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Wedding ring buying guide

A wedding ring is the eternal symbol of love and commitment. It is more than just jewellery. Your wedding ring is a sacred circle, a timeless token that whispers the promises made on your wedding day and every day thereafter. With so many wedding ring shapes, styles, metals and stones to choose from, we understand the process can feel overwhelming. Our buying guide is designed to help you explore your options with confidence and find a ring that you will cherish forever.

Shop All Wedding Rings

A groom places a diamond-set wedding band onto the brides ring finger.

Step 1

Types of wedding rings

Before selecting your ring, it is important to understand the different types of wedding rings available.

A bride and groom join hands to cut the wedding cake, with focus on the brides engagement and wedding rings which are set with diamonds.
Two plain wedding bands, one in palladium and another in 18ct yellow gold, with both polished and matte finishing
A diamond set wedding band and a three stone engagement ring, both in platinum
A diamond set wedding band and a three stone engagement ring, both in platinum

Step 2

Choosing the Right Metal

Your choice of metal affects the ring's durability, look, maintenance and price. Here is a rundown of the most popular metals.

A groom places an 18ct rose gold diamond-set wedding band onto the brides ring finger.
An 18ct yellow gold wedding band with a twist in the middle.
An 18ct white gold wedding band with diamonds set along the front.
An 18ct rose gold wedding band with a twist and diamonds set along the front.
An platinum wedding band.
An palladium wedding band.

Step 3

Selecting a Stone

If you wish for your ring to feature diamonds, understanding their quality and characteristics will guide your choice.

A groom places a diamond-set wedding band onto the brides ring finger.
A single round brilliant cut diamond against a grey backdrop.
A goldsmith looking at the details of a diamond through a loupe
A single pear cut diamond on a grey background
A goldsmith holding up a single round brilliant cut diamond against a mount.

Step 4

Finding the Right Wedding Ring Style

Your wedding ring should reflect your taste and lifestyle. Here are factors to consider:

A diamond three stone engagement ring with a plain wedding band, both in platinum.

Band Width & Thickness

Narrow (2-4mm): Delicate and subtle, ideal for stacking with engagement rings.

Medium (5-6mm): Offers a balanced, classic look.

Wide (7mm +): makes a bold statement. 

Finish

Polished: Shiny and reflective, the most common finish. 

Matte/satin: Soft, understated, with a smooth but non-reflective surface.

Hammered: Textured with subtle, unique indentations for a rustic feel. 

Brushed: Fine lines create a subtle texture between matte and polished.

Stone Settings

Claw: Classic and secure, showcasing the stones prominently. 

Channel: Stones are set flush within the band for additional protection.

Pavé: Tiny stones embedded closely for continuous radiance. 

Bezel: A metal rim encircles the stone, protecting it and providing a modern look. 

Step 5

Securing your perfect fit

The right wedding ring fit is so important. Accurate sizing ensures the ring fits snugly without slipping off or causing discomfort. Remember, your ring should fit well enough to stay secure but not so tight that it irritates.

A mother of the bride wears her own three stone engagement ring and plain wedding band, both set in platinum.

Professional ring sizing: Visit a Laings showroom to have your finger measured at different times of the day, as fingers can swell or shrink. 

Consider width: Wider bands tend to feel tighter, while narrower bands can feel looser. 

Try on styles: Different ring shapes and profiles (flat, domed, bevelled) affect how the ring feels on your finger.

Comfort fit bands: These have a rounded interior for smoother, more comfortable wear.

Step 6

BUDGETING FOR YOUR WEDDING RINGS

A wedding ring price varies depending on your criteria. If you need help on how to budget, here are some handy tips:

A bride with her solitaire engagement ring that's set with diamond shoulders, and a plain platinum wedding band.

Style: Decide whether you want to match the style of your engagement ring.

Metal: Remember that metal choice greatly influences the cost.

Choose your stone: Diamonds or sapphires increase the price, depending on quality and size.

Consider lifetime value: a durable ring may cost more upfront but save you money on repairs. 

At Laings, we offer 15% off wedding bands when you purchase your engagement ring with us. We are also delighted to offer interest free credit to make buying your dream wedding ring as easy as possible. 

Step 7

Caring for your wedding ring

A wedding ring endures daily wear and life's adventures – proper care will keep it radiant.

A bride clutches a bouquet of flowers, whilst displaying a solitaire diamond engagement ring with diamond shoulders, and a plain platinum band.

Regular cleaning: Gentle soap, warm water and a soft brush restore shine.

Professional maintenance: Annual check-ups by a jeweller ensure settings remain secure.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Remove your ring when using bleach, chlorine or abrasive substances. 

Safe storage: When not worn, keep your ring in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches.

A newlywed bride and groom pose for photographs in the garden. The bride is wearing a diamond engagement ring, platinum wedding band and diamond necklace.

MAKE A LIFELONG COMMITMENT WITH A WEDDING RING STYLE FROM LAINGS

Wedding Ring FAQs

The wedding ring's circular shape carries deep symbolism – without beginning or end, it represents eternal love and infinite devotion. Since ancient times, couples have exchanged rings as a public declaration of their unity, a silent vow that transcends words.

Wearing your wedding ring is a daily reminder of your promises, a beacon of your shared dreams. It is as much a piece of art as it is a heartfelt symbol, destined to be cherished for a lifetime.

Your wedding rings will accompany you through every chapter of your life together. Because of their importance and the care involved in selecting the perfect design, begin your search well in advance of your big day.

Start shopping for your wedding rings at least two to three months before the wedding. This timeframe allows you to explore different wedding ring cuts, colours, styles and metals without feeling rushed. 

If you choose a bespoke or engraved ring, the process may take longer, sometimes up to six to eight weeks, to craft and perfect every detail.

Absolutely. This flexibility ensures your ring remains as comfortable and incredible as the day you first slipped it onto your finger.

Most precious metal rings can be resized by a skilled jeweller. Whether your finger size changes due to weight fluctuations or pregnancy, resizing allows your ring to stay with you through every season of life. 

Some designs can be more challenging to resize. Rings with intricate patterns or eternity bands may have limitations or require special techniques. If resizing is something you anticipate, consider choosing a style that can easily accommodate it.

The engagement ring is the sparkling promise and symbol of a heartfelt proposal. It is traditionally given when one partner asks the other to marry them. Often featuring a prominent centre stone, engagement rings are designed to dazzle and capture the moment of commitment. 

The wedding ring is exchanged during the wedding ceremony itself. It represents the vows, unity and lifelong partnership. Wedding rings tend to be minimal in design to complement the engagement ring and be worn every day.

Together, these rings create a harmonious duo. The engagement ring celebrates the promise, and the wedding ring celebrates the fulfilment of that promise. 

There is no right or wrong answer here. It is all about what feels true to you and your partner's unique love story. 

Matching rings can beautifully symbolise unity and shared commitment, echoing the harmony you bring to each other's lives. They can be a subtle, elegant way to show your bond through a shared design or metal. 

Many couples also choose rings that reflect their personalities to celebrate the balance between two distinct souls joined together. The true meaning lies in the promises they represent, not the similarity of appearance.

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