Wedding Ring Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect wedding ring isn't just a decision; it's a meaningful journey that blends your personal story with a world of choices. From different precious metals, to various designs, it's a path paved with endless possibilities. Your wedding ring symbolises eternal love and unwavering commitment, so taking the time to carefully consider your options adds a chapter to your unique love story.
In this detailed guide, we delve into every facet of this significant choice, helping you understand the nuance of metal choice and exploring an extensive range of styles and designs to provide you with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision. Your ring should be a lasting symbol of your love, cherished not only on your wedding day, but throughout the beautiful journey of your life together.
The Origins of the Wedding Ring
Tracing its roots back millennia, the wedding ring's circular form has long symbolised unending love. Ancient Egyptians used braided hemp, while the Romans introduced durable materials like gold. The tradition of wearing it on the fourth finger, believed to contain the "vena amoris," (Latin for the “vein of love”) emerged in Rome, evolving into a universal symbol of marital fidelity.
Over time, the exchange of rings became integral to wedding ceremonies across cultures, signifying love, fidelity, and the promise of a lifelong partnership. Today, the wedding ring remains a powerful symbol of commitment and love between two people, carrying with it centuries of tradition and history.
Matching Wedding Rings
Whether you're looking for matching rings to symbolise your journey together or for a wedding ring to go with your engagement ring, there are many options in the world of matching wedding rings to celebrate your love and partnership.
Matching Rings for the Happy Couple
Matching rings are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, giving couples the freedom to pick a style that suits their personal tastes. Whether you prefer classic, timeless bands or one-of-a-kind, personalised creations, we have the perfect matching wedding rings for you. Book an appointment to explore our selection of wedding rings or discuss the option of having custom-made rings to suit your preferences.
A Wedding Ring to Match Your Engagement Ring
Selecting a wedding ring to match your engagement ring is a thoughtful and meaningful choice that completes the story of your love.
From choosing the same precious metal and gemstone settings to selecting a contour or shadow band that fits snugly alongside your engagement ring, there are countless ways to achieve a cohesive and stunning look.
If your engagement ring is shaped in a way that a wedding band is unable to sit flush alongside it, due to the setting style or stone shape, we can arrange for your ring to go to our jewellery workshop to be scanned and carefully measured. Our jewellers will then craft a design and a ring which perfectly envelopes your engagement ring to sit comfortably alongside it for the perfect set, whether this is delicately shaped, curved or contoured.
Engraving Your Wedding Ring
Couples often choose to inscribe meaningful messages, initials, or dates inside their wedding rings, creating a secret, intimate connection between them.
Whether it's a sentimental phrase, a special date, or a nickname only known to the two of you, the act of engraving transforms a simple band into a cherished heirloom, reminding you both of your unique bond every time you wear it. Engraving is a beautiful way to capture the essence of your love story and make your wedding ring even more meaningful and memorable.
Selecting the Perfect Wedding Ring
Wedding Ring Shapes
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When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding ring, there is an abundance of styles available. Our array of wedding ring styles ranges from classic D-shaped and flat court-shaped designs to our own Pragnell court-shaped rings. We present a range of styles to reflect every couple's taste:
Pragnell Court: A luxurious court shaped ring that is rounded on both the inside and outside, offering a classic and comfortable fit with traditional appearance.
Flat Court with Softened Edges: This style combines the classic appeal of a flat profile with a subtle touch of sophistication. Its softened edges ensure a comfortable fit.
D-shaped Wedding Ring: A D-shaped ring features a rounded exterior and a flat interior, forming a "D" cross section. The design is a timeless classic.
Light Court: Similar to the Pragnell court, this style is thinner and lighter, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate and subtle ring.
Flat Court: A flat court shaped ring means the outside of the ring is flat, while the inside is curved, providing a contemporary aesthetic whilst retaining a comfortable fit.
Shaped Rings: These rings are most suitable when pairing a wedding ring with an existing engagement ring. Simple shapes such as U-shapes and Twists can be a useful solution providing a flush fit, whilst some engagement rings require a more tailored bespoke service to achieve a seamless effect.
Wedding Ring Precious Metals
Selecting your ring's precious metal is as crucial as the design, impacting both aesthetics and longevity.
At Pragnell, our wedding rings are available in platinum and 18ct gold (yellow, rose and white), each offering a high grade of purity and unparalleled durability to withstand a lifetime.
Platinum Wedding Rings
Highly durable and naturally white, platinum is a premium choice for wedding rings. It is hypoallergenic and maintains its lustre over time. We recommend platinum over white gold for our wedding rings; while white gold is a popular option, it often requires replating over time. The price difference between platinum and white gold is typically minimal, making it a wise investment to opt for platinum, which not only ensures longevity but also enhances the enduring beauty of your precious piece.
Gold Wedding Rings
Yellow gold: Classic and timeless, yellow gold is a traditional favourite for wedding rings.
Rose gold: Known for its warm and romantic hue, rose gold is created by adding copper to yellow gold.
White gold: Created by alloying yellow gold with white metals like palladium and plated with rhodium for a bright white appearance.
Diamond Set Wedding Rings
Diamond set wedding rings feature one or more diamonds embedded into the band, adding a brilliant and captivating element to the classic wedding ring.
Whether the diamonds are set in a pavé, channel, or prong setting, they enhance the overall aesthetic and symbolism of the ring, signifying enduring love and commitment.
Diamond set wedding rings come in various styles, from classic and understated to intricate and elaborate, catering to diverse tastes.
Wedding Ring Polishes
There are several types of wedding ring polishes or finishes that can be applied to the surface of a ring to achieve different looks and textures. The choice of polish or finish can greatly impact the overall appearance of the ring. Here are the polishes we offer at Pragnell:
High Polish (Mirror Finish): This finish is highly reflective and gives the ring a shiny, mirror-like surface. It's one of the most classic and traditional finishes.
Brushed Finish: In a brushed finish, the surface of the ring is textured with fine lines or grooves, often created using a wire brush. This finish can give the ring a unique and stylish appearance.
Hammered Finish: A hammered finish creates a textured surface with small dents and irregularities, mimicking the look of metal that has been hammered by hand.
Combination Finishes: Rings can also feature a combination of finishes. For example, a ring might have a high-polished edge with a brushed finish in the centre, creating a contrast in textures.
Wedding Ring Sizes
Everyone's finger size is unique, and factors like temperature, time of day, and humidity can affect how a ring fits. To determine your ideal size, visit one of our showrooms for a professional measurement or use our ring sizing chart. Keep in mind that resizing a ring is possible but may be limited by the ring's design and materials, so getting the size right from the start is ideal.
Taking Care of Your Wedding Ring
Your wedding ring deserves meticulous care to maintain its lustre. At Pragnell, we know how important your ring is, and we provide special services to make sure it stays as beautiful as your love story.
Ring Cleaning and Polishing
Regular cleaning at home can be done with mild soap and a soft brush. This simple routine removes everyday dirt and maintains the ring's brilliance.
Periodic check-ups by a professional are crucial. These inspections can identify and prevent issues like loose gemstones or wear and tear.
At Pragnell, we offer a ring cleaning and polishing service. Our skilled artisans delicately restore the shine and brilliance of your wedding rings, ensuring they continue to reflect the beauty of your union.
Wedding Rings at Pragnell
At Pragnell, we're committed to assisting you in finding a Wedding Ring that resonates with your love story. Our collection, ranging in styles and precious metals, is crafted with elegance and precision. Experience our personalised service by booking an appointment at one of our showrooms, where you can explore our exquisite wedding ring selection and try on the rings in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. At your appointment we can give your engagement ring a clean and check over a glass of champagne or cup of tea, and discuss any other bridal jewellery.
Our wedding bands are created just for you, following your exact preferences. This makes them even more special because they're made in the size, style, and precious metal you choose. These rings have a unique journey, as they've only been handled by our team, you and your partner, and perhaps the ring bearer on your big day. This exclusivity adds to the sentimental value of your rings, making them truly one-of-a-kind symbols of your love and commitment.
If you're looking for an exceptionally unique wedding ring that is truly one-of-a-kind, we offer a bespoke jewellery service. With our bespoke service, you can work closely with our designers to create a wedding ring that perfectly captures your vision and reflects your unique style and love story. Your bespoke wedding ring will be tailored to your specific preferences, ensuring that it's unlike any other ring in the world.
Additionally, we can also discreetly place a gemstone inside your wedding ring, whether it's a diamond, a coloured stone, or a birthstone, adding an extra touch of personalisation to your already special piece.
Whether you have a particular design in mind, want to incorporate special gemstones, or have a meaningful concept you'd like to bring to life, our bespoke jewellery service can turn your dream wedding ring into a reality, making your special day even more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions on Wedding Rings
Below are the answers to our most commonly asked questions. Should you want to find out more please feel free to contact us and begin your Pragnell experience.
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