It’s impossible to predict what life will bring. When a couple chooses to spend their lives together, they want their rings to represent their lifelong commitment. As the years progress, children may be born and grow, and in the best of circumstances, the covenant, and the rings, will have both persevered the joys and challenges of life.

Wedding rings are perhaps the only piece of jewelry for which a couple will shop for and wear in a set together, so some preliminary instructions may be needed before making this significant purchase. Before making this purchase, couples should give some thought to a few elemental things. For instance, consider metal choice – such as yellow gold, white gold or platinum. If a couple has differing opinions, there are ways to compromise, such as choosing bands that incorporate more than one metal color. Take some time to peruse magazines and jewelry stores for additional ideas in regards to style, stone and price.

Before beginning the selection process, a budget should be set. Whether couples shop for rings together or separately, each person should have a clear idea of the budget before making such an important purchase. For instance, simple gold bands may be priced less than other options such as plain platinum which may cost much more.

If possible, choosing wedding bands should not be something a couple leaves to the last minute. It may be helpful to begin the selection process at least six months before the wedding date. With time on the couple’s side, browsing and investigating rings can be an enjoyable experience. Couples should avoid buying the first ring they see. For those wanting to create a custom piece, more time will be needed and personalized engravings may take additional time.

That big diamond ring on a bulky band may be mighty attractive, but will it fit your lifestyle? One of the most important guidelines to purchasing a ring is choosing one that is comfortable to wear. A wedding ring should be a seamless addition to one’s lifestyle. For instance, a bride involved in an active lifestyle might want to choose a diamond setting that is flush with the band to lessen the chances of constantly banging her diamond ring. Rounded on the inside rings, also called “comfort fit” are a great choice for active brides or those who don’t like the feel of a bulkier band. Brides allergic to metal alloys might choose platinum, which is hypoallergenic for people.

Also important to consider is the durability of your ring choice. Make sure the quality of the rings can withstand the test of time. Couples should check inside a ring for two marks which identify its quality. The first is the manufacturer’s trademark, which verifies that the manufacturer will stand behind the work. The second stamp, an 18K or PLAT; for example, verifies some of the metal content. Rings that consist of two or more metals should have a quality mark for each.

Couples wishing to observe their budget on their wedding ring purchase can do so with these following guidelines:

1. For those who love the look of white metal, instead of platinum, choose white gold which may cost less.

2. Couples who choose a matching or coordinating wedding band set will tend to spend less – sometimes half as much – according to the Diamond Information Center.

3. Consider avoiding designer’s versions of plain bands. Instead, choose rings that do not come with a designer name.

4. Couples who can’t afford what they really love at the time of their marriage should consider upgrading their rings on their fifth or tenth wedding anniversaries. This gives couples the time to start saving now for something really beautiful down the road.

lewis jewelers is proud to carry the full line of pandora jewelry. pandora bracelets, pandora charms and pandora beads are only a part of the collection. for more information, lewis jewelers, 2000 west stadium blvd., ann arbor, michigan, 48103, 877-88-lewis or visit the website.

Related posts:

1. Platinum Wedding Ring: The Mark Of An Eternal Relationship The platinum wedding ring that you exchange on your wedding day can become an outward symbol of your relationship and commitment to each other. Your wedding bands will be worn every day, for the rest of your lives together. No other precious metal offers the timeless quality or eternal values of platinum. Traditionally, gold bands […]…
2. Design Your Own Engagement Ring. The Latest Engagement Ring … When designing your own engagement ring you have the opportunity to create the engagement ring of your dreams, right down to the tiniest detail. What better way to find inspiration than the very latest engagement ring trends? Square settings and diamonds are definitely the latest engagement ring trend. Many recent celebrity engagement rings including Mariah […]…
3. Anatomy Of An Engagement Ring The ritual of the wedding proposal and the presentation of the diamond engagement ring create the highlight event of any courtship. A tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans, the engagement ring itself has many layers of symbolism. Each piece of the ring is a strong symbol communicating key information about herself, her partner […]…
4. Wedding Rings: Today’s Trends – … Summer is a popular time for weddings. Sunny days, warm weather and a profusion of flowers provide the beautiful back drop for brides who take their vows in a church, at the beach, in a garden, or other unique setting. From the ambiance to the wedding wear to the reception, couples today wish to infuse […]…
5. Engagement Rings: A Symbol of Love Through the Ages The first known exchange of engagement rings comes down to us from five millenia ago; in ancient Egypt, a band worn on the finger was seen as a symbol of eternal love. In ancient Rome, the acceptance of a ring from a suitor was considered to be a legally binding arrangement and meant that the […]…
6. Valentine’s Day and Jewelry Go Hand-In-Hand There’s a reason that jewelry and watches make such popular Valentine’s Day gifts. They combine the elegance and fun of romance with beauty and practicality. In short, they represent everything that this day of celebrating love is all about. Simple diamond earrings are traditional and there’s nothing wrong with that. Some things remain popular because […]…
7. Wedding Anniversary Gift Baskets-20, 25 And 30 After the fifteenth anniversary, these occasions are only celebrated every five years by people outside the immediate family. Each of these milestones has their own gifts, flowers, and colors. In order to create an ideal gift basket for these special occasions, it will help you to be aware of what these elements are. For the […]…
8. How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Dress Congratulations! You’re engaged! This should be one of the happiest time of your life and you should look forwards to hundreds of awesome things to come! You are getting married, hopefully soon after your engagement. You m may be planning on buying a house and possibly planning for future children. What a joyous time! But […]…
9. Wedding Anniversary Gift Baskets-Years 10-12 A wedding anniversary is a joyous occasion to celebrate the day that two people exchanged vows and became a family. If you want to give the couple a gift, you may want to consider a gift basket. This is a creative, personal way to send best wishes to the happy couple. As each anniversary has […]…