Your wedding band is more than just a ring—it’s an emblem of your vows and a reminder of all the good times you’ve had with your partner. It’s also a symbol of the relationship you are building with your spouse, and it’s important to find a style that is truly unique to you.
While you may already have a design in mind, it’s often easy to get overwhelmed with all the options out there. Luckily, we asked two expert jewelers to give us their tips for picking the perfect wedding band that honors your unique relationship.
2. Choose the Right Setting
Choosing the perfect setting for your diamond (or gemstone) is just as important as selecting the ring itself. There are so many to choose from—elaborate carved scroll, clean-looking channel, decorative cluster, flush-lying gypsy, expensive invisible, glittery pave, and more—but you should keep in mind that your ring will be on display all the time, so it should flatter the stone and have a style that is both current and timeless.
3. Consider Your Lifestyle
The way you live your life will affect what ring you choose. If you work with your hands, for example, you might prefer a sturdier metal like platinum that’s both hard and resilient. On the other hand, if you are a very active person, you might want something that’s a bit more flexible.
4. Choose the Right Shape
While round-shaped diamonds are the classic, other shapes can make a ring feel unique and more personal. “Oval, cushion, and pear-shaped diamonds have a more whimsical quality while marquise, asscher, and pear-shaped sapphires have an elegant look,” says Krumenacker.
5. Go for a Modern Vibe
More and more couples are eschewing traditional engagement rings for ones that are more unique to their relationship and that have a more contemporary vibe. Millennials, in particular, are looking for ways to express their personalities through their jewelry. “They want something that feels ‘fashion’ and relevant but still classic enough that it won’t date,” says Azlee designer Baylee Zwart. From stars to florals, there are plenty of edgy styles out there that you can try.
6. Think About Your Budget
Before you start shopping for your wedding ring, have an open conversation with your partner about how much you can spend. This will help you avoid the frustration of falling in love with a ring that’s out of your price range.
7. Look for a Good Jeweler
Since you’ll be wearing your wedding ring all the time, it should be durable and comfortable. So it’s worth finding a reputable jeweler near you that has experience working with a variety of materials, as well as one that is trustworthy and offers a wide selection. Look for a retailer that can tell you the origin and history of the metals they use, and check out reviews for customer satisfaction. They should also offer a wide range of pricing options so you can find a piece that fits within your budget.