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Choosing your Metal

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Now that you know where to look, it is time to decide what exactly you are looking for. First, you have to consider the type of metal you want your wedding ring to be made of. There are a few choices:

Gold
Gold is measured on a karat scale. 24 karat gold is the purest form, but it is soft and rather pliable. It cannot hold up to the daily wear of a wedding band. 14 karat and 18 karat gold are popular choices.

Platinum
The strongest metal used in fine jewelry, platinum has become very popular in the United States in recent years. It is strong, beautiful, and it offsets diamonds magnificently. Those qualities come with a price, however: platinum is very expensive.

White Gold
White gold can be a great alternative because it gives you the look of platinum, at the more affordable cost of gold. It is measured in the same karat system as traditional gold.

Precious Gems
Wedding bands are no longer made only of plain metal. Rings now often include diamonds, and less traditional rings can include rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. When choosing a wedding band with precious gems, consider the fact that you will wear it every day. You will probably want to avoid weaker stones, and a good jeweler can let you know what the options are.

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