The Ultimate Checklist: Wedding Bands
Weddings have always been a special event for couples. It symbolizes the start of their married journey together. That’s why they spend a lot of time planning and preparing for this event. The kind of preparation you can expect goes beyond your wedding dress and venue to include picking the right type of wedding jewelry to wear.
No, we’re not only talking about engagement rings. While these proposal rings are important, you also need to look for wedding bands. And this can be challenging if you don’t know anything about wedding jewelry.
There are different wedding bands for women available on the market. This article serves as your ultimate checklist when it comes to wedding bands. Make sure you read until the end to find the right wedding band for you and your partner.
His and Hers: Differences in Wedding Bands for Women and Men
You may be wondering how men’s and women’s wedding bands differ. Don’t worry, most people also wonder about that. Just as men’s shoes are different from women’s shoes, surely men’s wedding bands are also different, right?
Actually, this is a common misconception.
Wedding bands are not like men’s and women’s clothing. Instead, they’re much like sunglasses or cars, in that they’re unisex. That means that every wedding band style available for women is also available for men.
But, just like sunglasses and cars, there are particular wedding designs that men and women prefer. That’s why wedding bands for women are often thinner, at around 4 mm in size. They also tend to show off the stone on the ring, which is usually larger than that of a man’s. The setting also has more intricate details and elements to it.
On another note, men’s wedding bands are often thicker in size. You’ll also find that most rings for men don’t have fragile settings since these can be damaged during strenuous work.
While that is the case, it doesn’t mean that you should get a thin wedding band that features a huge diamond stone. It all boils down to which wedding band style you prefer. Times are changing, and women can wear a minimalist wedding band. Some modern men also lean towards three-stone wedding band settings.
But if you’re planning on surprising your bride-to-be, opt for a diamond wedding band. Since wedding bands are a symbol of your undying love for her, there’s no better choice than diamonds. It’s true what they say: diamond jewelry is a timeless classic that always captures a woman’s heart.
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Band
If you haven’t bought an engagement ring yet, you should know that you can buy wedding sets. These sets have matching engagement rings and wedding bands for you and your partner. This makes the planning process a bit easier and gives you extra time for other preparations.
But, since you’re reading this article, that means you haven’t bought a bridal set. And now you’re finding it hard to look for a wedding band. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back on this one. Here are all the basics of choosing the perfect wedding band for you and your partner.
1. Metals
In the olden days, wedding bands were made of iron. But this changed when we reached medieval times when gold became a popular material for wedding bands. Today, there are other types of metals used to craft wedding bands, including:
Yellow Gold
This metal is pure and the easiest to preserve of all the gold varieties of wedding bands. Aside from this, it’s the wedding band metal that anyone can wear. That’s why it’s often the most popular choice of metal.
White Gold
This wedding band metal has a classic white color and a gorgeous shine to it. Because of its chic and contemporary design, people with fair and rosy skin tones look best with it. If you’re going for white gold metal, make sure you pair it up with colorless diamonds.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has a stunning, one-of-a-kind shade of pink, red, and rose. Because of its warm, ethereal pink color, rose gold is often seen as the most romantic wedding band metal. Much like yellow gold, this gold variety complements all skin tones.
Platinum
Platinum is a magnificent metal that has a brilliant color and a natural white gloss. It’s allergy-friendly, which means that it’s safe for people with metal allergies. You also won’t have to worry about how it looks after a long time since it ages nicely. If you don’t like white gold, you can choose platinum as another alternative wedding band metal.
2. Finishes
Most people think that wedding bands only feature a shiny finish, but that’s far from the truth. You can, in fact, choose how you want your wedding band to look. Polished wedding bands are the most popular, but you can also find matte and satin finishes. If you want something a little more rustic, you can have a textured wedding band.
3. Stones
You can choose to have a stone on your wedding band if a plain band looks boring to you. Here are some of the most popular stone choices to put on your wedding jewelry:
Diamonds
When it comes to any type of jewelry, diamonds are a popular choice. These classic stones are perfect if you want to shine with the band on your finger on your wedding day. Most people buy a solitaire cut, but you can also find other types of diamond cuts. Before you buy a diamond wedding band, make sure you’ve read up on the 4C’s of a diamond.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a great choice if you want your wedding band to stand out. It is less expensive than a diamond and incredibly durable. If you want a rose gold wedding band, you should pair it up with an amethyst. You can also mix this stone with other colors to give it a unique look.
Emerald
Emerald is a lovely green stone that is ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors. Emeralds were popular in the past, so if you enjoy vintage fashion, they are the ideal stone for you.
Onyx
If you want to defy tradition, you can choose to buy an onyx wedding band. Onyx is a black gemstone that is perfect for people who want to show their darker side. As you’ve imagined, most men would prefer this stone on their wedding band. But if you’re a woman, no one’s keeping you from buying one. For a totally unique look, combine this stone with black diamonds.
4. Settings
Wedding band settings are optional because they exist to hold a gemstone. If you choose not to put a stone on your band, you can skip this part. Below are some of the most popular wedding band settings you can choose from:
Claw
A claw setting secures the diamond or gem in place with tiny metal slivers. These surround the gem in the shape of a basket. To make sure that the stone is firmly attached to the ring, the claw tips curve around its edges. This band setting allows a diamond to shine with its maximum brilliance. But if you have an active lifestyle, don’t choose a claw setting.
Pave
As opposed to a claw setting, a pave setting secures diamonds with small metal beads. It’s often used as an accent in wedding bands but can also be the main feature in other wedding jewelry. This type of setting offers a lot of stunning sparkle to your wedding band. But, much like a claw setting, this is not a good choice for couples who have an active lifestyle.
Channel
Jewelers put the diamonds in a groove between two joining metal strips in a channel setting. You can also find other styles where diamonds encircle the band. With a channel setting, your diamonds are safe from getting snagged on clothes. This makes it the perfect setting for a diamond wedding band.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for wedding bands can be a difficult process. There are so many factors to consider, such as which type of metals and settings to use. Aside from this, you also have to factor in your partner’s preference if you want your bands to match.
Overthinking doesn’t help; that’s why this guide exists. By reading more about wedding bands, you can make the process a lot easier. Make sure you’re prepared before you look around the market.
Remember that the choice is yours when it comes to finding the right wedding band for you. But be sure to open yourself up to other options and don’t settle for the first thing you laid your eyes upon.
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