Have a date set and in the thick of planning your wedding? While there are many tasks to check off and vendors to line up for the special day, don’t forget what is probably the most crucial step: getting your wedding bands. When you say your vows, you’ll need the symbolic exchanging of the rings to show your commitment to one another. So one of the most important steps you can take before the nuptials is to learn how to choose a wedding band that confirms your love.
Here’s a complete guide to helping you choose the right style, metal and more to proclaim your love for one another. From women’s wedding bands to ring enhancers and men’s diamond bands, we’ll also break down the styles Verragio has to offer couples who are preparing for the big day.
When to Choose Your Wedding Bands
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to choose your wedding bands before the big day arrives. The last thing you want to do is be forced to choose a wedding band simply because you ran out of time. Instead, make the experience a memorable one, shopping with your partner to pick a matching set of bands together. Give yourselves plenty of time to browse and look around. Roughly four months should be adequate time to select the perfect band for each of you.
If you plan to have a custom engraving or make size adjustments, give the jeweler a heads up and set aside extra time for these, too. Your wedding bands represent your commitment to each other and you’ll be wearing them every day, so take your time with this step. Take a weekend off from all the wedding planning stress and visit a local jeweler to try on Verragio’s gorgeous wedding bands and bridal ring sets.
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Wedding Ring Styles and Matching Band Sets
As you browse a jeweler’s collection, it’s essential to understand the types of wedding rings and band styles available to you and your partner. Here are a few wedding ring styles and matching band sets:
Matching Wedding Rings
If you want you and your partner’s rings to match, wedding ring sets are a fantastic option. Matching wedding rings symbolize that you, like your rings, were made for each other and that you belong together. Most often, each of these three rings — the engagement ring and the two wedding bands — features the same metals and styles to reflect one another.
This is a more traditional method that soon-to-be-married couples follow. However, some couples prefer a completely different style of wedding band entirely. But if you like the sentimental concept of it all, explore some of the numerous matching wedding rings sets by Verragio. From two-tone looks to pave settings, each trio reflects a timeless elegance and utmost attention to detail.
Women’s Wedding Bands
Women’s wedding rings and wedding bands are often designed to complement an engagement ring. When the significant other chooses an engagement ring, they may see the wedding band offered to accompany it. However, there are several styles of women’s wedding rings and bands from which they can choose — bridal ring sets and ring enhancers, to name a few. Let’s explore some of these wedding band types below.
Bridal Ring Sets
Another option for women is a bridal ring set. Bridal sets are designed with a matching engagement ring and wedding band. Each ring complements one another in both style, shape and metal, making it a fine choice. When the proposer chooses the engagement ring part of a complete bridal set, the band might be an easy choice. Essentially, the band rests aside the diamond engagement ring seamlessly, nice and snug.
Instead of purchasing just an engagement ring, both the diamond ring and the wedding band can be bought together all at once. This ensures that the band is ready and already waiting for the day you say “I do.” However, a bridal set can also be purchased separately, which is convenient when saving for an engagement ring and, eventually, a wedding band. With this method, the bride-to-be can have some say in the matter, too. Sometimes, the choice comes down to simply choosing a wedding band that matches their partner’s.
Engagement Ring Enhancers
Another style of wedding band is the engagement ring enhancer. An engagement ring enhancer often comes in two distinct styles. The first style is a matching single band that rests along one side of a solitaire diamond engagement ring, accentuating and adding some thickness to the band altogether. The second style is a wrap-style band with two smaller rings that flank the engagement ring on each side. The engagement ring is inserted in the middle of the band and slid on the finger, accentuating and elevating the overall look.
Ring enhancers are designed around the look of the engagement ring, but they come in all sorts of styles. Choose from sophisticated solid metal to diamond and gemstone lined bands that add vibrancy to the engagement ring.
One great benefit of engagement ring enhancers is that they can be added at a much later date. So even if your partner chooses a different wedding band to wear or chooses to wear it on a different hand, a matching ring enhancer makes a lovely gift for a momentous occasion. It can signify special milestones and events like the birth of a first child or a wedding anniversary. So keep this little ring enhancer tip in your back pocket for the perfect day.
Men’s Wedding Bands
Traditionally speaking, men’s wedding bands are often an afterthought. Instead, the sparkle and shine of a diamond engagement ring usually takes center stage, receiving most of the attention with oohs and aahs. But the truth is men’s wedding bands don’t have to be boring or an afterthought at all! In fact, the men should have just as much fun choosing a wedding band. And in today’s age, especially with same-sex couples happily getting hitched, you can find countless styles of men’s diamond wedding bands and even the more minimal, classic styles.
Classic Styles
Verragio offers many classically styled wedding bands for men. Even without a diamond to match the engagement ring, you can choose something with a subtle flair that adds just enough personality and charm. A simple band can feature a matte, brushed or hammered finish on the exterior, along with black rhodium side grooves for a masculine touch. If you prefer a more understated look to your wedding band, Verragio’s classic bands with our signature beading are ideal.
Diamond Styles
If you want a bit of flash, it’s perfectly acceptable to have a diamond-style wedding band. Verragio offers an entire collection of men’s wedding bands complete with round, brilliant-cut and even princess-cut diamonds set within. Choose men’s wedding bands in all kinds of metals and even two-tone options. For example, Verragio offers platinum, yellow gold, white gold and rose gold metals from which to choose. So if you’re looking for a hint of sparkle, signify your love with a diamond-style men’s wedding band.
Wedding Band Metals
As the partner who proposed and offered up an engagement ring on one knee, you might be already familiar with the various types of metals. More than likely, you learned all about the durability and strength of different metals when hunting for the perfect engagement ring. But if you need a refresher or simply wish to have something different, here is a breakdown of the common metals used in wedding bands.
Platinum
Platinum is the finest quality metal you can find in a wedding band. As durable as a wedding band comes, platinum is the perfect symbol for your everlasting love and commitment to one another. With a natural white finish and tone, a platinum wedding band or any band for that matter looks attractive on any skin tone and is made to last. Plus, platinum metals will never fade and their white hue will never alter in color.
Gold
This traditional and timeless wedding band metal is offered in three color choices: yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Yellow gold has a classic wedding band aesthetic, complete with a naturally warm, rich yellow hue that presents a lustrous shine. However, there is also white gold, which was originally developed to imitate the lighter tone of platinum without the higher cost. For example, an 18 karat white gold wedding band offers an alloy blend of 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent Copper, Silver, Nickel and Zinc.
Rose gold has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so. A bit less bright and still with a warmth to it, unlike white gold, it’s easy to see how. Rose gold also offers a timeless look but with a bit more of a vintage vibe. However, some men prefer not to have rose gold wedding bands, even if they were to match the engagement ring. An excellent alternative is a two-tone wedding band with a white gold outer edge and a rose gold interior that ties together the set.
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Alternative Metals
While platinum and the three types of gold are the primary metals that make up Verragio’s wedding bands, there are several alternative metals of which to be aware. These alternative metals are worth knowing about if you see something you like and need to know how well the band will hold up or what advantages the more modern metal has over the classics.
Sterling Silver
Silver metal wedding bands are an affordable option for some men. Made of an alloy consisting of pure silver, it is more durable than standard silver metal. This allows the sterling silver ring to withstand certain activities. However, it is prone to tarnishing. Luckily, sterling silver is relatively easy to clean. All you have to do is give it a regular polish with silver cleaner every once in a while.
Titanium
Titanium wedding rings offer a lightweight alternative. For those who aren’t too keen on the sensation of something being on their finger and prefer something more comfortable, a titanium wedding band is a viable option. However, the most significant benefit of this metal is that it’s hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for partners with skin allergies. Titanium is also resistant to tarnish. The only downside: Titanium rings cannot be resized, so make sure they are sized correctly the first time.
Tungsten
Another hypoallergenic metal is tungsten. Tungsten is an extremely durable metal, able to withstand active lifestyles and harsh, rugged jobs. Resistant to scratches and tarnishing, tungsten can also be made in several shades, from gray to black and even white tungsten. However, like titanium, this metal is also not able to be resized.
Cobalt
Cobalt is another hypoallergenic metal, making it a nice wedding ring option for sensitive skin. It has the look of a platinum band with a naturally bright white metal, but with added weight. While some significant others prefer a lighter metal like titanium, others prefer a heavier feeling. This is where cobalt comes into play. In addition, cobalt metal wedding bands are scratch-resistant and can be resized easily, unlike the other alternative metals listed above.
Find the Perfect Wedding Band
Verragio offers a wide variety of wedding bands to mark your special day. Choose from ring enhancers to bridal ring sets for women and classic and diamond style bands for men. On your journey to find the perfect wedding bands, enjoy each other’s company and cherish each moment. Before long, you’ll be making your commitment official, slipping them on each others’ fingers in front of all your closest friends and family.
Make sure you feel good about the wedding band you choose. It should be comfortable, sized correctly and speak to your tastes. When you find the perfect ring, make sure to clean it and keep it secure, ensuring it will last all of your life.
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