Choosing a wedding ring can be a difficult decision to make since most people have limited experience of choosing rings and there are so many possibilities to choose from. We sell a very large range of rings in all sorts of materials and have seen big changes in the last few years.
There has been a move away from Gold (which is actually quite soft) to materials like Titanium, Stainless Steel and Tungsten. These 'new' materials simply out perform the more traditional materials in every way and are far less expensive. In particular these new materials are much stronger, tougher and scratch resistant. This has the big benefit for a person who does a lot of work with their hands; they don't need to take their ring on and off all the time....If you do have to take a ring off a lot you will eventually loose it and who needs that hassle?
These new materials are also chemically resistant and hypo allergenic; they won't cause a reaction with you or anything else. Another interesting advantage is the choice of colours on offer....different colours , different emotional feel. If you want a really bright white metal, go for Stainless Steel, the same colour as Platinum but at a fraction of the price and much harder wearing. If you wanting something more subtle go for Titanium, which has a grey appearance. This is further enhanced by having a brushed finish. If you want black, go for Zirconium, a metal that will take on any colour after treating but people mostly want it in black. If you want a ring that will never scratch, choose a Tungsten ring, (only a diamond is harder!)
Another very popular option are mixed metal rings. These new materials are used as the main body of the ring, providing strength and then bands of other metals are cut in. The most popular option for this is a base ring of Titanium (grey) with a bright band of Silver, Platinum or Gold running through it.
Don't forget the new kids on the block, Zirconium and Zirconia. These rings are black and Zirconium can be lasered with the your wedding date etc.
Here is some more info in case your not fully converted,
1. After a year of wear and tear a Steel or Titanium ring will look much better than a Gold or Platinum ring. A Tungsten ring will always look as good as the first moment you put it on.
2. If you do any work with your hands you definitely want a Steel, Titanium or Tungsten ring since apart from bricklaying you wont need to take it off. I’ve built a house wearing my Stainless Steel ring and it’s still looking good.
3. A 6mm Platinum court band will cost about £1000. A Stainless Steel ring (identical in appearance) will cost £20-00 and outlast the Platinum band.
4. Don’t even think about buying a Rhodium plated, White Gold wedding ring for a man. It will look fantastic at the point of sale but the Rhodium plating will wear off within a couple of months revealing the champagne coloured, real White Gold underneath. We sell untreated White Gold wedding rings, which are a slightly off white colour but since there is no coating, they won’t degrade over time.
5. These new materials have rewritten the rule book on cost, we sell lots of exotic Titanium/ Platinum combination for hundreds of pounds but we actually sell more wedding rings in the £20-£40 bracket. So don’t be put off or think that there is something wrong with spending just £20 on a wedding ring.
6. A lot of people think the flat top rings look cool and contemporary. They only feel comfortable on certain peoples’ fingers. Generally curved top rings are the most comfortable.
7. Most women choose a 3mm-4mm ring whilst most men choose between 5mm-7mm depending on their hand size.
8. Most people start off wanting matching wedding rings and decide on different ones as the different options become clearer.
9. It is best to order wedding rings at least 6 weeks before the big day.
10. Don't get too hung up on the surface finish i.e. Should I have it polished or matt? After a couple of months all rings go to the same finish.....look at an old piece of Stainless Steel cutlery and you will get the idea. Rings can be re finished in seconds with no adverse effects. The exception to this rule is Tungsten which wont alter at all.
12. Make sure that the inside of the ring has a curve, often called a ‘court fit’, this will ensure that the ring is comfortable.
13. If you haven't worn a ring before, (I'm talking to you men out there!) don't get too freaked out by the feel of your new ring. It will take a few weeks for the flesh in your fingers to mould around and adjust to your new ring before it becomes really comfortable. The more you wear it the more comfortable it will become.
If you need further advice, call us for a chat on 01522 534346.
Thank you, John Greed.
