A ring to last a lifetime

How to choose a wedding band that’s timeless, personal and beautifully you

Hannah May - Chief Features Writer

 More than just jewellery, your wedding band is the daily symbol of your union. From metal moods to modern settings, here’s how to choose one that’s timeless, personal and beautifully you

As the ultimate symbol of your union, your wedding ring deserves serious consideration. Exchanged as you say your vows, these treasured, deeply personal pieces are designed to last a lifetime – so they should fit and feel like a natural extension of your married self.

Erin Cox

Whether you already have a clear vision or are starting with no idea at all, we’ve broken down the key elements into this mini wedding ring buying guide – complete with expert tips – to help you begin the journey…

Justin Duance

1. Invest wisely
As with all things wedding, money matters. While there’s little point in browsing beyond your price range (except as inspiration), it’s widely recommended to free up as much as you can for this purchase – one of your major long-term investments. Cheaper metals and stones wear quickly, so as the old saying goes: buy cheap, buy twice. Choose the highest-quality materials and strongest designs within your budget, and ask your jewellery about durability. Hardwearing metals cost more upfront but last longer (and look superior), whereas plated rings often need re-touching once or twice a year. Don’t forget to factor in the ongoing care – resetting stones, polishing, resizing and repairs.

Michael Spiers

2. Choose your metal mood
Some of the most durable, scratch-resistant metals include tungsten, platinum, palladium and titanium, though gold remains a timeless favourite. Each option has unique properties to suit different lifestyles and designs – for example, platinum is malleable, making it ideal for intricate detail. Sensitive skin? Opt for a hypoallergenic metal such as platinum, palladium, rhodium or silver. Titanium is lightweight and easy to wear, while cobalt is non-corrosive and budget-friendly (though it can’t be resized). Discuss all the options with your jeweller to find the perfect balance of practicality and beauty. And don’t overlook the ethics: recycled, Fairtrade and SMO (Single Mine Origin) metals, plus reworking pre-loved or sentimental jewellery, are all sustainable choices.

Erin Cox

3. Perfect the pairing
Many couples don’t think about how their wedding rings sit next to their fiancé’s band or their engagement ring. By harmonising your choices, you give them deeper meaning and make them uniquely ‘yours.’ This might be subtle – a shared pattern, texture, stone or engraving – or more obvious, with matching bands. You can also pair your wedding ring with your engagement ring so they complement each other in form and style (straight, contoured, fitted). Your jeweller will help you explore different designs so you can see how they stack and feel together.

Justin Duance

4. Shape & shine
From the shape and width of the band to its final sheen, your wedding ring can be tailored for both comfort and style. Popular profiles include court, flat and D-shape, each available in a range of thicknesses. The best way to find your fit is to try them on. Finishes offer another layer of expression – satin, polished, hammered, sandblasted, brushed or matte – each lending its own character. Consider how these details come together in the overall design, so your ring feels like a second skin and looks unmistakably ‘you.’

Corrinne Eira Evans Contemporary Jewellery Beth Cath Key Photography

5. Sparkle & setting style
The creative scope is huge – from pared-back plain bands to sparkling diamonds or colourful gemstones. You might prefer a single central stone (cut in heart, pear, round, emerald, marquise, asscher, cushion, princess or baguette), a romantic toi-et-moi design or an arrangement of smaller stones. Settings range from solitaire, bezel and channel to pavé, halo, three-stone and east-west. Explore what naturally catches your eye, then discuss the options with your jeweller. Be sure to ask about sourcing too: gemstones should be Fairmined and conflict-free. If in doubt, lab-grown diamonds are an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to natural diamonds with a smaller carbon footprint.

Erin Cox

6. Make it yours
Once you’ve chosen your metal, stones, band type, profile and finish – and decided whether to coordinate with your partner’s or your engagement ring – it’s time to think about personal touches. While not essential, these details can add meaning and individuality. Beyond reworking heirlooms or incorporating sentimental jewellery, bespoke options include sand casting and wood inlays to hidden gemstones and distinctive texture. You might also explore laser or hand engravings such as fingerprints, names and dates to Celtic motifs, sky and coastlines, song lyrics or even sheet music. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Justin Duance Verity Westcott

7. Designed for real life
At every stage, consider how your rings fit into everyday life. If you work with your hands or lead a very active lifestyle, a large diamond ring setting may not be the most practical choice. Those who need to remove their ring for work – such as healthcare professionals – might prefer smooth, stone-free designs that are easy to slip on and off and simple to clean. Chlorine can tarnish lower carats of gold, so it’s best to remove your ring before swimming or invest in a higher carat or a more durable metal such as platinum. The golden rules: remove your ring around hard surfaces and during high-impact activities, avoid chemicals, clean it regularly, check your ring for loose stones and store it safely – your original ring box offers the best protection.

Erin Cox

RING WISDOM

The jewellery experts share their must-know tips for choosing (and cherishing) your wedding rings

Michael Spiers

If you can’t try a selection of rings on, cut strips of paper in different widths and see how they look on your hand – it's actually quite effective! Jamila Hirtenstein, Justin Duance

If your wedding band will sit alongside an engagement ring, always choose the same metal so they don’t rub down on each other. Stephanie Stevens

Why keep grandma or grandad’s ring in a jewellery box? Recycling heirlooms honours their legacy, saves money and makes something deeply personal. Jasmine Bowden, Erin Cox

Justin Duance

Consider width: men usually favour a wider band between 5-7mm, while women pairing with an engagement ring tend to prefer a thinner band between 2-4mm. Kate James, Michael Spiers

Match your wedding and engagement rings by having the stones set in the same style – it’s a subtle but stylish way to connect them. Stephanie Stevens

Add a hidden gemstone on the inside of your band for a secret treasure! Jasmine Bowden, Erin Cox

Erin Cox Safrina Smith

Engraving initials, dates or personal messages on your wedding band adds a unique, meaningful touch. Kate James, Michael Spiers

Your ring can be any shape you like – from wishbone to organic curves. If you’d like it to fit around an engagement ring or another ring, that may inspire the shape of the final design. There’s no rulebook: with every ring handmade from scratch, the possibilities are endless. Jamila Hirtenstein, Justin Duance

There are so many ways to make your rings feel connected – from sharing the same metal, style or texture to matching stones or even an engraving that only completes when the two bands are placed together. Stephanie Stevens

Justin Duance

Your personal taste in jewellery should play a key role in your metal choice. Think about the colours and finishes that suit your style and skin tone, and complements the pieces you already wear. Jasmine Bowden, Erin Cox

Stones can be very symbolic – adding birthstones is a beautiful way to represent loved ones or even include your children in the design. Jamila Hirtenstein, Justin Duance

Share your story with your jeweller – they’ll find creative ways to weave personal touches into your rings. Stephanie Stevens

Erin Cox

If you’ve never worn a ring or not used to wearing jewellery, a slimmer or lighter design may feel more comfortable. Jasmine Bowden, Erin Cox

You don’t have to be wildly creative to commission a piece. We can remodel heirlooms or work with our materials, including a collection of reclaimed gemstones and diamonds as well as ethically sourced new ones. A commission might simply be a personalised variation on one of our existing designs. Jamila Hirtenstein, Justin Duance