Wedding Ring Shopping Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Band
In our experience working with couples, we find that for a lot of folks, the wedding band is the first piece of jewelry they've ever worn. So how can you know what ring you'll want to wear every day for years, probably decades? It's a lot to consider on top of planning the event itself.
It's totally fine if you didn't come into this wedding ring shopping process with a background in metalsmithing. That's what we're here for. I've been working in metals for 30 years now. I love to geek out about the technical details: how different metal alloys behave over time, what band thickness means for durability and comfort, what even is thickness vs. width?, how finishes hold up to real wear, and yes, when you should take your ring off (and you really, really should sometimes).
Wedding bands aren't complicated, but they are high-wear items (much like shoes), so beyond aesthetics, there are practical considerations: Will this metal scratch easily? How will it feel after wearing it for 10 hours straight? How will the look change with years of wear? How does thickness affect durability? What does "durability" actually mean when you're talking about metals?
This guide brings together the key articles we've written over the years of making wedding bands and answering customer questions. We cover metal properties, durability realities, sizing considerations, how to pair bands with engagement rings, and care tips for the long haul. Explore the topics below to find the one ring that's right for you.
Choosing Your Metal
What even is an alloy? Pure gold, silver, and platinum are too soft for rings, so we mix them with other metals. Learn how different combinations affect color, durability, and potential allergies.
Read the article: Metal Alloys
Watch our video playlist: Metal Options for Engagement & Wedding Rings
Compare the most common white metals used in rings, including white gold, platinum, and sterling silver, and learn how each wears over time.
Read the article: Guide to White Metals for Wedding & Engagement Rings
All metals wear and change over time, but they do it differently. Learn how white gold, yellow gold, platinum, and silver scratch and age, how finishes evolve, and what to expect from years of daily wear.
Read the article: Durability
Watch our video playlist: Metal Options for Engagement & Wedding Rings
Ring Design & Fit
A ring profile describes the cross-section shape of your band. Learn the terminology (comfort fit, flat, half-round, etc.) so you can communicate your style preferences and understand how different profiles affect comfort and appearance.
Read the article: Wedding Ring Profiles / Cross Sections and Terminology
Not sure how your wedding band will fit with your engagement ring? Learn how different engagement ring setting styles affect pairing, whether you need a contour band or can use a straight band, and options if they don't sit flush together.
Read the article: Engagement Ring Settings: How They Affect Your Wedding Band Options
Width and thickness mean different things, and both matter. They affect how your ring feels, how durable it is, and how it looks on your hand. Learn the difference between the two measurements and how to choose proportions that are right for your ring.
Read the article: How Wide or Thick Should My Ring Be?
All finishes change with wear, but understanding how helps you choose wisely. Learn the difference between scuff marks and scratches, how different finishes age, and why we recommend embracing patina instead of constant refinishing.
Read article: Metal Finishes & Care
Sizing & Care
Ring size is trickier than you might think. Learn what affects your finger size throughout the day and year, how to get accurately sized, and what to do if your ring needs adjusting after you receive it.
Read the article: Getting The Right Size
Like any high-wear item, your ring needs regular care to stay in good shape. Learn how to clean your ring properly at home and which everyday activities might damage it.
Read the article: How to Care For & Clean Your Jewelry
Watch the video: How to Clean Your Engagement Ring
Prongs wear down over time, and catching the wear early means you won't lose a stone. This video walks you through how to inspect your jewelry at home so you can catch problems early and take it to a repair shop before anything goes wrong.
Watch the video: How to Maintain the Prongs on your Engagement Ring
"I'm never taking this off" We hear that a lot, but your skin needs to breathe or it gets irritated under the ring. Learn why we recommend nightly removal, which activities warrant taking your ring off, and safe storage so you don't lose it.
Read the article: Why You Should Take Your Ring Off (Sometimes)
Planning & Personalization
Get aligned before the overwhelm sets in. Ring shopping goes more smoothly when you discuss three key topics first: whether matching matters to both of you, handmade versus mass-produced, and budget realities. These conversations help you navigate choices and compromises together.
Read the article: 3 Things to Discuss with Your Partner before Wedding Ring Shopping
Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and loved, which means it will change over time. Learn how to choose pieces that match your lifestyle (are you careful or hard on things?), care for them properly, and embrace how they evolve.
Read the article: Shopping for Fine Jewelry: Reflections, Considerations, and Maintenance
Engraving makes your ring uniquely yours. Learn about your options (machine engraving for text, hand engraving for more flexibility),explore engraving ideas from dates and initials to quotes and coordinates, plus tips for choosing something meaningful.
Read the article: Inside Ring Engraving
Want to stack multiple rings but not sure where to start? Learn how to mix widths, textures, and metals for a balanced look, when negative space matters, and whether to stack on one finger or spread across your hand.
Read the article: Tips & Tricks for Stacking Your Rings
Shop Rings
Explore Our Wedding Bands
From narrow and wide bands to classic signet rings, find the style that suits your hand and your story.
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Choosing Colored Stones for Engagement Rings: A Practical Guide
When you're choosing a colored gemstone for an engagement ring, durability needs to be your top priority. Rings take a lot of wear and tear since we do a lot with our hands, and a ring you plan on...
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Engagement Ring Settings: How They Affect Your Wedding Band Options
Shopping for an engagement ring? Before you focus solely on the stone and style, consider how your engagement ring setting will pair with a wedding band. This guide explains the three main setting ...
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Guide to White Metals for Wedding & Engagement Rings
Choosing the right white metal is about more than color. In this guide, we compare sterling silver, Continuum silver, white gold, palladium, and platinum to help you find the metal that fits your l...
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