It may only be small but the wedding ring is one of the most significant pieces of jewellery you can buy. The unbroken circle of metal symbolises eternal love. The wedding ring has been an important part of the wedding ceremony for over 500 years. The gesture of the bride and groom exchanging rings is steeped in tradition and takes place round the world.

Choosing the wedding ring

Today there are thousands of wedding rings to choose from for both the bride and groom. Bands for both bride and the groom can be traditional, such as a simple round ring in gold, or more decorative bands in one or two tone, thin or wide, diamond or stone studded.

Traditionally a woman recieves two rings - one upon agreeing to marriage and one at the wedding ceremony. Some couples go for a diamond set wedding band instead of buying an engagement ring and a wedding band. Diamond wedding bands combine the symbolism of the simple round ring with the symbolism of the diamond.

The choice of having two rings could also depend upon the length of the engagement.

For him the wedding ring may be the only other piece of jewellery he will wear apart from his watch. Although a wedding ring is small there is a lot of detail which can be crammed into such a small space. Remember that the wedding symbolises your love and commitment. What counts is how much you like the rings and how well they suit your fingers.

Important Considerations Traditional Wedding Rings

1) How do the engagement ring and wedding band look together? 2) Do the wedding rings of bride and groom match? 3) Decide on the widths of the wedding rings? 4) Do you prefer a flat or round wedding ring? 5) Do you prefer matching wedding rings? 6) Do you want to wear engagement ring and wedding band together or not?

Decorative Wedding Rings

1) Do you like a diamond set wedding ring? 2) Do you like two-tone wedding rings? 3) Do you prefer flat or round wedding rings? 4) Do you prefer matching wedding rings? 5) Do you want to wear engagement ring and wedding band together or not?

Deciding on the Metal & Colour

1) Do you like yellow gold wedding rings? 2) Do you like white gold wedding rings? 3) Do you like platinum wedding rings? 4) What kind of finishes do you like on your wedding rings? 5) Do you want engraving on your wedding rings?