By Cori Russell
Shopping for wedding rings involves slightly more than picking out a strand of beads. These steps will walk you through it…
Step 1 Choose Your Style
What's Your Function -
Since this is a ring you'll wear every day, it must match your lifestyle. Super active? Work with your hands? Opt for a simple metal ring with rounded edges, appropriately named a "comfort fit," instead of a wide detailed band or one with stones. If you have skin allergies to metal alloys (found in gold bands), you'll need to invest in platinum, a pure, hypo allergenic metal.
Mix it Up -
Freaking out because he likes yellow gold and you like platinum? Relax, there's no rule that your bands have to match. What matters is that both of you have a ring you'll enjoy wearing.
Test of Time -
Wedding rings are not the accessory for paying homage to the fad gods. Make sure to select a classic style that won't look dated decades down the road.
Step 2 Examine Your Budget
Since metal selection is so closely tied to cost; you'll need to examine your budget before you get too carried away with your preferences. Here is what you can typically expect to pay:
For a plain gold band - prices range from about $100-$200
For a simple platinum band - prices run between $400-$1000
For a band with diamonds - prices vary widely depending on the metal and quality of stones you choose, but the cost of an average diamond wedding band is about $1000.
Engraving can cost from $1 to $8 per character. Actual cost depends on the font and whether it's engraved by hand or machine.
Step 3 Start Browsing
Start your wedding ring search at least two months before your wedding day - and even earlier if you want a custom piece or engraving (which can take up to 1 month). Just like any other big ticket purchase, avoid the urge to buy the first thing you see; browsing is a vital part of the ring selection process.
* Recommended online Jewelry sites
- DesignBands.com Find the Perfect Wedding Band
- Stauer Jewelry Luxurious DiamondAura
- JewelryVortex.com
Great discounts
*Please visit our sister site for more great advice Merry Brides
