Photo (top, from left to right): Jeweler: Laura Juweelontwerpster / Jeweler: Lore Van Keer / Jeweler: Atelier Dichter
1. Start early
Some couples like to take their time and visit the jeweler as early as a year in advance. This not only allows for personalized advice and multiple fitting sessions, but also for customizations such as engravings, special gemstones, or unique designs that truly suit you both. Jewelry stores can hold the rings for you for up to a year—what a luxury! Keep in mind that crafting wedding rings often takes about six weeks, and many jewelers prefer to have them ready two months before the wedding day. This leaves time for a final fitting or adjustment, ensuring your rings are perfect on the big day.
2. Preparation is half the battle
Before you step into the jewelry store, it’s helpful to already know what you both like. Think about color, style, material, and finish. Most couples still opt for timeless designs, but combinations such as a diamond wedding band for the bride and a matte ring for the groom are also popular. If you have clear ideas in advance, choosing wedding rings will go more smoothly and be more focused, and the jeweler can immediately show you which options are the best fit.
3. To trend, or not to trend?
On Pinterest and Instagram, you see the latest styles pop up, but trends aren’t always timeless. Before you rush excitedly to the jeweler, consider this first: a wedding ring isn’t a fashion item. You’ll wear a wedding ring every day, often for decades. Feel free to draw inspiration from new designs or unique shapes, but above all, choose a style that you know you’ll still be proud to wear 30 years from now.
4. Consider your lifestyle
Who you are and what you do every day plays a major role in choosing wedding rings. A chef who often cooks on a granite countertop, a hairdresser who washes and cuts hair, a roofer who performs heavy labor—they all have one thing in common: manual work. Even if you engage in intense sports or strength training, you should pay close attention to the material of your wedding ring. In that case, opt for a durable material like platinum or titanium, and choose a smooth design without protruding stones. This way, your ring will remain beautiful and wearable in any situation.
Christiaan Van Bignoot of Jewels by Christiaan advises: “Choose the gold color based on your skin tone, and then select the style, shape, and material of your wedding ring based on your lifestyle, activities, or job. Also, consider how you store your rings. Don’t wear them at the gym or while exercising, and visit your jeweler regularly for maintenance. ”
5. Comfort First
Since you’ll be wearing your wedding ring every day, comfort is crucial. When trying it on, pay attention to the fit—look for features like “comfort fit” edges—and make sure it’s neither too tight nor too loose. Also, test how the ring feels during everyday movements. A good ring is barely noticeable, yet it stays securely on your finger. Also consider the weight: a ring that’s too heavy can become less comfortable to wear over time. Does it irritate your skin, or does it feel painful anywhere? Keep in mind that a certain level of quality is always linked to a certain price range.
Elisabeth Leenknegt of Elisa Lee shares: “Wedding rings are worn every day. During your appointment, we’ll work together to determine the right width and thickness so the ring fits beautifully without pinching or feeling heavy. By scheduling several fitting sessions, we can be certain of your ring’s size and fit. Afterward, it’s always possible to make adjustments.”
6. To match, or... ?
In the past, couples often chose identical rings, but now they increasingly opt for personalized designs that still complement each other. This can be achieved, for example, by using the same metal color, a shared engraving, or a design detail that symbolizes their connection. This way, each person can wear a ring that suits their own style without losing the connection to their partner.
Jeweler Stefanie Condes shares: “Wearing comfort is very important. So we definitely emphasize this. Wedding bands no longer have to be a ‘matching set.’ Often, both partners choose a different style.”
7. Matching the engagement ring and wedding band
Do you wear your wedding band next to your engagement ring? Then make sure they match in style, height, and fit. The jeweler can ensure that both rings fit together perfectly, so they form a harmonious whole. This creates a beautiful effect not only on your wedding day but for all the years to come.
Jeweler Stefanie Condes explains: “Some engagement rings cannot be worn together with a wedding band; for example, they might damage each other. If the engagement ring is from us, this is something we’ll definitely explain in advance. If the engagement ring isn’t from us, we’ll pay close attention and ensure that it can still be worn together with the wedding band.”
8. Take good care of your ring
Last but not least: take good care of your wedding ring after saying “I do.” It’s normal to see small scratches appear on the ring over the years. So, have your wedding ring polished at the jeweler every now and then. They’ll remove small scratches, check your gemstones, and polish the ring to a shine, so you’ll always be wearing a ring that looks as good as new.
Laurence from Laurence Vandenborre Fine Jewelry has seen firsthand that small habits can make a big difference: “The most common mistake is simply continuing to wear your ring during activities that expose it to impact, chemicals, or friction.” Think of sports, gardening, or cleaning. “Even diamonds aren’t indestructible, and the setting is often more fragile than people think.” Even seemingly harmless habits can have an impact. Her advice is simple: take off your ring during intense or practical activities and store it safely in a soft box or pouch.
It’s also worth establishing a small routine. “Gently clean your ring at home every few months with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. This removes dirt around the setting and keeps the stone beautifully clear.” Combine that with a professional check-up. “Have your ring inspected annually, check the setting every few years, and have it polished or re-rhodium-plated if necessary. This will extend its lifespan and keep your ring looking beautiful for years to come.”
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Wedding Rings
1. How do I know my ring size?
Have it professionally measured at a jeweler’s, preferably at different times of the day.
Christiaan Van Bignoot of Jewels by Christiaan advises: “Not sure about your ring size? Test whether the ring fits on a warm day and a cold day. In colder weather, your ring may fit more loosely, and in warmer weather, it will fit more snugly.”
2. What’s the difference between 14-karat and 18-karat gold?
18-karat gold contains more pure gold, has a warmer color, and is softer; 14-karat gold is harder and more scratch-resistant.
3. Is custom work always more expensive?
Not always. The price depends on the material, design, and any gemstones. Custom work does offer more freedom in style and finish when you’re choosing your wedding rings.
4. How often should I have my ring checked?
Once a year is ideal to prevent wear and tear and keep gemstones secure.
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