Choosing a Wedding Ring

Choosing a Wedding Ring
by Rebecca Sherman

Nothing says forever like wedding rings. Their symbolism steeped in rich history coupled with precious metals mark the permanence of a lifelong commitment, and will endure beyond decades of married life.

Gold is often considered a traditional setting; and platinum has taken off as the newest trend in wedding jewelry. The decision to go for the gold or opt for platinum is based on the personal style of the bride and groom. However, certain factors may contribute to the couple's wedding ring selection.

Style What does your wedding ring say about you? Platinum is geared toward a more modern look, while gold is traditionally beautiful. When evaluating your style, consider the future as well as the present, as you will be wearing this ring for years to come.

Matching Existing Jewelry Look at your (and your fiancée's) jewelry collection - do you see gold, silver or a combination of both? If a bride typically wears only silver jewelry, she may wish for a platinum ring to accent her existing pieces; conversely, a gold jewelry fan would likely pick a gold ring. Grooms may wish to match their ring to their favorite watch or ID bracelet. If a couple has different tastes, they may choose a wedding ring that incorporates multiple metal tones and colors.

Quality While gold will stand the test of time, platinum is a stronger and more durable metal. Couples who decide on gold should select 14K-18K wedding rings. For gold, high karats mean intense color but less durability. Given the length of time this piece will be worn, durability is an extremely important factor.

Allergic Reactions to Metals If the bride or groom reacts to the metals found in certain types of jewelry, a platinum wedding ring may be the way to go. Over 90 percent pure, platinum is hypoallergenic to most people.

Price If shopping by price, gold offers the best value for your money. While platinum is more durable than gold, it is also more expensive. If a couple longs for a light-colored metal but cannot afford platinum, consider opting for a white gold wedding ring as an affordable alternative.

Whatever your decision, gold and platinum wedding rings are a wonderful way to express your love and commitment to each other and will undoubtedly last as long as your love.

Rebecca Sherman is an editor at ModernWeddingPlanner.com

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