What Couples Need to Know Before Buying
Do you know exactly the style of wedding bands you are looking for? Or do you have no idea where to begin? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. We know that the wedding band shopping process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way! In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions we hear from couples about their wedding bands. You’ll find helpful answers here about both men’s bands and women’s bands, and you may even stumble across a little inspiration!
STYLE & DESIGN QUESTIONS
Do our wedding bands have to match?
No, a couple’s wedding bands don’t have to match. Many people want their bands to match their partner’s band to at least some extent, but that’s not the case for all couples. Some view matching bands as a show of unity and commitment, but it takes just as much communication and collaboration to decide on a set of non-matching bands, too. You can coordinate or differentiate your bands in all kinds of ways, whether it is through the color of the metal, the band design, or other unique features. The only “rule” couples need to follow when band shopping is to make sure that each partner loves their ring!
How can I match my wedding band and my engagement ring?
It’s common for brides to create a cohesive bridal stack, where the engagement ring and wedding band match–or at least complement each other. There are many ways to accomplish this. Many brides choose to match the metal colors of their engagement and wedding bands, but you can also create a beautiful ring stack with mixed metals.
Recently, contour bands (sometimes called nesting bands) have become popular. These bands gently dip or curve to contour around the shape of your engagement ring’s center stone. This enhances the beauty of the diamond or gem at the center of your engagement ring, and gives your bridal set a graceful, curated look. Balance out a bold engagement ring with a minimalist band, or go all-in with a diamond-studded infinity band for a sparkling stack. The choice is yours!
What are the most popular women’s wedding band styles?
Some of the most popular women’s wedding band styles include eternity bands, contour bands, twist bands, and classic bands.
Eternity bands feature diamonds or other gemstones studded all along the band. They sparkle from every angle, and some people attach a lot of meaning to them, as the unbroken circle of diamonds can symbolize an everlasting love. Contour bands fit snugly against the engagement ring’s center stone. Twist bands feature two thin, interwoven bands, symbolizing the intertwining of two lives in marriage. Classic wedding bands are simple and timeless, usually quite minimalist but possibly featuring subtle details.
There is no way to go wrong with any of these gorgeous ring styles. It’s all about how you wish to express yourself! If none of the bands listed here appeal to you, don’t worry: you have many more options. We invite you to visit our store to explore our full selection and find the one that’s best for you.
Are there different styles of men’s wedding bands?
Ladies’ rings get lots of attention, but guys deserve plenty of options, too. The good news is, today’s grooms have more unique styles to choose from than ever before. Many modern men’s wedding bands feature unique finishes, such as hammered or brushed finishes. You can also choose between precious metals or alternative metals like tungsten, and any of these metals come in a variety of colors. Some men’s bands have diamond or gemstone accents for a bit of added flair. Whatever you’re looking for in a men’s wedding band, we can help you find it here at Sather’s Jewelers.
MATERIALS & DURABILITY
What’s the best metal for a wedding band?
Gold and platinum are by far the most durable precious metal options for wedding bands. We recommend these metals over all others because they are strong enough to last a lifetime, even when worn every day. They’re also considered the traditional choices.
In recent years, other durable and attractive metals have become popular options for men’s wedding bands. We still recommend going with gold or platinum due to their strength, but you can always discuss your options with one of our experts before you make your final decision.
What are the differences between platinum and gold?
Gold and platinum each have their own unique properties. Pure, 24k gold is actually rather soft and malleable, so instead of pure gold, most jewelry is made of a gold alloy. An “alloy” is a mixture of a few different metals–gold plus a few stronger metals, like copper or zinc. Alloying does not take away from the quality of the gold, it just makes it stronger. It can also change the color of the gold, transforming yellow gold to beautiful rose gold or shining white gold. The gold used in engagement rings and wedding bands is typically 14k, 16k, or 18k gold.
Any color of gold is stunning, but it is important to keep in mind that white gold typically needs to be rhodium plated. Rhodium is a very bright and striking white metal that enhances the appearance and durability of white gold. Eventually, the rhodium will dull and wear away, so white gold rings need occasional re-plating. So it’s a bit of extra maintenance, but the good news is that rhodium re-plating is a quick and simple process, and almost any jeweler can perform it.
Platinum is a stronger metal, and so platinum does not need to be alloyed to the same degree as gold. Platinum rings contain a high percentage of pure platinum, often as much as 95%. On the one hand, this makes them more expensive. On the other hand, they have incredible durability. Platinum is also a naturally bright white metal. Unlike white gold, it does not need to be re-plated to maintain its shine throughout the years.
Can I have diamonds or gemstones in my wedding band? Or is that just for my engagement ring?
You can certainly have diamonds or gemstones in your wedding band. They aren’t just for engagement rings! In fact, diamond- or gemstone-studded bands are more popular than you might think. These additional stones complement the sparkle of your engagement ring, and can add a pop of color to your bridal stack. If you want, you can even make your wedding band extra personal by choosing a design that features your or your partner’s birthstone.
COMFORT & FIT
How do I figure out my ring size?
The only truly accurate way to figure out your ring size is by having a jeweler measure it. The Internet suggests many other methods, but these can be very unreliable. And your finger size can actually fluctuate throughout the day. Temperature, time of day, bloating, and dehydration can all cause minor changes in your finger size. Jewelers know how to account for these changes and find the right ring for you. For a purchase this important, it’s best to trust the professionals.
How wide should my wedding band be?
The width of your wedding band is entirely up to you. Typically, men’s bands are thicker and women’s bands are thinner. Women’s bands usually range from 1.5mm-3mm thick, while men’s bands usually range from 4mm-8mm thick. However, you can always find thicker or thinner bands, and you don’t have to stick to tradition. It’s always a good idea to try on a few different options to find out which band thickness looks and feels best on your finger.
Can a wedding band be resized?
Gold and platinum wedding bands can almost always be resized. These metals are generally easy for professional jewelers to work with. But alternative metals like tungsten can’t always be resized or repaired due to the properties of the metal. This is another reason why we recommend sticking to traditional gold or platinum for your bands.
Resizing wedding bands is a very common and surprisingly simple repair for jewelers. Most people will need the size of their wedding band adjusted at some point in their lives. You may even need your band resized more than once, and that’s perfectly doable. You can trust the team at Sather’s Jewelers to expertly and efficiently resize your band until it is once again the perfect fit!
PRACTICALITY & LIFESTYLE
How often should I clean my wedding band?
You can clean your wedding band with a simple solution of mild soap (like dish soap) and water. Just mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. Let your ring soak in the bowl for 5-10 minutes. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or jewelry cleaning brush to scrub off dirt, oils, and grime. Then, give your ring a gentle rinse (keep the bowl over the sink drain while you do so–don’t risk losing your ring!)
Since you wear your wedding band (and engagement ring) every day, it’s a good idea to have them professionally inspected and cleaned once or twice a year. At Sather’s, we offer free cleanings and inspections. Our professional equipment can deep-clean your jewelry in a way you can’t replicate at home, and a professional inspection ensures we catch any issues with your ring before they become big problems.
What type of wedding band is best for an active lifestyle?
If you work with your hands, spend lots of time outdoors or in the gym, or simply worry about your clumsiness, then we recommend choosing a band with certain features. Platinum may be a good option for you thanks to its superior durability. We also recommend choosing a low-profile band that sits close to your finger. That way, it’s harder to catch or bump your band on anything. Remember that diamond and gemstone accents can chip, and their sharper edges increase the likelihood of your band catching on fabrics. When you visit the store, let us know if you have any concerns and we will work with you to find the wedding bands that best suit your lifestyle.
Are there hypoallergenic wedding bands?
Yes, there are hypoallergenic wedding bands for both men and women. Typically, gold bands contain enough pure gold that even those with sensitive skin can wear them without a problem. But if you are very sensitive to copper, zinc, sterling silver, or any of the other metals used in gold alloys, then gold bands may irritate your skin. In that case, platinum is a fantastic hypoallergenic option. If you have any concerns about your skin, please let us know, because your wedding band should make you happy, not itchy! We are here to help you find the band that’s most comfortable for you.
BUDGET & SHOPPING TIMELINE
How much should we spend on wedding bands?
There are no “rules” for how much you should spend on a wedding band. Your budget should be sensible and comfortable for both you and your partner. And you should never feel obligated to buy anything that’s beyond your budget. However, keep in mind that some choices will increase the cost of your band, no matter what. Platinum will be more expensive than gold, and bands with diamonds or gemstones will cost more than unadorned bands.
At Sather’s Jewelers, we’ll work within your budget to help you find the bands of your dreams. We are happy to discuss all your options with you and work together to match you with the perfect bands.
Should we buy both wedding bands at the same time?
Many couples choose to buy their bands at the same time–it makes the process simpler and more efficient, and it can be fun and romantic to shop together. But it’s certainly not a requirement. You are more than welcome to shop separately. If you’re shopping solo but you know your partner wants the bands to match, feel free to bring in pictures or describe your partner’s band to us. We’ll help you find a good match, even if your partner can’t be there in person!
Do you offer any wedding band discounts?
We do occasionally offer sales on wedding bands. Please keep an eye on our website, or follow us on social media, to keep up with our sales and promotions!
When should we buy our wedding bands?
As with every detail of your wedding, we recommend planning ahead and preparing for all possible outcomes. We highly recommend buying your wedding bands 2-3 months ahead of your wedding date.
While it’s usually a breeze to shop for a wedding band, you never know what may happen. We may need to ship in an out-of-stock item or resize a band for you, and that can take a little time. You may change your mind once you’re in the store and decide you want a completely different band than you originally thought, and you’ll need a little more time to shop for that. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but by purchasing your bands a few months in advance, you’ll have them ready for the big day.
FIND YOUR DREAM WEDDING BANDS AT SATHER’S JEWELERS!
Sather’s Jewelers is here to help! Regardless of what style of band you want, and regardless of how prepared (or unprepared) you feel, our jewelry experts would love to help you. Helping clients’ find their dream wedding bands is more than just our passion–it’s our pleasure! We invite you to visit us in the store to discover our wide-ranging collection of men’s and women’s wedding bands. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and to assisting you on this special and important journey!
