This is the ultimate guide to your wedding ring, which will surely lead you to the best decision of your life.
The starting point:
1. Buy yourself some time
How to buy a perfect wedding ring for yourself? I'm sure this question has a lot of weight and will surely put you in stress but the best decisions are always made with a clear head. Give yourselves some time and note down your choices.
• What do I desire from my wedding ring?
• What inspires me?
• What should my dream wedding ring look like?
It is best to note down everything and make sure you don't rush; after all, this is a decision of a lifetime. However, if you are in a hurry, you can ask for help from the Alexandrite team to help craft one for you on short notice.
2. Set your budget
The first thing you need to do is to determine your budget, or you will end up being lost in the sea of rings without any direction. Sure, you are on the lookout for your dream wedding ring, but the best practice is never to stray from your budget. There are lots of unique and exciting options that are eye-catching but still within your budget.
3. Long-term care
For most people, their wedding ring is usually the most cherished piece in their jewelry collection that witnesses the ups and downs of life with them. Hence, your wedding ring should be sturdy and needs a regular annual check-up to stay good as new. Another vital piece of advice by the experts is to invest in the new piece rather than vintage because vintage pieces had already experienced their fair share of wear and tear.
Choose it wisely
There is a lot to consider when choosing your metals as well as the perfect stones. The selection of your wedding ring is based on four essential components. This section will give you a brief on each with pros and cons.
Metals
It's vital to know your metals beforehand. It's not only about considering the colour of the metal but also the longevity and purity of your metal make a massive difference in how your metal handles everyday wear and tear. There are several options; let's have a look at each of them in detail.
Purity
Gold is measured in karats. Pure gold is measured in 24 karats which is the purest form of gold, but gold cannot be used in its purest form due to its soft nature. Gold is the most malleable and ductile metal and can be easily scratched, scuffed, and dented, which meddles with the durability and finish of your gold jewelry.
- 14 Karat gold The problem with gold is that it needs other alloys to maintain its longevity and allure. 14k gold is the most convenient option when it comes to wedding rings for many reasons. 14k gold has 14 parts of gold and a part of the supportive alloy, including zinc, copper, nickel, etc. Pros 14k gold wedding band is easy on your budget and gets you almost the same sparkle. The warm hue of 14k gold retains its glossy finish due to other metals used in the making. Someone with an active lifestyle will have no issue with a 14k gold band regarding scratches and denting. You can have your dream ring without breaking the bank, as 14k gold has noticeable price difference. Cons
- 18k gold An 18k gold wedding ring has 18 parts out of 24 with other supportive alloys, which means your dream ring will have an Uber finish with an apparent vibrancy of extra warmth and glow of gold almost near to its purity. Pros 18k gold is excellent for those with skin allergies as a minor portion of the alloy is present. The undeniable appeal of 18k gold is more captivating for some people than 14k gold. The most significant advantage of 18k gold wedding rings is their purity. Cons
- 18k gold is more expensive than 14k, which can put a strain on your budget. 18k gold is not as durable due to more gold than alloys and might get occasional scratches and wear tear.
We always associate gold with the warm yellow color; however, pure gold is almost orange-ish, which means you need other metals to get your desired color.
• To get that icy white luminosity, white gold is mixed with nickel
• Yellow gold is mixed with copper for a brilliant warm yellow shine
• The gold gets the rosy tint when copper is carefully mixed in the making, but you are still getting a portion of pure gold in your ring
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Platinum Luxurious with a royal feel, the platinum wedding ring is a splendid choice to celebrate your union. Pros The most significant advantage of getting a platinum wedding ring is the charismatic appeal. The longevity of the metal is bound in comparison. The metal retains its color for a long time. Platinum handles scratches with wear and tear better than gold. Cons Platinum rings are highly costly due to the rare nature of the metal. A platinum wedding ring is not a budget-friendly option. You might need to search the market to get the best platinum ring as the metal is a rare find. Pro tip:
Stone settings
Pavê style
The arrangement of small gemstones in a patterned or grid format is pave setting. Pave style is the most favoured due to its sparkle and delicate setting; however, the stones might come loose over time.
Basket halo 18k rose gold ring with pave setting
Bezel settings
The bezel setting enables the perk of rare stone checkups as the stones are perfectly encased around the thin metal layer. It casts a perfect illusion and gives the stone a lot of attention.
Clean contrast of bezel setting on two-toned metal
Channel setting
This is a setting in which stones are secured within the walls of the metals in a suspended setup. The stones are well protected and can withstand wear and tear; however, a damaged portion of a channel setting is quite challenging.
A perfect blend of channel setting Wedding Ring with a princess cut on 18k white gold ring Engagement Ring.
Beaded setting
In a bead setting, many tiny metal beads hold the stones in their cocoon with perfect precision. This type of setting is more favoured these days as it gets the stones' well-balanced attention. Less metal is holding the stone, so be ready for some regular stones checkups.
A stunning mix of beaded and prong setting of alexandrite stones.
Flush/Burnish setting
Modern yet classic, this type of setting is perfectly creative to give your stones a safety of the metal claws. The stones are set inside four to six metal prongs. This type of setting is easily customizable and is a perfect way to show off the sparkle of the stone.
An oval cut prong setting on 18k white gold
Shape
Curved wedding band
A wedding ring looks promising with curves. A curved wedding band is simply creative with the delicate curve of metal with the intricate setting of stones. There are a lot of options to consider if you want to get a curved wedding ring.
• Do you want to pair it with your engagement band? (Might look out of place without the engagement ring)
• Will you get stones or just the engravings? (Make sure you get the right stone cut and setting to avoid fallouts from the curvy side of the metal)
Straight band
Thin or thick straight bands know their value. They can elevate the look of your ring with its simple shape, and not to forget, they will forever remain in the list of favoured by most brides.
• Whether you pair it with your engagement band or not, this shape slays both ways
• Straight band comes with a long term promise and is hardly affected by the change in trends
Round bands
Simplicity is the ultimate luxury and same can be said about round wedding bands. The shape is widely popular amongst brides because it doesn't need stones to bring class
• Round bands look sophisticated and elegant
• Round Bands create a perfect standalone ring that can easily be paired with the engagement ring
Stones
There is a vast selection of breathtakingly beautiful stones that will speak to your soul in an instant if given a chance. Diamonds are now used to accentuate other gemstones as well, so your wedding ring doesn't strictly have to be made of just diamond stones.
A Trending gemstone in wedding rings
Each with its uniqueness and beautiful meaning, gemstones carry special love and will grace your wedding ring with their magnificent presence. Alexandrites are one of the trending gemstones that will grace your wedding ring with their exquisite colour changing look. Alexendrites on your wedding ring are usually enhanced by diamonds as primary stones with naturally resourced gems to tone down your wedding ring look.
A famous saying
"Emerald by the day and ruby by the night"
The description perfectly fits this mesmerising colour-shifting stone. Naturally sourced Alexandrite is exceptionally rare but you can't miss one when you look at it.
A complete Guide to Alexandrites stones
While diamonds might be all sparkles in any piece of jewellery, Alexandrites add a mysteriously mystical vibe to a wedding ring. After diamonds, alexandrites are great to keep your wedding ring versatile and trendy for the years and generations to come. The ever-changing hue of the stone makes it a forever kind of a gem.
The rare background
Known for its rare nature, alexandrite is popular in the world of gemstones for its unique and natural hue that will leave you in awe of its presence. The stone is from the pleochroic family which helps them in colour change. The magnificent color change phenomenon is displayed due to the presence of chromium that is responsible for changing this gemstone’s color from a brilliant hue of emerald in daylight to fiery reddish purple in incandescent light.
History
Alexandrites were first discovered in Russia, a stone so rare that not many people have seen it. This beautiful stone was named after the Tzar Alexander II and is the June birthstone, which promotes healing energy.
Symbolism
Due to the colour changing ability of Alexandrites, the stone is spiritually very active. Alexandrites are the stone of good fortune. These June birthstones are excellent in promoting calmness and balance for both the mind and soul. If you are looking for a happy and healthy relation, then these stones are fantastic to have in a wedding ring. The stone is perfect for both men and women with no strict gender bounds so you can enjoy it with your partner as well.
When it appears red, the gemstone promotes love, passion and self-expression. Having this stone around you will keep you aware of your sensuality and self-worth.
The emerald hue of the stone can ward off stress which brings clarity to mind, enhances intuition and promote success.
Finally, the stone is said to soothe doubts about marriage and love. It introduces the couple with compassion, joy and harmony.
Different cuts on the stone
An actual alexandrite stone has unique cleavage properties, which makes it hard on the cutter. A typical Alexandrite stone is cut into a shape known as a mixed-cut. It features a brilliant-cut-crown and step-cut pavilion. The highly included cats eye cabochon makes for an excellent cut as it reflects the beauty of Alexandrites to the finest. Alexandrites are challenge stones for the cutters. The brilliant cuts are recognised as kite-shaped and triangle-shaped facets, while the step-cut have concentric rows of parallel facets.
How to check for clarity?
There is not a standard system to check coloured gemstones for clarity, but the clarity of alexandrites is usually checked under such a methodology:
• Hold the stone face up 12 inches from the observer's eye
• Tilt the stone in various directions to inspect any visual inclusion
• Inclusions are only inspected on the crown and not at the pavilion
1. 100% Eye clean
These stones are 100% clean to the naked eye but not strictly under magnification.
2. Very slightly included
Under a close inspection, only tiny inclusions are eye visible
3. Slightly included
Slight level of inclusion is eye visible
4. Moderately included
The moderate amount of inclusion is fairly visible
5. Included
Inclusion in these stones is completely visible to the eye.
Pros and cons of Alexandrites
Like any other gem, alexandrites have their pros and cons
Pros
• Extremely rare with no possible match
• Magnificent colour changing ability
• Highly durable than most stones with 8.5 durability on Mohs scale of hardness
Cons
• While Alexandrites are durable but they are not as durable as diamonds
• The stones lack sparkle as they rely more towards the change in colour
Care instructions
Alexandrites are pretty straightforward when it comes to caring. Due to their hardness and durability, the stones don't need too much attention, but like any other ring, these stones can have a build-up of dirt from time to time. Here are a few tips for cleaning them with ease.
• Take off your ring when you are working with something that can easily stick to the metal or stone, such as makeup, dough, paint, harsh chemicals and chlorine in swimming pools.
• Shake the ring close to your ears to hear the rattles of the loose stones so that you can get them tightened time.
• For regular cleaning, dip your Alexandrites in lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Leave it until the dirt softens, and then gently clean it with your hands.
• An annual check and professional cleaning is a must for your alexandrite wedding ring.
Tips to remember while shopping for Alexandrites
- Always check for the colour to get the best bang for your bucks. Alexandrites with a pure green or pure red colour are more valuable than others.
- Choose the proper cut to ensure that the natural fire of the stone remains intact.
- The colour changing ability of the stone is measured from 5% to 100%, which means that it
What should you expect from alexandrites in your wedding ring?
Alexandrites are rare and precious with a brilliant candour that will charm the look of your wedding ring. The rare nature of the stone makes it a stiff find which means that your wedding ring is one of a kind, and if you are looking for something that does not own by many, then it's a perfect opportunity to own something so blissfully precious. Alexandrites are uncommon and have no alternative or look-alike stone. You can always go for your birthstone, or your partner's birthstone to bring meaning to your wedding ring.
Contrasting metals
Paired with white gold, Alexandrites emits a cool-toned charm. It's the best option for those who want a timeless classic. Alexandrites with rose and yellow gold give a warm radiance and a fiery hue, which is great for the lovers of something unique.
Matching your wedding and engagement ring
The trend lives on the desire of the bride's taste. The idea is slightly risky because you can quickly go wrong with this; however, you can always contact the expert team at the Alexandrite to help you get the best fit and a match made in heaven.
Mixing metals:
You are not the only one who thinks, Do I need to wear two rings to follow the mixed metal trend?
Well, it depends upon the desire as there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to mixing up your metals. For example, you can pair up your rose gold wedding ring with a sterling silver wedding band or yellow gold with white gold; however, this two-toned wedding ring from the Alexandrite is ideal for those who like to mix their metals.
Contrary to popular belief, wedding rings are not always made of precious metals and stones; there are multiple options to suit every taste and pocket.