maintenance
Keeping the wedding band with stones clean and sparkling require washing and soaking in warm soapy water. After which you gently brush with a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush so that the stones do not get loosened from their settings. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cotton cloth. You need to take care of your wedding band.
9. Get the right size
Most people are always with their wedding bands through rainy and dry seasons, harmattan and the likes. They wear it to exercise, during pregnancies and all occasions. When your fingers swell and contract from heat, cold, water retention or weight gain, it is good you have right size of wedding band that will withstand all weather. Schedule your final ring fitting at a time when your body’s temperature is normal.
10. Go for quality
Check for the quality of your wedding bands and rings. Ensure the ring has two marks inside the band: the manufacturer’s trademark and the quality mark, (24K or PLAT), for example (this proves the metal quality is what the retailer says it is).