Your Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Wedding Ring
Purchasing the perfect ring is a significant part of the wedding planning process. It’s a piece of jewellery that you’ll wear every day of your married life, so it’s fundamental to make an informed choice. With a wide range of options available, it can be useful to understand the different aspects that affect the design of a wedding ring, as well as the meaning and history behind the symbolic matrimonial jewellery.
Wedding Ring History
The endless circle of a wedding ring represents the eternal love of the union and signifies the couple’s commitment to each other, a concept that developed in Ancient Egypt. Originally rings were made from hemp or reeds, then stronger materials such as leather, bone or ivory were used.
In Western cultures it is the custom to wear wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand, a tradition that has origins in Ancient Rome where the belief was that a vein, the vena amoris (Latin for ‘vein of love’), linked this finger directly to the heart.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans fashioned rings from iron, copper and eventually gold. In the centuries since styles have evolved and rings can be made from any number of different metals, adorned with a variety of gemstones and personalised completely for the wearer.
Wedding Ring Considerations
You’ll want to love your wedding ring for a lifetime, so ensure you have considered the following factors when deciding on ‘the one’;
Size – essentially, ensure your ring is the right size! We can measure your ring finger and advise on the best size for the most comfortable fit.
Style – choose a design that suits your personality; do you prefer plain or embellished jewellery? Do you favour classic or contemporary?
Metal – silver? Yellow, white or rose gold? Platinum or palladium? A mixture of metals? When deciding on the metal you’d like, think about your lifestyle. You’ll need your ring to endure, so choose a material with longevity.
Width – generally, the width of a wedding ring band can vary between 2mm and 9mm. Women tend to prefer narrower rings to fit with their engagement ring.
Shape – there are a few options, you’ll need to think about what’s comfortable and for women, what would work best with your engagement ring.
Personalisation – engraving is a lovely way to personalise any product, especially a wedding ring. We can engrave your wedding date or a special message on your ring for a beautiful bespoke touch.
Here at Ashley Adams, we have a variety of sizes, metals and styles available for your wedding ring. Visit our store on Hailsham high street to browse our selection and obtain advice from our knowledgeable team of jewellery specialists.