Choosing the Wedding Ring

A wedding ring is very important when getting married. It symbolizes that you are married and therefore taken. Everyone recognizes a wedding ring and knows what it represents. However, choosing the right ring can be very difficult.

The Origin of the Wedding Ring

The wedding ring is ancient. It’s unclear when the first one was used, but it originated in Egypt, where rings were made from reeds growing along the Nile. The circular shape symbolizes unity, constancy, and eternal love. It represented a lifelong commitment. The ring showed that a woman was taken, and not wearing it was seen as a sign of unfaithfulness. Later, the church adopted it as a Christian symbol of fidelity to the sacrament of marriage.

Which Hand Do You Wear It On?

Many engaged couples wonder whether the wedding ring goes on the right or left hand. Typically, both partners wear it on the ring finger. The most common practice is to wear it on the right hand. Different traditions exist depending on background, religion, or personal preference. Catholics usually wear the engagement ring on the right and the wedding ring on the left. Protestants do the opposite.

Wedding Ring Materials

Wedding rings can be made from various materials. You and your partner choose what suits you best. Each material comes with its own price and affects the ring’s color. A wedding ring set costs around €1,500, but that depends on several factors: the material, weight, stones, and design details.

Platinum is the most precious and durable metal. It’s white, shiny, and hypoallergenic – meaning it won’t irritate the skin. It’s more expensive than gold.
Pure gold is yellow and soft. You can also choose white gold. Gold is durable and more expensive than silver.
Silver is more affordable but softer and more prone to damage.
Bicolor or tricolor rings have multiple colors and cost more due to the combination of materials and longer production time.
Steel, palladium, or titanium are modern and budget-friendly options, but they can’t be resized.

The Weight

Weight greatly affects the price. The thickness and width determine it. Just 1 mm more can cost around €100. If you want to save, choose a narrower ring instead of a cheaper material.

Diamonds

Diamonds are often important to women, who usually want at least one on the ring. Diamonds can be expensive and quickly raise the ring’s price. Women’s rings often include a 1- or 2-point diamond (0.01–0.02 carats), priced around €39–€59. Diamond prices are based on the 4 C’s:

• Carat: The stone’s weight – heavier means more expensive.
• Clarity: The purity, judged by viewing under a loupe and light.
• Cut: The shape and craftsmanship, affecting brilliance and color.
• Colour: Pure diamonds have no color. Fewer colors mean higher quality. Rare colors like pink, black, or blue are more valuable.

Goldsmith or Jeweler

You can buy your rings from a goldsmith or a jeweler. Jewelers offer many brands. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, a goldsmith can create a custom ring just for you. You decide everything. Prices are usually similar between jewelers and goldsmiths – it depends on your choices.

Finishing and Engraving

You can customize your ring’s finish – polish, matte, textured, or sleek – without a set price difference. Engraving is very popular, whether it’s the wedding date, names, or even personal handwriting. These details make your ring truly unique.