Wedding Bands FAQ's
What is the best metal for a wedding ring?
Many people think that gold is the most suitable metal for a wedding ring, while others choose more modern metals like titanium or tungsten carbide. The qualities of the metal and one's own preferences will determine the best option.
Gold and silver have historically been the most popular precious metals for bridal jewelry. They may be resized easily if necessary without sacrificing value or style and make excellent heritage items. Both are more malleable than other metals, allowing for the creation of elaborate designs, but at the expense of being more fragile and prone to bending. A variety of gold karats are on the market. Gold with a purity rating of 24K is completely free of any other metals. Since 24K gold is too malleable, jewelry is often found in 18K or 14K with hardening alloys. In addition to yellow gold, white gold and rose gold may also include allergic metals or components that cause tarnishing. Silver, like gold, ages and tarnishes similarly, so it needs care.
More costly than silver or gold, platinum and palladium provide increased durability and scratch resistance. Platinum and palladium, both of which may be resized, are also hypoallergenic metals. Their pure white color looks beautiful next to diamonds.
Tungsten carbide and titanium, two of the more modern metals used in jewelry, stand out for their extraordinary hardness and endurance. Additionally, both are safe for those with allergies. Tungsten has a high density and is scratch-proof. Tungsten, the toughest of all metals, cannot have its rings resized because it will crack with sufficient stress. In comparison to tungsten, titanium's weight and durability make it an excellent alternative. Titanium can't be soldered, thus it can't be shrunk, but it can be enlarged to a bigger size.
When should you buy your wedding bands?
Shopping for your wedding ring ahead of time is the most important step. Haas warns that "many couples wait until only a month or two before the wedding to pick out their rings," and that at that point, the bands are an afterthought because of the enormous amount of money already spent on the wedding. Always keep in mind that your wedding ring represents your commitment to one other for the rest of time. Date first, then music. Begin your search early and make it an adventure. The more time you have to try things on and get a sense of their quality, the more likely you are to make a choice that will last.
Who buys the wedding bands?
“Today, our couples are so often sharing expenses that they are buying them together,” says Haas. Whether you go the traditional route and buy each other’s bands or you’re going about all of the expenses together, expect to spend around 3% of your wedding budget on the rings. Prices can vary significantly depending on the metal, finger size, and width of the ring. You can expect a simple 14-karat gold or platinum band to cost around $1,000 and additional embellishments will add on to the final price tag.
Do the wedding bands need to match?
Both the bride and groom are free to choose their preferred metal and design for the wedding ring. Finding a common ground in your shared tastes and interests is crucial. If you're set on matching bands, think about getting a unisex style, a band that has a braided combination of two metals that you both like, or bands with a shared design feature, like a hammered finish. It's not about finding a perfect fit, but rather about discovering something new and exciting together, or even about deciding to forgo bands entirely.
How should you care for your wedding band?
The best way to keep your ring looking great, according to Haas, is to have your local jeweler clean, polish, and refinish it once a year. We will be able to perform the required repairs before any serious harm is done if problems arise, such as loose diamonds or irregular wear. It is important to get your rings checked out once a year, but taking extra care and precautions every day can also help them last a lifetime.
Take off your rings before you take a swim, cook, garden, play sports, sleep, or shower. It's true that many couples dream of never parting with their wedding bands, but protecting them from tarnishing, scratches, and loss is best accomplished by taking them off before engaging in potentially damaging activities. Scrub with a soft toothbrush and some light dish detergent under hot water to clean jewelry in-between visits to the jeweler (just make sure to close the sink).
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