Ling Jewellery's Wedding Bands and Engagement Ring

How to Find the
Perfect Wedding Ring

The wedding is one of life’s most meaningful and beautiful experiences. As your relationship progresses towards this point, how do you signal your intentions to have a more lasting commitment? With an engagement ring, or a wedding ring? And, what is the difference?

An engagement ring is traditionally gifted to a partner when proposing for marriage. When your partner accepts the proposal, the ring is worn during the engagement period to signify the upcoming wedding.

The standard ring for the proposal is, of course, the diamond solitaire ring. While this style does have a classic beauty, couples today want to have a more unique ring to mark this very special moment. For a once-in-a-lifetime event, you wouldn’t want a generic-looking ring, right? You want something that is truly you. So below we’ll guide you on how to find a ring that would make your engagement feel really special!

Wedding rings, on the other hand, are exchanged by the bride and groom during the wedding solemnization.  Though they are conventionally matching, couples are starting to spot uniquely different wedding rings from each other given the variety of designs to choose from, or customizations that can be done. This is especially so when it comes to pairing the wedding ring with the engagement ring. Most would prefer for both rings to fit perfectly together, while still having the versatility of wearing the engagement ring, or wedding ring, separately on its own.

Choosing an Engagement Ring

1. 1. Establish a Budget
   

   Setting a price range before you start shopping for any jewellery will make the entire process easier as it narrows down your options and allows your chosen jeweller to better guide you to the rings that are within your budget. It also gives you a good idea whether you have underestimated or overestimated the price of the ring that you want. The old adage of spending at least two months’ worth of salary for an engagement ring does not always hold true. Your partner may prefer to have a less expensive ring that matches her taste rather than a very expensive one with a design that doesn’t really suite her style. It’s better to be thoughtful than lavish.

2. 2. Surprise Proposal or Not?
   

   Given the myriad of ring designs that you can view online today, it is easier to have a preference for designs when choosing the engagement ring. Rather than picking the safe choice of having a generic or plain ring, couples are ring shopping together for designs that are unique or customized. Besides getting the finger size and design right, couples enjoy this process of embarking on this milestone project to pick the engagement ring together. The best thing is, you can still make the proposal cherished and memorable by being surprisingly creative! You might decide to bury the ring box in the snow only for your partner to chance upon the ring while going on a little treasure hunt together (this is an actual proposal story).

3. 3. Find out the Ring Size
   

   Once you’ve done your homework and know the exact style that your partner likes, how then do you find out the perfect size for the ring while keeping your proposal a surprise? After all, it would be quite anticlimactic for you to go down on one knee, get her wonderful affirmation… and then it turns out the ring doesn't fit her finger! So follow these methods, as shared by our own customers, to make sure that you get the right size for the engagement ring:

   • Be sneaky - If your partner likes wearing accessories, try to ‘borrow’ one of the rings and have a jeweller size the ring. Take note on which finger the ring is worn. The index finger is usually different in size when compared to the fourth finger. But the ring would be a good starting point to have.

   • Call a friend - Ask the help of a friend to go shopping with your partner and just casually try on some rings while they’re at it. In case the shop uses different sizing conventions, have your friend use their finger for comparison as well.

   • Be a math wizard - If you’re good with proportions and ratios, try to use your fingers as reference by placing both your and your partner’s hands on a flat surface. Better yet, take a picture while you’re at it. Circumference is measured by multiplying π by the diameter. If you get the idea of how this works, it will give you a good estimate of her ring size. And it also means that you are a geek like me! Else, try the other methods.

   • Put a string on it - If your partner is a deep sleeper, this might work. You don’t necessarily have to tie the string. Just place the string snugly around her ring finger and mark the string with a marker where it intersects. It’s a fairly accurate way to estimate ring sizes too.

4. 4. Pick a Band
   

   You can choose a variety of metals for your ring depending on your preference. For example, some may prefer a titanium ring as it is lightweight and more resistant to damages, while others may prefer a palladium ring because of its natural shine, which enhances the brilliance of diamonds. Most fine jewellers, however, favour to craft rings using gold or platinum because of the durability and malleability of these metals, as well as for their classic beauty.

   • Gold - Gold bands come in different shades of yellow, depending on its karat or the amount of actual gold in the band. A 24K band means it is made of pure gold, while 18k means a band made of 18 parts gold and 6 parts of a different alloy, such as silver or copper.

     To create bands with the characteristic vibrant yellow of pure gold, a goldsmith may choose to use 22K or 24K. As a metal, gold is relatively soft or malleable, so this also makes it easier for the goldsmith to give the band fine, elaborate details. However, it also makes the band more likely to show marks of wear and tear from daily use. 

     More commonly, designers and fine jewellers prefer to use an 18K band to craft unique wedding bands and engagement rings as it is sturdier while still allowing for intricate customization. Additionally, it also gives the option to change the shade of the band to colours such as white gold or rose gold.

   • Platinum - Platinum is another durable metal that is used for rings and is generally harder than gold. It is only available in white and tends to have a greyish tone when scuffed. Though harder, platinum may still show scratches and scuffs over time but it can be easily restored similar to gold.

   We are mindful that certain customs may not permit the use of gold for wedding bands or engagement rings. Do speak with one of us at Ling Jewellery to explore other options that can be offered when designing your ideal rings.

5. 5. Decide on the Gemstone
   

   ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!’ However, in recent times, this circle of ‘best friends’ has grown to include various other gemstones. Here are the top picks for engagement rings by our customers.

   • Diamond - This is probably the first option that you thought of and it is still the favoured gemstone for most engagement ring settings. It is the hardest of gemstones and come in various shapes and sizes. Mostly colourless, you can also find the rarer coloured diamonds, albeit at heftier prices. The Four C’s—carat, cut, colour and clarity—are the most important factors that you should consider when choosing a diamond. There is still more to consider and it can get quite technical with various specifications and scopes to look through when choosing a diamond. As the brilliance and scintillation of a diamond is determined by how well cut the diamond is, it might be best to meet with one of us at Ling Jewellery to find out more about our diamond rings.

   • Ruby - The ruby is known as the ‘Gem of Kings’ in many cultures and is associated with many lore and mystical properties believed to be beneficial to its owner. The more vividly red and vibrant the ruby, the more sought after it is. The most coveted of ruby colours is the ‘Pigeon Blood’ variety. The natural ruby is commonly found either in unheated or heated forms. Though thermal treatments may be used to enhance the colour of the ruby, they are usually more affordable as well. When choosing a ruby, ask your jeweller whether the gem is heated or unheated as unheated gems should come with a certification.

   • Sapphire - Mention sapphire and you’re likely to think of a rich blue coloured gemstone. However, sapphires actually come in a host of different colours such as yellow, pink, green and purple. Even blue sapphires come in different hues that terms like Royal Blue and Cornflower Blue are used to distinguish them. The rarest kind of sapphire is known as Padparadschas, a pink-orange sapphire that is one of the hardest known gemstones, being second only to diamond. Natural sapphires also come in heated and unheated forms. Similar to rubies, the unheated gems should come certified.

   • 

     Spinel - Spinels are one of the lesser-known gemstones that come in a variety of vibrant colours. Many value the vibrancy of spinel colours so highly that some of the more sought after spinels today are red and hot-pink in colour. Natural spinels are more affordable when compared to diamonds, rubies or sapphires. The popularity of spinels are further enhanced by the fact that these gemstones have a hardness scale (Mohs scale of 8) that is close to rubies and sapphires, making them perfectly suited for ring settings.

   • Garnet - Garnets have been priced as gemstones for thousands of years, having been found in jewelleries from ancient civilizations such as those from Egypt and Rome. They are sought after for their varying intense colours, including red, orange, and yellow, as well as the exceptionally rare blue and green. The most priced and popular type of garnet today is the tsavorite garnet, which has a vibrant green colour that makes it a good alternative to emerald.

   • Morganite - This gemstone has also been a popular pick amongst our customers, especially by our brides-to-be. Particularly dazzling when paired with reddish stones or a halo of sparkling diamonds, morganite’s soft pinkish hue exudes a romantic look that perfectly suits meaningful jewellery, such as engagement rings and wedding rings.

6. 6. Choose the Shape of the Gemstone
   

   Round is the most popular shape for gemstones on engagement rings. There are other shapes that are growing in popularity such as cushion, pear, oval, heart and emerald cuts. Each of these shapes have their own character and beauty that can look stunning when complemented with the right ring design. Another consideration when choosing shapes is how the engagement ring would pair with a future wedding ring. Some choose to stack their rings together while others choose to wear their engagement ring and wedding ring on separate fingers.

7. 7. Decide on the Setting
   

   In an engagement ring, the gemstone is held in place by a setting. When choosing a setting, it is wise to consider the wearer’s everyday activities and lifestyle. For someone who lives an active lifestyle or has a hand-intensive job, a flush or a bezel setting is advisable because the stone in this setting does not protrude as much as in others. For someone who fancies a chic look, a prong or halo setting will perfectly highlight the glamour of a diamond or other gemstones. 

   There are many other ring setting options to choose from, but we can only include so much in this article. It is always good to try on different designs to decide on a suitable ring setting. Speak with one of our jewellers at Ling Jewellery to explore your choices and see for yourself our collections of engagement rings.

Shopping for Wedding Rings

The wedding rings symbolize the vows the couple make to each other. While the engagement ring often looks elaborate, wedding rings tend to look simpler and more subtle. Even so, there are still a few things to consider when shopping for this couple of jewellery.

1. 1. The Profile
   

   The ‘profile’ is the ‘shape’ of the wedding band’s outer circumference. A ‘flat profile,’ for example, means that the band has no curved edges—the sides are simply flat. A ‘rounded profile’, meanwhile, is curved on all sides. If comfort is a prime concern, we suggest picking the latter, since the curved edges feel smoother and are less likely to cause any abrasions or irritations on the finger.

   There are many other profiles to choose from, such as low and high dome, tapered edge and knife edge. We encourage you to drop by at our store, so we can show you samples of each, which you can try on to help you decide.

2. 2. The Metal Finish
   

   Wedding rings have the same metal choices as engagement rings. Once you have chosen your metal or ring material, you will likely be asked by the jeweller for your choice of finish—matt (brushed) or polished (shiny). Most men opt to have a combination of both, while most women pick a polished finish to complement their engagement ring.

3. 3. The Width
   

   Picking the width for your wedding bands is also a matter of preference. We at Ling Jewellery can customize to meet your desired width and thickness for your wedding rings. For women already wearing an engagement ring, it is commonly preferred to have the same band thickness for the engagement and wedding rings, as the two are usually worn together. For others, it’s just a matter of personal preference and comfort.

4. 4. Stones, Engraving and Detailing
   

   Since we specialize in bespoke wedding rings, most of our customers request for additional designs. Engraving is the most requested additional detail, with couples often requesting to have their names and/or wedding date engraved on their bands. Some women also choose to include gemstones in their wedding band to match their engagement ring and thus create a complementing look.

5. 5. Fitting to Your Engagement Ring
   

   In addition to complementing the look of your engagement ring, it would also be great to have your wedding band cut to ‘fit’ perfectly against your engagement ring so that they sit seamlessly together on your finger. If your engagement ring doesn’t come with a matching wedding ring, we can personalize your wedding band to match your existing ring, no matter how intricate or complex its design.

Custom-Made Wedding Rings
at Ling Jewellery

Your wedding rings symbolize the everlasting love and commitment that you and your partner have for each other. Moreover, they are permanent accessories that you will wear for the rest of your lives. Thus, it is essential that you find rings that you would love and enjoy wearing each and every single day.

Find the perfect wedding ring for you and your beloved. Maximize your options—there are no restrictions on the colour, metal, shape, and stones you can use. Aim to create a timeless design that reflects who you are as a couple. Let the love that you and your partner share be perfectly represented in your wedding rings.

At Ling Jewellery, we’ll help you create your dream engagement and wedding rings with our team of trained designers and certified gemologist who have years of experience in creating quality custom-made jewellery. To guarantee that you would love your choice, we can provide an initial model for our customized designs to let you closely preview the look and feel of your jewellery before the final approved design is sent to our master craftsmen for production.

Visit our store to check out our stunning collections or partner with our experts to create one-of-a-kind custom-made wedding bands, or engagement rings, that speak of your happily ever after.