How to Choose a Wedding Band You’ll Love
I don’t know about you, but before I became super into weddings, I had no idea what the wedding band symbolized, why there are engagement rings in addition to wedding bands, the reason we wear them on our fourth fingers, etc. I’ll give you some tips into picking a wedding band you love for you and your soon to be life partner.
There is a lot of symbolism behind weddings bands and engagement rings. The shape of a circle is thought to have no end and therefore symbolizes eternity. Wearing rings as a public form of commitment didn’t start until the Roman times. Diamonds are typically used as they are a symbol of strength since they are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Greeks believed that diamonds were “splinters of fallen stars” giving them powers of protection. Dual ring ceremonies didn’t exist until the 1300’s and didn’t make it to the US until WWII. Many couples married prior to the men going to war. Each partner receiving a ring was considered imperative to the war effort and gave soldiers comfort knowing their loved one was back home waiting for them. Engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger because the Egyptians believed it was the only finger that had a vein connecting directly to the heart.
Given all of the symbolism behind wedding rings, it can feel like a big decision to pick the perfect one! First, I recommend going on Pinterest and without thinking (seriously, go on autopilot) begin pinning photos of rings you like. This will help you determine the finishes, cuts and styles you are most attracted to. Then you have the option of choosing something completely custom or buying something that’s already been designed. If you are electing to create something custom, I always recommend going to a local jeweler to make sure you are getting the best customer experience possible. If you are choosing something that’s already been designed, or you have a limited budget, then a chain jeweler might be the best option for you!
I’ve been seeing more and more delicate rings with thinner bands being selected for women. The thin bands are flattering if you want to make your fingers look longer and thinner. Some couples elect for multiple wedding bands, one flanking each side of their engagement ring or getting several different bands in different styles. Some opt to get them soldered together to create a totally custom look! There are now apps you can download to your phone to virtually try on different ring styles to make sure you love what you’re picking out. This is especially important if you are planning on shopping online. Men’s styles don’t seem to change much throughout the years. One thing I’m seeing more often is black toned metals to give a more masculine feeling to the band.