Despite its diminutive size, the search
for the right wedding band can prove to be downright stressful. For
many modern shoppers in a less-than-perfect economy, tight finances
can play a major factor, with would be brides and grooms worrying
that they'll have to settle for lesser bands.
Fortunately, modern times also bring a
greater variety of options, and finding your dream wedding band is
often just a matter of shopping smart. Here are four tips on how to
pick the perfect wedding band without depleting your bank account.
Know what really
works for you. While many people have some sort of vision of what
their dream wedding ring will look like, not everyone considers the
practicalities of everyday wear over a prolonged period of time. For
example, someone who frequently works with their hands may not be an
ideal candidate for a softer metal like gold, regardless of how much
the natural yellow sheen of the material might appeal to them.
There are a few major factors to take into consideration when choosing your wedding ring material, even if you think you’ve already settled on a particular material (more on this in a minute). First and foremost, seriously outline your wedding band budget, including identifying your ideal price and your absolute maximum price. What color of band do you most prefer? Do you have sensitive skin and require a hypoallergenic ring? Would you like a lightweight, mid-weight or heavyweight ring? Do you require a low maintenance ring? These are all good things to take into account before absolutely settling on one material or another.
Consider the alternatives. While
precious metals like gold and platinum are classic choices for
wedding rings, they are not your only options. Contemporary materials
(also sometimes referred to as alternative materials) are available
at a fraction of the price of precious metals yet often offer
increased benefits over precious metals, such as greater durability
and strength. Tungsten, cobalt chrome, ceramic, stainless steel and
titanium wedding bands are all popular contemporary choices, with
tungsten and titanium wedding bands being particularly popular with
shoppers.
Do a little legwork to familiarize yourself with the various contemporary options. Titanium wedding bands are a good choice for people who want lightweight yet durable wedding rings that are crack-resistant. Tungsten rings are better for those who want weightier, scratch-resistant rings. Cobalt chrome offers a more traditional white metal look that resembles platinum or white gold. Ceramic rings are lightweight and have an edgier look, while stainless steel rings are dependably rugged and often the least expensive choice.
Comparison shop. If your heart
is set on a band that is slightly out of your budget, try looking
around before resigning yourself to an alternative style. For
materials like gold that offer different purity grades, consider
choosing a less expensive grade – in the case of gold, something
like 10K would offer a balance of quality and affordability.
Don’t forget to comparison shop online, as the best prices for wedding bands are most often found on the internet. You can easily find the best prices on a particular item by using a shopping aggregate service or by searching Google Shopping. Keep your eyes out for seasonal promotions, special coupons and other money saving offers like free shipping or sales tax.
Remember that
less is more. While many shoppers think they want an over-the-top
wedding ring, over time they may very well feel that they would have
preferred opting for a less ostentatious choice. While there is a
fair amount of overlap between wedding bands and fashion rings, your
wedding band should ultimately be classic enough for wearing every
day, and not something that might easily clash with other accessories
and wardrobe items.
Article:
Tanya Naouri
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