Choosing the right wedding ring is no easy feat. You must consider many factors, such as your partner’s personality, lifestyle, and tastes. This guide will help you make the right choice when buying a wedding ring for your significant other.
Ring Style
The national average cost of an engagement ring in 2021 stood at $6000, per data from the 2021 Jewelry & Engagement Study. However, the price varies a lot based on the style and stone of the ring. Hence, depending on your budget, you must choose different ring styles.
There are many different ring styles to choose from, so it’s essential to understand the benefits of each before making a decision. For example, if you’re looking for a more traditional look that reflects your style, consider choosing a solitaire diamond engagement ring or gold band. This type of ring will be perfect in almost any situation and draw attention wherever you go.
However, if you’d rather have something that gives off an edgier vibe while still staying true to its classic roots, go with something unique like a halo ring. Halo engagement rings feature a diamond-encrusted band with a small center stone surrounded by additional diamonds. This ring is perfect for those who want to make a statement without going overboard on bling.
Metal and Alloy Options
There are a variety of metals and alloys that you could use to make your wedding ring. The most popular ones are:
- Gold is the most popular metal for wedding rings and is the only one that has been used since ancient times. According to a 2021 study by The Knot, white gold is the most popular choice for engagement ring metals. It accounts for 41% of engagement rings. Gold is soft and malleable, so it can be easily shaped into any form you desire. However, one downside to gold is its softness. Since it’s so malleable, it’s more susceptible to dents and scratches than other metals.If you’re looking for a ring that will last a long time but don’t want something too expensive, then platinum may be better suited for your needs. However, if money isn’t an issue or you want something unique, go ahead with gold.
- Platinum is another precious metal often chosen by couples who want something durable enough for everyday wear yet still pretty enough for special occasions. If neither silver nor yellow metal appeals specifically (maybe because they aren’t as durable), then this option might work best overall because platinum tends not only to look great but stay looking great over time as well.
Opt for Lab Diamonds if You Are Looking for Cheaper Alternatives
If you are looking to save some cash, consider lab diamonds. According to data provided by industry analyst Edahn Golan, 10% of U.S. diamond engagement ring sales in 2022 were made with jewelry containing lab-grown diamonds.
Lab diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. They’re also less expensive because they don’t have to be mined from the ground, which makes them more affordable for people on a budget and those who want their rings to last longer than just a few years.
Lab diamonds are made in a lab, so they don’t have any imperfections or inclusions you expect to find in natural diamonds. This can make them more appealing to people who want more uniformity and consistency.
Look for a Personalized Design
You may also want to consider a personalized design. This is especially true if you’re looking for a ring that matches your partner in some way. Customized rings allow you to showcase your personality and interests, which will help make the ring stand out as an expression of who you are as a couple.
It can also serve as a symbol of love since it’s just like making anything together, considering what each person likes and finding ways to incorporate those things into their relationship.
Consider loose diamonds. They offer better designs as you can choose from various cuts and shapes. 1-carat loose diamonds are also a better value than diamonds set into rings. When buying loose diamonds, you’ll need to look at the stone’s quality, cut, and clarity.
The Diamond Setting
The setting of a diamond ring is an essential part of an engagement ring. It’s what makes the show, so to speak. It displays your beautiful diamond and shows off its brilliance. Choosing the right setting is vital if you’re looking to buy a fancy engagement ring.
The main job of any setting is to hold the stone securely in place while allowing light to enter and reflect off it so that it shines outwards with maximum sparkle and radiance. In other words, the right setting should protect the diamond from knocks and bumps while still allowing enough exposure for onlookers to see your gem’s gorgeousness.
There are many different types of settings available today:
- Bezel
- Prong
- Trilogy
- Pave
- Channel, among others
Each has pros and cons depending on preference/budget constraints/stylistic choice, etc. The 2020 Newlywed Report found the prong setting to be the most popular among couples.
The Diamond Shape
There are three main shapes of diamonds: round, marquise, and square. Round diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings but if you prefer a different shape, go for it. All the same, rules apply to choosing a square-cut diamond as they do to round-cut ones.
The cut of the diamond is essential because it influences how much sparkly light will reflect outwards from your stone and into your eye when you look at it. The more facets there are on a stone, the more sparkle there’s likely to be when light hits your ring. The cut also influences the price. The International Gem Society found that fancy-cut diamonds are 10-43% cheaper than rounds.
Your Partner’s Lifestyle
One of the aspects that you should consider when buying a wedding ring is your partner’s lifestyle. If they are outdoorsy or active, they may need a rugged, durable, and waterproof ring. On the other hand, if they are fashionable, you can look into rings with unique features such as stones or engravings.
Again, it’s important to remember that although some people wear their wedding bands all day long without taking them off, others don’t wear theirs because they’re too uncomfortable or heavy. This means that if you’re purchasing this type of jewelry for someone else, or even yourself, you should make sure it’s comfortable enough for them not only now but also throughout their lifetime.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to find a ring that you and your partner like is to take the time to shop around. This may seem overwhelming initially, but don’t worry. You will not have to visit every jewelry store in town when shopping for a wedding ring.
However, you will want to make a few specific stops to see the available designs. And don’t be afraid to try rings on, either. They’ll likely only fit somewhat the first time, so give it several tries before deciding which one you prefer.
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