The wedding band has been a symbol of eternity since the time of the Ancient Egyptians—a reflection of devotion without end. For thousands of years, we’ve been sharing these pieces of fine jewelry with one another. And while many marriage trends come and go, the wedding band remains timeless. Still, though untold millions of people have exchanged rings through the centuries, it’s natural to wonder—how do you choose a wedding band?
This piece of jewelry will be your most worn and most treasured, so you want to make sure that you get the decision just right. Thankfully, the jewelers at Bromberg’s have the insight, knowledge, and expertise to help Birmingham brides- and grooms-to-be enjoy an amazing wedding ring-shopping experience. Let’s dive into some of the top considerations to make.
There are many options out there when it comes to metal for your wedding bands. Of course, you have the enduring classics: yellow and white gold. These days, though, there are a lot of other wedding band trends to choose from: platinum, rose gold, forged carbon, titanium, and so many more. Your ultimate choice should be something you love and that will fit your lifestyle.
Be realistic about how you plan to wear the ring, especially if you want to wear it every day. If you’re an avid exerciser or do a lot of work with your hands, you’re likely to put the ring through its paces. In that case, you may want to choose a more durable metal such as tungsten or titanium.
The more intricate the band, the more sparkle and beauty it will have. But you’ll also need to do a little more maintenance to keep it looking brilliant. For many, that’s not a problem—it’s simply something to think about if you want a no-fuss option!
Another thing to consider is its shape. Think about whether or not you want to wear the engagement ring and wedding band together. Then, decide if you’d prefer the two rings to sit flush against each other. There are three main options:
Classic: Perfectly round, with several options for stones. Classic bands can be simple metal (no stones), eternity bands set with pavé diamonds all the way around, or channel-set for a mix of stone mounts and accents.
Contoured: These bands are often custom-made jewelry made to fit around the curvature of your engagement ring’s stone with a gentle arch.
Notched: Similar to a contoured band, notched bands have a sharper, angled cut-out that fits around the engagement ring’s stone. Many people compare the way it fits with the engagement ring to a puzzle piece, making it ideal for elongated or dramatic stones.
Believe it or not, there’s no fashion rule stating that your wedding band has to have the same metal or hue as your engagement ring. It’s completely up to you. Some people prefer the seamless look of platinum on platinum, for example, while others love the versatility of a yellow-gold and white-gold pairing.
What matters most is what you like and what will pair best with your everyday life. If you plan on wearing the rings together most of the time, your preference may be different than if you only plan on wearing the wedding ring alone most days.
If you’re not sure, that’s what makes a personalized, in-person shopping experience so important. You can try on different mix-and-match styles until you find the ideal combination for you!
Like every aspect of ring shopping, this decision will be unique to each couple. Some couples want their rings to match, seeing the unity as an extension of the bond and promise they’ve made to each other. But others have diverging tastes and preferences. For them, the ring should be an expression of their individual style—their personal way of celebrating commitment.
Neither choice is better than the other, and neither says anything about the strength and endurance of your love. You’ll have lots of decisions to make together in the years to come. This is one where each person should feel confident, comfortable, and happy!
We recommend starting as early as possible! It’s best to start shopping no later than three to four months before your wedding date. Then, try to make a decision and purchase the rings no longer than six weeks out. That will give you plenty of time to find the ideal bands, have them sized, and get any necessary customization completed (including engraving or contouring).
The time of day you come in for a wedding band fitting can make more of a difference than you realize. Our fingers swell and shrink based on how hydrated we are, whether we’ve exercised recently, and even how hot or cold it is outside.
While we can’t do anything about the weather, you can maximize your chances of getting the most accurate size by visiting around midday (once your body temperature has had a chance to normalize). We also recommend not doing any vigorous exercise before you come in—try to come in relaxed and ready to find the perfect match!
Finally—and this probably goes without saying—don’t forget to wear your engagement ring so you can compare lots of different styles!
With so many options, choosing the ideal wedding band can feel overwhelming, but it should be exciting! At Bromberg’s, our sales associates are dedicated to providing you with an incredible shopping experience. Weddings are such a huge part of what we do, and what we’ve been doing for decades. Because of that, our team members are uniquely prepared to help you narrow down your search, navigate your options, and leave with a bespoke symbol of love that will endure a lifetime.
Bromberg & Co. is Alabama’s most storied and enduring jewelry company. From our beginnings in 1836, we’ve been the premier jeweler in the state, and we’re proud to have played a role in countless “I Dos” over the years. With only the finest quality wedding bands and engagement rings and an unmatched luxury experience, Bromberg’s is Birmingham’s wedding destination. To schedule an appointment in Mountain Brook, call (205) 871-3276. To schedule an appointment at The Summit, call (205) 969-1776.