All About Wedding Bands & Their Matching Factor
Your better half popped the question with a dream engagement ring, and the time has finally come to decide what style of wedding bands you’d both want to exchange during the ceremony.
Wedding bands symbolize long-term commitment and unity to face the future together. But how do you shop for them regarding the choice of metal, finish, and design?
Also, if you’re puzzled about whether or not wedding bands should match in the first place — note that no right answers exist to such a question. This decision is as unique as your relationship!
Let’s tackle the topic of wedding bands and help you choose between matching bands, complementary or all-out alternatives.
Where is the wedding band worn?
On the left hand, the ring finger represents marital status.
This tradition dates back to the ancient Roman belief that a vein ran through the left hand all the way to the heart — hence the expression Vena Amoris, literally ‘vein of love.’ This is the same finger a woman will stack her engagement ring and possibly an eternity band in the future.
Back then, rings were all about social contracts, and women wore them as a sign of betrothal.
Today, thankfully, rings on the left fourth finger symbolize a healthy romantic union rather than social obligation or duty.
Should Our Wedding Rings Match?
Traditionally, wedding bands began with matching sets as the cultural norm that emerged during the Renaissance period.
In the United States, dual-ring ceremonies only became a thing in WWII when male soldiers wore their wedding rings during battles to honor the wives waiting for their return.
Today, the rules have changed, and couples can express their romantic connection by choosing specific materials, colors, and design patterns that best suit them individually.
Remember that matching doesn't necessarily mean doing a carbon copy of his or her designs, with size being the sole differentiator.
The beauty aspect of matching wedding bands may matter to you both, but choosing a set of high-quality, durable rings that will fit comfortably for a lifetime is wise.
Buchroeders Jewelers has been making beautiful and solidly-built wedding bands for countless couples like you in the heart of Columbia, MO, since 1896.
What About Non-Matching Wedding Bands?
On the other hand, many modern married couples lean towards the non-customary way of picking wedding bands, and that’s entirely OKAY!
The beauty about unmatched wedding rings is that both couple members get to celebrate their unique preferences. No one should feel pressured to pick a matching wedding band that doesn't resonate with them.
One important tip is to choose a wedding band to fit your finger size and skin tone and consider wear and tear.
For example, men’s wedding bands with pave-set diamonds may not be an excellent choice for a carpenter or car mechanic, considering the excessive use of hands during work can lead to damage or losing stones over time.
Also, it’s vital to consider a hypoallergenic metal for those with sensitive skin vulnerable to a reaction.
What Options Are There For Wedding Bands?
TYPE OF METAL & COLOR
Yellow gold is the most traditional option for wedding bands, but white gold became increasingly in demand in the 2000s. Rose gold is still trending today, but titanium and platinum wedding bands are also accounted for due to their toughness and durable characteristics.
Tungsten is also a popular choice for men’s wedding bands, and other industrial metals and rare earth materials for an edgier and modern twist.
DIAMONDS & GEMS OR NOT
For women, the engagement ring will usually be the starting point. If matching is intended, then it’s highly likely that diamond settings such as semi-pave or channel-set women’s wedding bands can easily be top-of-the-mind options.
For the alternative bride, accents of colored diamonds or precious stones can be an attractive way to embrace novelty and nurture your fashion-forward spirit. For men’s wedding bands, a handful of micro-sized black diamonds on the surface or contouring the ring can be fancier than a simple, plain band wedding ring.
DESIGN DETAILS
Are you looking for something modern, traditional, or a hybrid of both styles? Both men’s and women’s wedding bands come in multiple sizes and shapes. Thus, it’s essential to reflect on your own personal preference to decide what aesthetics appeal to you most.
Inlays and engravings can add a unique touch to your wedding ring if you’re looking for a neat way to make a statement.
Your love of fine arts, the type of music you listen to, or choices in your clothing all comes down to personal taste, and choosing a wedding band is no different!
TYPE OF FINISH
Finishing means the texturing of the metal once it is crafted and complete. For example, men's hammered wedding bands are on the rise and offer a style of finishing where the surface is wholly rippled.
The classical polished finish is always a good choice for those who love a shiny ring, while satin or matte finishes will give the wearer a softer yet bolder look.
Concluding thoughts
To sum up, every couple should discuss their taste openly, style, and how vital matched wedding bands are to them.
For couples who honor tradition or love to break it, Buchroeders has a wide range of men’s & women’s wedding bands, from delicate and traditional to bold and trend-setting.
Furthermore, we also provide custom wedding bands for him and her if you prefer a solution that’s uniquely tailored to both of you!
The options are endless, and our bridal jewelry experts make selecting easy and exciting. Visit us in person to experience what it means to become a Buchroeders customer.
