There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to wedding rings, and that’s a good thing. The coveted pieces have become not just a symbol of commitment, but a statement of individual style and personality. They’ve evolved from the ornate rings grooms used to present their brides during ancient rituals to sleek, minimalist bands that show off both partners’ unique styles. They’re also a way to add an extra dose of sparkle in an already sparkling time.
The choice of a men’s or women’s ring can be made even more special by incorporating symbols, words or dates that have special meaning to the couple. Engravements on the ring are an old tradition that continues to be popular today; couples may personalize their rings with initials, dates, poems, song lyrics or carved designs such as hearts, leaves and flowers.
In addition to a style that’s reflective of the pair, many couples are choosing rings in metals other than precious gold, including silver and tungsten, which is often hypoallergenic and more durable. They’re also choosing a wider variety of materials, from meteorite to wood and titanium.
While some cultures, such as the Amish, do not use wedding rings, there’s no question that they represent a powerful symbol of commitment. Other traditions, like clasped hands as a sign of pledging vows or wearing certain colors and long beards to symbolize marriage, are just as meaningful.
Despite the fact that wedding rings are now seen as something both women and men wear, it wasn’t until about 100 years ago that it became commonplace for grooms to do so too. The emergence of this trend is a reflection of the changing attitudes towards marriage and the importance of establishing an intimate and personal relationship with one’s partner.
As a result, modern couples are doing whatever they want to do with their wedding rings, and many of them are stepping away from the traditional. They’re even using wedding rings to add a more bespoke touch to their engagement rings, with designs that incorporate gemstones or other materials passed down through generations.
For a modern twist on classic designs, Newberg suggests looking to designer Alison Lou, who launched her I Do by Lou collection in March and “does gorgeous things with wedding rings in enamel.” She says her slim 14K yellow-gold band is a great choice for those who are seeking a contemporary ring that feels clean and refined. Bernstein recommends Sofia Kaman for rings with a more antique feel, such as her Evangeline ring’s modern knife edge softened by undulating indented trios of diamonds and her Twig collection, which has a nature-inspired, rougher finish. She also loves designer Delfina Delettrez’s ‘Marry Me’ collection for its simple, yet sophisticated bands, which include the Tourbillon ring, with hidden rows of white gold lining both sides and an elegant, squared yellow-gold exterior. All of these are available at James Allen.