Wedding rings are more than just a symbol of your love for one another—they’re a physical representation that you and your partner are committed to being together forever. And while deciding on the right style isn’t always easy, there’s no question that it’s worth it: When you wear a wedding band, people automatically assume that you and your spouse are serious about your marriage. That’s why it’s important to select a ring that conveys your personal aesthetic and the unique facets of your relationship, so you feel confident wearing it every day.
Luckily, there are plenty of options. For starters, consider whether you’re looking for a simple band or something more intricate and ornate. You can also consider your budget, as there are affordable styles out there that still look great and come with a certificate of authenticity. Finally, think about the width of your ring—you can go from skinny to super wide depending on the style you want and your finger size.
Most wedding bands are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, a tradition that stems back from ancient Romans’ belief that this particular vein ran directly to the heart. Though modern medicine reveals that it’s not the case, this symbolic touch has stuck around, and is a lovely way to honor your commitment and your vows to your partner.
The most common wedding band material is precious metal, but other contemporary choices include palladium, tungsten, titanium, and cobalt, which are durable, strong, and surprisingly affordable. In addition, there are many more sustainable and eco-friendly materials out there—the most popular of which is reclaimed gold. You can also find bands made from recycled silver and a variety of repurposed gemstones.
A lot of couples choose to engrave their rings with meaningful phrases, dates, and initials. It’s a great way to make your wedding bands personal and unique, but be sure to give yourself enough time to have them done before the big day.
You’ll also want to decide whether or not you want a diamond in your ring, and if so, what shape and color. There’s a wide range of diamond cuts, from sleek baguettes to the more traditional round brilliant cut, so be sure to browse online and in-person before settling on anything.
Other stones are increasingly popular for wedding bands as well—from emerald to tourmaline and even black sapphires. You can also see the trend in the ways that these stones are set: a row of parallel baguettes on a wide band or mismatched, skewed diamonds.
If you’re searching for a more antique look, try Sofia Kaman’s Evangeline or Twig collections, which feature designs that combine modern knife edges with undulating indented trios of diamonds. If you prefer something that’s completely unique, Bernstein and Newberg both recommend Spinelli Kilcollin, whose “amazing” designs are “modern classics.” You can also ask your jeweler to render a ready-to-wear design in a different type of gold for a personalized touch.