As the second-hand market for engagement rings booms and personalisation becomes more popular than ever, what should a bride-to-be consider when buying a wedding band? We asked three industry experts to guide us through the jewellery jungle
Ancient Egyptians preferred braided reeds, while Romans opted for iron bands. The Italian Archduke Maximilian set a glittering precedent in 1477, commissioning the first recorded diamond engagement ring in history. Colourful gemstones and intricate settings were the rage during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Fast forward to the 20th century, when De Beers’ iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign cemented diamonds as the quintessential symbol of love. Today, engagement rings (and wedding bands) are as diverse as the couples who wear them. But how do you find your forever fit amongst the labyrinth of metals, gemstones, cuts, and settings?
“There aren’t really any rules anymore; it is all about finding a combination that you love”, says Swedish fine jewellery brand Engelbert’s brand manager, Kajsa Schuterman. “I told my now husband that if he didn’t know what engagement ring to pick, just opt for a simple gold band, “she continues. “It is so simple, yet beautiful and symbolic. Besides, it easily pairs with the wedding ring, whether you choose an eternity band or a solitaire.” Schuterman understands how frustrating it can be to find the right ring. “There are so many choices today, but that’s the beauty of it,” she says.
Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, the designer behind Icelandic jewellery brand Aurum – whose work can be seen on Katy Perry, Björk and in Netflix series The Witcher – adores helping customers create custom pieces. “Sometimes, customers ask if we can incorporate gemstones from their inherited rings into a new piece,” says Ingvarsdóttir. “So it’s a very individual process, and we’re always open to creating a special piece according to our customers’ preferences.”
Think about what you do during your day. Are you an active person? Do you work with your hands, or do you have an office job? These are important factors to consider when choosing the right ring.
Kajsa Schuterman, brand manager at Engelbert
Swedish jeweller Anette Welander has also noticed the recent rise in a more individual approach to wedding rings. “The trend that we have seen for a while is that couples tend to look for a personal touch for their engagement and wedding bands, she says, noting how more couples opt to create bespoke rings. “They are looking for a more personalised and customised experience to incorporate their personalities and love stories in a special and unique way.” Welander adds that more couples want to rework inherited rings. “Some couples want to rework rings into a different design that once belonged to a relative since the family heirloom has a sentimental value for them,” she says.
But where should you start when looking for an engagement ring or a wedding band? “When finding the right engagement ring – and wedding band, for that matter – deciding on a budget is the first step,” says Schuterman. “Next, you need to consider your lifestyle and your personal preferences. That way, you can narrow down your options.” Regarding ring pairings, Schuterman doesn’t believe that the engagement ring needs to match the wedding band perfectly. “There’s a certain personal charm to a nonchalantly matched look when done right,” she says. “However, the one thing I’d consider is how the rings lie next to one another so they don’t wear on each other.”
Another common mistake is not considering your lifestyle before purchasing a ring. “Think about what you do during your day. Are you an active person? Do you work with your hands, or do you have an office job? These are important factors to consider when choosing the right ring,” says Schuterman, especially considering that some settings and vintage rings tend to be more fragile. Another critical point is to opt for quality. “Engagement and wedding rings are meant to be with you for a lifetime, so you should invest in quality,” urges Schuterman
Schuterman recommends taking your engagement and wedding rings off when you come home before starting on chores to make them last. “It might feel strange because you’re inclined to always wear them, but there’s wear and tear no matter what,” she explains. “Maybe I wouldn’t take them off in a public bathroom, but I always remove my rings when washing my hands at home. Dish soap, hand soap… Hand cream especially is the death of shiny rings.” Another good habit is to hand your rings in for a regular service check-up and a polish “about every third year,” says Schuterman. “Doing that regularly helps ensure that the settings are in good condition and minimises the risk of stones falling out.”
An engagement ring and a wedding band are some of the first significant investments you make as an adult, but the experience shouldn’t be stressful, according to the experts. “There’s always the possibility to upgrade your rings later on in life if you would like, depending on how sentimental you are about it,” says Schutterman. “I know many who swap their rings around, wearing them separately and on different occasions.” she continues. “Just take Victoria Beckham, she has 14!”