Wedding Ring Buying Guide
Ultimate Guide to Wedding Rings - Complete Buying Guide
Wedding Ring Buying Guide
An engagement ring is more than a symbol of love. It reflects your style, story, and traditions.
This wedding ring guide will help you choose with confidence. From understanding diamond quality and precious metal types to setting styles and sizing, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
Drawn to classic styles? Modern settings? Let us help you find a ring that’s truly yours.
Introduction to Wedding Rings
Choosing a wedding ring isn’t just about style. It's about finding a beautiful daily reminder of your commitment. Discover the meaning, evolution, and personal significance behind this time-honoured tradition.
History of Wedding Rings
From Ancient Egypt to today, wedding rings have long symbolised eternal love. Learn how materials, customs, and designs have evolved over centuries to shape the bands we appreciate today.
Wedding Ring Meanings Around the World
Every culture has its own way of saying “I do.” Explore the global traditions, styles, and symbolism behind wedding rings, from gold bands to heirlooms and hand placement.
Modern Wedding Bands
Modern bands reflect personal style. Think diamond details, mixed metals, and minimalist silhouettes. We break down today’s most popular wedding ring trends, from classic to contemporary.
Match Your Wedding Band to Your Engagement Ring
Pairing your band with your engagement ring? Learn to match metals, shapes, and settings for a seamless look—whether you want a flush fit or a statement stack.
Decide How Much You Want To Spend
The cost of a wedding ring can vary widely. From metal types and gemstone choice to design complexity, we help you understand what impacts price so that you can plan with clarity.
How Expensive is a Wedding Ring
From simple gold bands to diamond-encrusted designs, prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. We break down what influences cost, so you know what to expect.
Ways to Save When Buying a Wedding Ring
Opt for alternative metals, consider lab-grown diamonds, or choose a slimmer band. There are smart ways to save without compromising on meaning or style.
Different Ring Styles and Settings
Women’s Wedding Rings
Love the classic bands? Diamond-studded designs? There’s no shortage of beautiful options when it comes to wedding rings. You might prefer a simple, elegant band, something shaped to fit your engagement ring, or even a bold black diamond style.
Wondering how to choose a wedding ring? Start by thinking about your lifestyle, taste, and existing jewellery.
Men's Wedding Rings
Men’s wedding rings go far beyond the plain gold band. Think sleek matte finishes, unique finishes, or even diamond accents. Whether you’re all about understated style or making a bold statement, today’s options allow you to find a ring that suits.
From prong to bezel-set and floating styles, wedding ring settings each bring their own sense of personality.
Wondering how to choose a wedding band for an engagement ring pairing? Consider how the setting complements the shape and profile of your engagement piece.
Need help? Use our Ring Matcher Tool to explore your options.
Selecting the Right Gemstone
Diamonds
Diamonds are an iconic choice for wedding rings, known for their brilliance and durability. But they’re not the only option. Lab-grown diamonds, Moissanites, and coloured gemstones offer beauty, value, and alternate meanings. These alternatives are gaining popularity, especially in modern designs like curved wedding rings.
Guide to Diamonds
Explore diamonds for wedding rings, from types and shapes to clarity and cost.
A Beginner’s Guide to Black Diamond Rings
Black diamonds offer a bold, modern alternative to traditional styles. Learn how to wear and care for them.
The 4 C’s
Cut, colour, clarity, and carat—understand how these four factors affect the beauty and price of a diamond.
Colour Grading
Diamond colour impacts brilliance and value. Learn what to look for and how to choose the right grade.
Natural vs Lab Grown
Lab-grown diamonds look identical to natural ones, but come at a lower cost for those seeking more affordable wedding rings.
Other Precious Stones
Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies bring unique beauty, meaning, and colour to your ring. These striking diamond alternatives let you express your personal style in a standout way.
Guide to Sapphires
Sapphires symbolise loyalty and wisdom. They’re also durable, ideal for everyday wear.
Guide to Emeralds
Known for their vibrant green hue, emeralds represent love and renewal, perfect for a wedding ring.
Guide to Rubies
Rubies are bold, romantic, and full of passion. Their rich red colour adds a dramatic touch.
Carat Sizes
Carat refers to a gemstone's weight, not just its size. While larger carats offer more impact, they can also affect comfort and price. The best wedding rings balance sparkle with everyday practicality. Ultimately, the right carat size comes down to personal taste, lifestyle, and budget.
Carat Sizes: A Visual Guide
See how different carat sizes look on the hand to find the perfect balance of size, sparkle, and comfort.
Without Diamonds
Not every wedding band needs sparkle. Many couples choose simple, unadorned bands for a sleek look. If you love minimalism or prefer a practical choice for everyday wear, a diamond-free ring can still feel deeply meaningful and personal.
Unique Wedding Bands with No Diamond
Explore classic metal bands, textured finishes, and bold shapes that make a statement, without a single stone.
Choosing a Metal
The metal you choose affects the look, feel, and durability of your wedding ring. From classic gold to ultra-durable platinum, each option comes with its own pros and personality.
White Gold
Sleek and modern, white gold has a bright, silvery finish. It’s often coated in rhodium for extra shine and durability.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare and precious metal known for its exceptional durability and naturally white sheen. Its strength and hypoallergenic properties make it a premium choice for those seeking the finest quality.
Yellow Gold
A beloved classic. Warm in tone and rich in history, yellow gold suits both vintage and modern ring styles.
Rose Gold
Romantic and unique, rose gold has a soft pink hue. It’s durable and adds a vintage-inspired touch to any ring design.
Wedding Ring Care, Insurance and Maintenance
Your wedding ring is made to last, but a little care goes a long way. Regular cleaning and professional inspections will keep it shining bright. SH Jewellery offers free lifetime cleaning and inspections.
We also recommend insuring your ring to protect it against life’s unexpected turns.
Free Cleaning & Inspections for Life
Enjoy complimentary lifetime cleaning and inspections to keep your ring sparkling and secure.
Should You Insure Your Wedding Ring?
Insurance offers peace of mind against loss, theft, or damage.
Wedding Ring Care / Maintenance Tips
Keep your ring looking new—how to clean it at home
Repairing a Damaged Diamond Wedding Band
Expert repair services for damaged or loose stones, prongs, and worn settings
Removing Scratches from Gold Wedding Bands
Scratches happen. Luckily, gold can be professionally polished to restore its original state
More Tips, Advice & Buying Guides
What To Engrave On Your Wedding Ring
From initials to meaningful dates—personalise your wedding ring with an engraving that tells your story.
Our Top 5 Favourite Wedding Venues in Melbourne
Planning your day? Discover five standout wedding venues in Melbourne that pair perfectly with the moment you say ‘I do.’
What Your Ring Says About You
Your wedding ring can reveal a lot about your style, values, and love story. Explore what different designs may say.
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