Choosing a wedding ring is not as straightforward as it may seem! Picking out engagement rings may be more exciting but wedding rings also require a little thought as there are many aspects to getting it right. Things to consider include size, shape, lifestyle, metal and design after all you will be wearing this ring for the rest of your life! The best way to buy wedding rings is to try as many as possible before you make your mind up, often the best ring for you may be one you had not considered.

Engagement rings are often crucial in determining what type of wedding ring you choose as wedding rings will need to be complimentary to the shape, style and material of the engagement ring already purchased. The decision as to whether you both want matching wedding rings, or are happy to have two very different styles and metals is up to you. It is not essential that they come as a matching pair, as you may have different tastes in jewellery or require different types if metal depending on your lifestyle.

Wedding rings, as with all jewellery come in varying qualities, depending on the metal used and if you want any diamonds or other stones included. It can be very easy to get carried away so for this reason it is best to set a budget before you start looking, that way you can steer your loved one away from more expensive temptations! For many women, engagement rings are the more expensive purchase anyway. That said; it is still a good idea to try on as many different styles within your budget range as possible as there are so many different styles and fits to consider.

For women your choice of metal will probably already be dictated by your engagement ring but you will also have to consider your lifestyle. If you work with your hands, play sport or are and outdoor enthusiast then you would be better choosing a hard metal like titanium or tungsten. Tungsten is the hardest metal and should stand the test of time without showing any scratches. Different finishes can also determine the extent to which scratches show. A brush or stone finish will not reveal scratches but a satin or sanded finish will.

Soft metals will give a richer look but will scratch more easily; 24k gold is soft and unsuitable for wedding rings but 18k and 14k gold is mixed with other metals and will be more durable. Platinum is harder still. The finish will also affect how easily scratches show up. A brushed or stone finished ring will not show scratches as easily as a satin finish will.

Another consideration is how wedding rings will sit next to engagement rings. It can be difficult to find a wedding ring which will sit flush to an engagement ring and in a lot of cases you will have to find or custom make a wedding ring with a curved shape in order to achieve this. This may be important for issues of comfort and aesthetics. However these shaped rings do not always look good when worn alone so if you plan to wear the ring on its own you may want to compromise with the fit next to the engagement ring.

There may be a certain amount of trade off required. A straight band will look great worn alone but may leave a gap between engagement and wedding ring when worn together. If you intend to always wear them together then the best option is a wedding ring which sits perfectly next to the engagement ring. For a perfect fit it is a good idea to get one custom made.

For both men and woman one of the most important factors is comfort and fit, after all you will be wearing your rings for a lifetime! It needs to be snug enough not to fall off, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. A ring that is too loose is often more annoying as it will constantly turn on your finger. Band styles will also affect comfort. A D shaped ring or Court fit creates a dome on the inside of the ring so less of the metal is in contact with your finger, often a comfortable option for men who are not used to wearing jewellery. Don’t forget that you are not restricted to a plain band. You can get some beautiful engraved or carved rings or rings with stone settings for something a little different. It is also a good idea to consider if the style you end up choosing will complement your other jewellery.

If you’re looking for diamond rings or eternity rings then visit thediamondstore.co.uk who house a great range of rings

So you’ve decided to propose. Now comes the often dreaded decision of what engagement ring to buy. With so many engagement rings (and later wedding rings!) to choose from, this can feel like a bit of a minefield. But remember, this is supposed to be a joyous and momentous occasion and with a little knowledge, choosing the right ring can actually be an enjoyable experience. This article provides some tips on things to consider when making that all important purchase.

The first thing to do is get familiar with the ring jargon. You will be able to ask all the right questions and hopefully avoid any misleading vendors. Only trained experts can tell the difference between true diamonds and the considerably cheaper cubic zirconium for example, so be aware of any seemingly amazing deals. Words to remember are ‘Band’, which refers to the main ring part that goes around the finger, ‘Setting’, which is the holder for the gemstone and ‘Gemstone’, which is the ring’s dcor and normally a diamond for engagement rings. You will also want to ask about the ‘Carat’, ‘Cut’, ‘Colour’ and ‘Clarity’ of the ring you are purchasing.

Now you have a bit of knowledge, the next job is to locate a suitable jeweller. First of all, make sure the retail outfit is within your budget. It’s a waste of time looking at rings you can’t afford, when there will most likely be an overwhelming choice within your budget anyway. The staff at the jewellery store should be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Jewellers should also be able to prove their authenticity, perhaps with a membership to the UK National Association of Goldsmiths. If you are choosing a ring jointly with your partner, then you can work as a team to source the best ring vendor.

If the ring is going to be a surprise, you must find out your girlfriend’s tastes, if you do not know them already! Every girl has their own style, be it glamorous or discrete. The ring should match your partner’s aura. Perhaps ask friends and family in confidence to glean some ideas. You will also need to make sure you have the right finger size.

Make sure you set a budget and stick to it! Whatever that budget is, it is what you can afford and remember there will be plenty of future expenses down the line, with a wedding looming! You need to tell the jeweller your budget straight up and be clear that is the limit. Now without unnecessary pressure you can start looking at your options. Some people like to have engagement rings and wedding rings customized with personal engravings. This will be an extra cost. You can always look into finance options so you can pay in instalments. Again though, be wary of building up too much debt prior to a wedding.

In all the excitement of wanting the ring to be glamorous and beautiful, remember that the ring should be practical to the wearer. If your girlfriend loves the great outdoors for example, a ring would have to be durable to cope with the potential wear and tear. Rings can get caught on clothes and hair so you might want to think about a ring with a gemstone that is set lower into the ring. For someone always on the go, they might well prefer a more compact and less obtrusive ring style to the highly fashion conscious individual.

Choosing the ring metal is important in terms of cost, appearance and durability. The most durable metals that are difficult to scratch are of course the most expensive. Platinum is considered the top of the range metal. Palladium has similar qualities but being newer to the jewellery industry it is cheaper. Other options include silver, gold, titanium and steel. While gold is popular, the purer it is the softer and more prone to tarnish it becomes. Don’t forget to think ahead to wedding rings, do you want the engagement ring to match or contrast the metal of the wedding rings?

Finally decide on how the ring will look. Once the cost, durability and ring practicality have been contemplated, it’s down to how the ring will look on your partner’s finger. If you pick something out of the ordinary, it will be unique and special and something your beloved can treasure lifelong. Remember your girlfriend might wear this ring for the rest of her life. And if you’re choosing a ring together, your girlfriend should probably have the final say! Also, it’s worth thinking ahead a little to the purchase of wedding rings; will the engagement ring complement the wedding ring if worn together? One last little piece of advice; insure! The ring is likely to be costly, maybe the most expensive piece of jewellery you will buy in your life. It’s best to insure engagement rings and wedding rings straight away, to ensure absolute peace of mind. There are plenty of other things to worry about when organising a wedding!

Are looking for diamond rings or eternity rings? If so then Marlon recommends thediamondstore.co.uk it’s where he bought his engagement ring, and the missus loves it.