You've booked the reception hall, ordered the dress of your dreams and in no time, you'll be saying "I do." But with which ring will thee wed?
Years ago, selecting a wedding ring was a relatively simple affair -- a standard, basic gold band to complement the more elaborate engagement ring was the norm. And with bride and groom wearing matching rings, the process couldn't have been easier. These days, however, the wedding ring is more sophisticated, ornate and elegant -- a statement on its own, with or without the engagement ring.
In fact, wearing the engagement ring on the right hand, the wedding ring on the left, is an increasingly popular trend, according to jewelers such as Brad Gross of H. L. Gross & Bros. in Garden City. So for a singular sensation, many brides today are opting for eternity bands -- rings with diamonds or gemstones all the way around. "Semi-eternity bands are popular, too," says Eric Freedman, owner of Freedman Jewelers in Huntington.
One of the hottest looks today is the pavé setting, in which numerous tiny diamonds or gemstones are set closely together creating a rich, sparkling surface around the parameter of the ring. Stackable weddings rings are in, as well. They can be mixed and matched with different shaped bands and stones for a truly custom look, based on desired thickness, and of course, according to the couple's budget. Bride-to-be Trish Corsiglia of Rockville Centre, whose fiance purchased her custom-made, 18kt
white gold engagement ring at Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry in Port Washington, loves stackables, but she's starting small. "I'm going to start out with one." But owner Glenn Bradford says couples can add stackable rings to the starter wedding ring, to celebrate future wedding anniversaries. That flexibility makes stackables a great option, the experts agree.
They also agree that when couples shop for weddings rings, they need to consider their lifestyles. "I can be pretty rough on my rings," says Corsiglia, who's getting married in October. "I work in the health field and carry medical products in and out of hospitals every day." Therefore both her engagement ring and wedding ring need to withstand the daily impact of her job. Also, think about your individual tastes and check out Web sites for likes and dislikes, but remember, the bride and
groom's wedding rings don't have to match anymore.
Finally, before setting foot in a store, do discuss your budget. That will dictate whether you opt for gold, palladium or platinum (the latter is the most expensive), whether you will incorporate diamonds or gemstones, whether the rings will be custom-made and other such details. But do keep in mind that this is a practical matter, not an emotional one. "The ring is a token of your affection, not a measurement of your affection," Eric Freedman points out.
Still, "This is an important investment and should be done right the first time," stresses Bradford. After all, "Marriage should last forever and so should your wedding band."
