Wedding Ring Buyer’s Guide
From learning how to choose a wedding band that suits your style and budget to knowing when to buy wedding rings, this is your ultimate guide. Learn everything you need to know about wedding ring band shapes, profiles and how to find the best fit for your big day. Whether you’re searching for classic wedding bands, diamond wedding rings or something truly unique, we’ve got you covered.
What is a Wedding Band?
A wedding band is a circle ring of precious metal that symbolises the union of two people in marriage and their everlasting love. Whereas an engagement ring usually focuses around a focal diamond or precious gemstone, a wedding ring tends to be more subtle. Wedding band shapes are usually smooth circles of precious metal to be worn with an engagement ring as a quiet reminder of the vows taken with your partner.
Setting the Budget
There is no set rule as to how much you should spend on your wedding rings, and the cost of your rings will ultimately depend on your personal budget and design preferences. A wedding is usually a pretty pricey event in itself, so it's important to consider how much of your budget you'll allocate to your wedding rings. After all, your rings should last you a lifetime, so it's worth investing in a design you'll truly cherish.
For a simple, classic look, plain wedding bands in either platinum or 18k yellow gold start at just over £400, offering an elegant and timeless option. If you're looking for a bit more sparkle, diamond wedding rings are a beautiful choice, with prices starting around £1,250 and increasing depending on the number and size of the diamonds, as well as the width and metal of the band. Whether you opt for a minimalist design or a statement piece, your wedding rings should reflect your personal style and be crafted to stand the test of time.
Who Buys the Wedding Rings?
Traditionally, the bride and groom would buy each other’s wedding rings as an act of intimacy, gifting the rings and showing how well they know the other. However, modern couples now tend to shop for wedding rings together, encouraging free discussion and bonding during the process which can help with both the monetary and design side of things – nobody is splashing out too much or getting the wrong design when you're discussing it between yourselves.
When to Buy Your Wedding Rings
There is no set time that you should buy your wedding ring. However, if you’re looking to engrave or make a bespoke wedding ring, keep in mind it will take time, potentially up to a few weeks. In this case, it’s best to be prepared and get it well before the big day. Also keep in mind that buying it sooner rather than later gives a higher likelihood of you getting that perfect wedding ring you’ve got your eyes on – just consider how long you’ll have to keep it hidden so you don’t ruin the surprise!
Our Most Popular Wedding Rings
Choosing Your Wedding Ring Style
When it comes to wedding ring styles, there are plenty of options to suit your personal taste and complement your engagement ring. Wedding ring band shapes can come in many varieties from thin to thick, plain to diamond set, or completely bespoke. When choosing a wedding ring, you need to think of how it reflects your style, after all, you’ll want to wear it every day.
Consider whether you’d like a wedding ring that matches your partner’s or one designed to enhance the beauty of your engagement ring. Explore styles like simple bands, sparkling diamond rings or shaped wedding rings that contour perfectly to your engagement ring. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or something more intricate, your choice of metal will also play a key role in achieving the look that’s perfect for you.
Diamond
A diamond wedding ring is a beautiful choice to sit flush alongside a diamond engagement ring, or to simply sit proudly on its own.
Simple
A classic and understated plain band, crafted in a number of ring band types, from light court to full court, D-shape or domed court.
Shaped
A curved wedding band is a sublime addition to any engagement ring for a contemporary and unique style.
Eternity Rings
An eternity ring is the perfect addition to any jewellery collection, and can be gifted for a multitude of special occasions.
Wedding Ring Metals
Our wedding rings are crafted using a carefully selected range of fine and precious metals, including platinum, yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. Each metal has its own unique qualities and aesthetic, influencing the overall look, durability and feel of your ring. Understanding the characteristics of each metal will make it easier to figure out how to choose a wedding ring and ensure you pick the perfect ring band type.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare and incredibly durable metal, known for its natural silvery-white sheen that doesn’t tarnish over time. Its strength makes it an excellent choice for secure settings, and its hypoallergenic properties are ideal for sensitive skin. Platinum’s luxurious feel, weight and enduring quality make it a top choice for wedding rings that will last a lifetime.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold exudes a timeless, classic appeal with its warm and rich hue. Available in 18k at Queensmith, yellow gold offers a beautiful balance between durability and beauty. Its traditional appearance makes it perfect for vintage or classic ring styles, and it has recently seen a resurgence in popularity for wedding rings.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is loved for its romantic, blush-toned hue. Created by alloying gold with copper, this distinctive metal offers a modern twist on classic designs. Its warm and flattering tone is perfect for those seeking a wedding ring with a touch of elegance and something a little different from the traditional metals.
White Gold
White gold is a versatile and popular choice, offering a sleek, silvery-white finish similar to platinum. Made by alloying gold with white metals such as palladium or silver, white gold is often plated with rhodium to enhance its shine and durability. While its shine is stunning, white gold does require occasional replating to maintain its bright finish, as the rhodium layer can fade over time, revealing a slight yellow tint beneath.
How to Choose a Wedding Ring Metal
When considering what metal wedding ring to get, consider both the aesthetic and functionality of the metal you want. You want your wedding ring to perfectly match your style, but you also want it to last the rest of your life, so give good consideration to what it’s made of. To learn more about how to choose a wedding ring metal, have a look at our precious metal guide to find your perfect ring.
Wedding Band Shapes
Plain wedding rings can be crafted in several wedding ring band shapes, each offering a different aesthetic and level of comfort. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the four key styles: Court, Domed Court, D-Shape and Flat Court. The profile of your wedding ring impacts both how it looks and feels, so while all Queensmith rings are designed for comfort, you may find that one style suits you better than another.
To find your perfect fit, book an appointment to try on different ring profiles in-store and experience the subtle differences for yourself.
Court Shape
The Court shape is the most classic choice, featuring a rounded surface both inside and outside the band. Available in full court or light court, this design creates a soft-edged look while ensuring a comfortable fit, making it a timeless and popular option for wedding rings.
Domed Court
With a slightly less pronounced rounding than the classic Court, the Domed Court ring has a softly rounded outer surface, while the inside and edges are rounded to a lesser degree. This profile offers a comfortable fit with a smooth, seamless appearance.
D-Shape
The D-Shape profile features a rounded outer surface with a flat inner band, creating a simple and traditional aesthetic. The sharper edges compared to the Court shape provide a more defined look, ideal for those seeking a ring with a bit more structure.
Flat Court
A contemporary take on the traditional band, the Flat Court features a domed inner band and a flat outer surface – essentially the reverse of the D-Shape. This sleek, minimalist style is particularly striking for those who prefer a simple, modern design, especially if the ring is worn on its own.
D-Shape vs Court Ring
These two popular options are often pitted against each other and both have their benefits. Due to the court ring’s smoothness, it is often argued to be more comfortable, with the added benefit of getting caught on objects less. D-shaped rings are similar with one crucial difference – the inside of the ring is flat, which some may find more uncomfortable, but it also allows it to be easily engraved for that extra personal touch.
D Shape
Diamond Wedding Ring Settings
When it comes to diamond wedding rings, the setting style you choose can dramatically transform the overall look. Some prefer to match the setting style of their engagement ring for a cohesive feel, while others love the eclectic look of a mixed ring stack. Explore popular styles like scallop, pavé, channel and flush settings to discover the design that best suits your style.
Scallop Setting
With scallop-edged metalwork, the sides of the diamonds are exposed, allowing more light to enter and enhancing the sparkle. This setting is a favourite for those who want a balance between a classic look and contemporary flair, offering maximum brilliance.
Pavé Setting
In a pavé setting, small ball claws hold each diamond securely in place, with a refined strip of metal on either side. This setting gives a delicate, vintage-inspired look, perfect for those seeking understated elegance.
Channel Setting
The channel setting features diamonds set closely together and secured by metal on either side of the band. This style is ideal for princess cut and emerald cut diamond engagement rings, as their straight edges fit perfectly flush with the band, creating a sleek and seamless appearance.
Flush Setting
For a sleek, modern aesthetic, the flush setting is the way to go. Diamonds are set into the band itself, with no claws – just the metal pushed over the edges to secure each stone. This setting offers a minimal, ultra-modern look while keeping the diamonds securely in place.
Sourcing exquisite diamonds at great value is central to our customers' confidence in shopping at Queensmith. Our Sales team are true gemmology experts, and we're always on hand to give the realist, in-depth advice you can count on.
Wedding Ring Sizes
It's important to get the right wedding ring size, after all, you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life. The width of a wedding ring is measured in millimetres, and standard wedding band widths range from 2mm to 6mm, with anything larger classifying as a bespoke wedding band. But it’s not just size that matters – wedding ring weights need to be considered too. Having a light wedding ring is going to be more convenient in day-to-day life but may potentially be weaker, and so some people would prefer a sturdier, heavier wedding ring. It’s important you feel comfortable when wearing your ring, so we would recommend booking an appointment and trying on a selection in-store to be absolutely certain you are confident with your purchase.
In the meantime, take a look at our engagement ring size guide, which will also help with wedding ring sizing.
Add a Personal Touch With an Engraving
Make your wedding ring truly unique by adding a personal engraving. For just £75 per ring, you can customise your band with up to 25 characters – whether it’s your wedding date, your partner’s initials or a meaningful message that will make them smile on your special day. It’s a small detail that adds a heartfelt touch to your rings, making them even more memorable.
Get in touch with any ideas – we’re happy to help make your rings as personal as your love story.
Wedding Ring Traditions Throughout History
Many people know that the circular shape of the wedding ring is symbolic of everlasting love – but did you also know that the wearing of the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, later named the “ring finger”, was started by the Ancient Egyptians, who believed that this finger contained the vein of love going directly to the heart? They would make rings out of reeds and plants, a tradition the Romans continued, fashioning rings out of sturdier materials such as iron.
In the 15th century, wedding rings developed more of a personal touch, with engravings being added on the inside of the ring to keep the message close to the individual. These beautiful ring traditions have survived thousands of years and are still enjoyed today as expressions of our humanity and desire for love.
5 Master Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Ring
Selecting the perfect wedding ring is a meaningful decision, and knowing how to choose a wedding ring will ensure you’ll find a piece you love and wear for a lifetime. Here are five essential tips on how to choose a wedding ring.
#1: Consider Wedding Ring Metal Choice & Durability
When choosing a wedding ring, the metal you select plays a huge role in both its durability and aesthetic. Metals like platinum and gold (available in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold) each have their unique qualities. Platinum is known for its strength and hypoallergenic properties, while gold offers a range of hues to suit your style. Consider how your ring’s metal will age and its durability for everyday wear. For more information, take a look at our wedding ring precious metal guide.
#2: Match with Your Engagement Ring
To achieve a cohesive look, consider how your wedding ring will sit alongside your engagement ring. Whether you want a perfectly matching set or a complementary style, planning the combination early will make the process smoother. Consider whether your engagement ring is wedfit (designed to sit flush with a wedding band) or wedfriendly (comfortably sitting beside it but not entirely flush). If your engagement ring doesn't fit either, you may need a shaped wedding ring or a custom design to ensure a perfect fit.
For those who prefer a coordinated look, you may want to consider a bridal set, which includes both an engagement ring and a wedding band designed together. While some couples choose to propose with a bridal set, most prefer to propose with just the engagement ring and then select or design their wedding bands together later.
#3: Personalisation with Engravings
For a personal touch, many couples choose to add an engraving inside their wedding rings. Whether it’s a meaningful date, initials or a short message, engraving is a simple yet effective way to make your wedding ring even more special. Queensmith offers engraving services for just £75, allowing you to personalise your ring with up to 25 characters. Take a look at Queensmith’s engraving ideas for some inspiration.
#4: Complimentary Resizing and Aftercare
Ensuring the perfect fit is important for comfort and wearability. Queensmith offers free ring resizing on almost all wedding and eternity rings, so if your size changes after the big day, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your ring can be adjusted. The only exception to this is 100% set eternity rings or full diamond bands, which may require remaking if the size is wrong. We recommend taking this into consideration when creating such designs, and instead opt for a 70% diamond coverage on your eternity ring, wedding ring or diamond band engagement ring if you think it might need future resizing. Additionally, we offer lifetime complimentary cleaning and polishing as part of our Lifetime Care Package to keep your ring looking its best for years to come.
#5: Bespoke Wedding Rings
For a truly one-of-a-kind ring, consider going bespoke. Queensmith's team of experts will guide you through every detail, from choosing the perfect metal to selecting design features that make the ring uniquely yours. Whether you’re looking for a custom diamond band or a simple ring with a twist, creating a bespoke wedding ring ensures your band reflects your personal story.
Why Choose Queensmith for Your Wedding Rings
Selecting Queensmith to craft your wedding rings guarantees exceptional quality, ethical standards and superior aftercare. Here’s what sets us apart:
Every wedding ring is expertly crafted in-house by our skilled artisans, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail. Your ring will be made to the highest standards, designed to last a lifetime.
Queensmith is committed to using ethically sourced materials. We offer both responsibly mined and lab grown diamonds, giving you a sustainable option for your wedding ring without compromising on quality.
Whether you prefer a virtual or in-store consultation, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect design to choosing the best metal and setting for your ring.
Your wedding ring will be cherished for a lifetime, so we offer free lifetime cleaning and polishing services to ensure it stays as beautiful as the day you bought it.
At Queensmith, we can create a bespoke wedding ring tailored to your unique preferences, ensuring your ring reflects your personal style and love story.
While our pricing may be higher than some high street jewellers, the lasting quality, superior customer service and dedicated aftercare we provide make Queensmith wedding rings a worthwhile investment. You get what you pay for – and we're proud of the outstanding quality and craftsmanship you can expect from a Queensmith ring.
Wedding Ring FAQs
Do you have additional questions? No problem, let us help you through the process
Engagement rings can be designed to be wedfit or wedfriendly. A wedfit engagement ring will sit perfectly flush alongside a wedding ring, while a wedfriendly design will fit comfortably next to a wedding ring – but not totally flush. Some engagement rings are neither wedfit or wedfriendly, so may require a shaped wedding ring or a bespoke wedding ring.
A bridal set refers to a complete engagement ring and wedding ring set. Most people choose to propose with just the engagement ring, then create their wedding rings together at a later date. Couples who reach a mutual decision to get married sometimes choose to create a bridal set, meaning they design or choose the engagement ring and wedding rings together – it's a totally personal choice! Take a look at our ultimate bridal set guide for more information.
The classic court wedding ring is said to be the most comfortable wedding ring, with its slightly rounded edges offering a smooth, frictionless finish. However, we would argue most wedding rings are perfectly comfortable provided you have the correct fitting.
To ensure a perfect fit, book an appointment with our experts so you can find the wedding band shape that’s right for you.
Do you have additional questions? No problem, let us help you through the process
Become an expert
Read our rich and educational engagement ring guides and diamond advice on everything there is to know about rings and diamonds, to help you create the best engagement ring for you.
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