Beyonce’s wedding ring cost $5 million and is one of the most expensive wedding rings of all time. When you have all the money in the world, choosing wedding rings must be a tough first-world problem.
But even when you are on a budget, it is still a difficult decision! You will be wearing your wedding ring for the rest of your life so you need to give it some thought.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when searching for rings online or in stores.
1. Cost
First, make a budget for your wedding rings and stick to it. Weddings are already expensive enough without adding unnecessary cost. But you still want to buy a ring that will last a lifetime.
The average cost of rings for weddings in 2019 was $510 for men and $1,100 for women. So, a maximum budget of $2,000 in total is sensible.
When comparing ring costs, keep the average in mind so you do not overspend.
2. Matching
Another consideration when choosing wedding rings is whether you and your partner want matching rings. One of the pros of matching rings is that they look great in your wedding photos.
But the main con is that one (or both!) of you might have to compromise and wear a ring you are not 100% happy with for the rest of your life.
And there are more options for rings than ever before, for men in particular. So you can both find the ring of your dreams. Click for more examples of masculine wedding rings.
3. Material
Gold and platinum are the most popular choice of materials when choosing wedding rings. But there are plenty of other materials for wedding bands to consider too.
For example, you might choose:
- White gold
- Rose gold
- Titanium
- Palladium
- Stainless steel
- Tungsten
If you do go down the gold route, 18-carat gold is preferable. It will be harder than 24-carat and less prone to scratches and dents. If you choose platinum, look for PL950/Cobalt platinum alloy rings.
4. Lifestyle
Few people think about their lifestyle when choosing wedding rings, but you should. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I plan on wearing my wedding ring at work/every day?
- Can I wear my ring to work or will my work damage my ring?
- Can I wear my ring during my hobbies?
If you want a wedding band with encrusted diamonds, that might not be a great idea if you are a lifeguard, for example. And if you work in the medical field and need to remove it often, do not buy a very expensive ring you are afraid to lose.
5. Maintenance
Wedding ring maintenance should be quick and easy to keep your ring sparkling. Choose a ring you can soak in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes every few months and polish with a jewelry cloth.
A pure, classic, and minimal ring with one metal will be the easiest to keep clean.
Choosing Wedding Rings to Last a Lifetime
Choosing wedding rings is a big decision for every couple taking the next step. But as long as you take these factors into account, you will both find rings that symbolize your love and that you love wearing for years to come.
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