Wedding Ring Store Primer: FAQs About Alternatives To Traditional Bands
by Roberta Vasquez
What is your ring style? You're ready to shop at the local wedding ring store, but you're not sure if standard gold bands are the right fit. Before you make an investment, take a look at what you need to know about alternative wedding ring styles and your options.
Is Gold Your Only Option?
No, gold is not your only wedding ring option. Even though solid gold bands are traditionally popular picks for brides and grooms-to-be, you don't have to buy this type of ring—or the classic yellow gold metal. White and rose golds are precious metals that don't have the characteristic yellow hue. These alternatives are elegant options for couples who want something that isn't too out of the ordinary.
What Are the Non-Gold Options?
There are several different non-gold ring alternatives to choose from. These include silver, platinum, palladium, titanium, or a ring of gemstones set into your choice of metal. Along with these options, tungsten carbide bands are popular choices that offer a high level of durability and a completely out-of-the-box look.
Tungsten carbide is an alloy (combination of metals) that is a naturally deep gray. But these rings are often polished or coated to create fashion-forward color options, such as silver/white or black.
Do You Have To Choose One Metal?
Again, the answer to this question is no. If the traditional plain gold band isn't your style, consider a woven ring that includes a combination of metals or gold colors. These intricate bands have a textured aesthetic and stand out from a traditional ring. Not only does this offer an alternative style to the classic wedding band, but this type of ring can also symbolize the way your two lives are now woven together into one.
Is A Traditional Band Shape the Only Option?
All rings are round. But this doesn't necessarily mean your wedding ring needs to look like a classic band. A sharper knife-edge design adds a modern twist to the traditional ring. Choose a metal for this slimmer and (literally) edgier type of ring or add small gemstones to the setting.
Other shape alternatives include a criss-cross design that is tapered at the center, an infinity twist, a curved contour band, or a double-ended ring with a small space at the center.
Are Gemstones An Option?
Diamonds are the classic add-on to many wedding bands. While the crystal clear stone has a traditional appeal, it isn't the only precious gem that you can set into a band. As you browse bands at a wedding ring shop, look for colorful alternatives that add a sense of whimsy or playfulness. Add both of your birthstones to the ring or, if you have children from previous relationships, create a blended family design and include a gemstone for each child.
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Hello, my name is Belinda. I spend my spare time making jewelry for my friends and family. The jewelry making process that I use closely mimics the practices utilized by the professionals. I have a small kit of tools that I use to bend wire, set stones and create other decorative elements for my jewelry. I want to explore hobby and professional tools used for jewelry making on this site. I hope that I can inspire other people to pick up this fun and rewarding hobby. I will share new jewelry industry information on this site as it develops. Please visit often to learn about this topic.