Choosing wedding rings is one of the most meaningful decisions a married couple can make. They are a constant reminder of their commitment to each other, gorgeous pieces of jewelry they get to wear every day, and an important symbol of love. But they also can have other, less obvious purposes — for example, helping to prevent infidelity, which is among the leading causes of divorce.
As a result, choosing a style and materials that are a good fit for both partners is essential. While classic diamond bands remain a popular choice for many couples, there are so many other ways to express your love and honor your vows with a stunning piece of jewelry.
For example, some of our favorite designers are experimenting with unique gemstones and unusual materials like opal and sapphire to create beautiful rings that have the feel of art and are truly one-of-a-kind. Others are using ancient metals and heirloom stones to create new rings that can be handed down from generation to generation. And a few are even creating wedding bands with a sustainable and ethically-sourced alternative to precious metals like gold or platinum, which can help support small businesses and communities around the world.
Another factor to consider when buying a wedding ring is how comfortable it is to wear, especially for a full workday. Some rings can be quite heavy, and even a little bit uncomfortable can really impact your daily routine. So when you’re shopping for a new ring, make sure to try it on with all of your everyday accessories, and make note of how it feels throughout the day.
Then, take the time to visit a trusted jeweler and have your ring properly fitted, so it will be both comfortable and sturdy. “One of the most common mistakes we see is people wearing a ring that is too loose or too tight,” says Neal. “A ring should be snug enough to stay on, but not so tight that it is squeezing your hand too tightly.”
If you haven’t done so already, find a jeweler who specialises in wedding rings and ask them to measure the circumference of your finger, which will then give you your ring size. Alternatively, you can wrap a thin piece of string or floss around your ring finger and mark the point where it starts to overlap, then compare that length with a ring size chart.
Lastly, for a look that’s modern and relevant but also timeless, Raymond, Dukes, and Bernstein recommend Jade Trau, who’s “shaken up classic styles to keep them feeling fresh,” like the Evangeline band’s sleek knife edge and the Twig collection with its nature-inspired rough finish. Also, check out Alison Lou’s newest I Do By Lou collection for her signature whimsical aesthetic of enameled wedding bands. She’s created rings with streaks of color in pastel shades like iris purple and dusty rose.