There are a lot of brides who don’t believe they need this lesson, but the grooms certainly do. Brides would likely benefit from these lessons too, because the last thing you want to do is pick something that’s going to start your marriage off deep in the red. In most cases, the wedding ring is the second most expensive part of a wedding, the reception typically costs the most. Here are some tips for both the bride and groom on selecting wedding rings.
1. Set a budget and stick with it. Sure, that may take away some of the spontaneity, but unless you’re unbelievable wealthy it’s the most fiscally responsible way to proceed. Don’t go cheap, but don’t hurt yourself either.
2. Don’t go cheap. Yes, I just mentioned this, but what’s considered cheap? If you can’t see the diamond, it’s cheap. If you can bend it by twisting your fingers a little bit, it’s cheap. If you know as soon as you buy it that you need to upgrade it, it’s cheap. So you know, the average price of wedding rings is around $6,500, and most experts recommend spending no more than 2-3 times your monthly salary on a ring. Once you catch your breath, realize that jewelers are always running specials, and it’s possible that you could purchase a ring for up to 50% less than its listed price.
3. Go with each other at least once to look at wedding rings. Guys will get an idea of the type of ring their brides will like. Brides will get an idea of the costs of the types of rings they like. Hopefully, the couple will be able to have a meeting of the minds and find something that both can live with.
4. Realize that not every ring fits every finger. A taller woman has long fingers. Therefore, you would be able to buy her a special channel set with 5 rows of 10 diamonds each. A shorter woman with shorter fingers wouldn’t be able to wear that ring, no matter how much she wanted it.
5. If you’re a guy who has no idea about jewelry, don’t trust the person working at the counter to make a selection for you. Bring a female friend or relative with you. Retailers are going to guide you to something more expensive than what you may really like; that’s their job.
6. Think seriously about whether you want to get channel set rings or rings with the diamond up and exposed. Odd as this sounds, you’ll appreciate giving it more consideration as time goes by. Raised rings may have one large diamond set in them, but they also tend to scratch other people and are more apt to suffer damage. Channel set rings are always smooth to the touch, and will retain their sparkle with less maintenance.
7. Always pay for the insurance. Diamonds are always getting loose, and insurance guarantees that they’ll take care of it as long as you remember to take it in for examination on a regular basis. There’s nothing worse than losing the diamond you were married with.