WEDDING RINGS

BUYING GUIDE

Wedding Ring Buyers Guide

Nothing is more symbolic than your ring when it comes to showing your lifelong commitment to your partner.

Not only is the presentation of the rings a poignant part of the wedding day, it also represents something that you will carry with you and wear for the rest of your life. 

Our guide below will help you on your journey so that you can find the perfect ring that you and your partner will cherish for years to come.

WHEN TO BUY YOUR WEDDING RING

Here at Penman, we greet dozens of couples out wedding ring shopping, and we've found that sorting your rings sooner rather than later is better than rushing to find something you love at the last minute.

Picking out your rings can be done in your own time as a couple, without wedding planners or enthusiastic family and friends offering their own (often unprompted!) opinions. 3-4 months prior to the wedding gives you plenty of time to browse through styles without the stress. This should be a time for you and your partner to enjoy together, so set out a relaxing day to shop and see what you like.

Having your rings engraved? Think about purchasing the rings sooner rather than later to give plenty of time for the inscription to be completed. Considering how much there might be to do as the big day draws closer, getting your wedding rings sorted towards the start of your timeline can save you from stress in the long run.

The placement of your wedding rings

In the UK, your rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of your left hand, with the wedding ring worn first, before your engagement ring. This positions the wedding ring closest to your heart, making it a symbolic gesture for newlyweds. Where you choose to wear yours is, of course, down to your own style and your personal preference.

Decide on your budget

There are no rules about how much you should spend on your wedding rings and the budget you decide on should be personal to you as a couple once you have considered what else you will be spending money on. 

Whilst splashing out on a dress or suit might eat into your budget, it's worth remembering that your wedding ring will be worn forever - not just for the day! We have beautiful wedding rings to suit every budget, so you never need to worry about settling for less.

Choose your style

There are three main wedding ring styles that you can choose from.

PLAIN

This classic wedding ring style is loved for its simplicity and elegance. It is available in a range of widths so you can tailor the style to your preference.

Patterned

Choose from subtle v-cuts and bevels or floral engraving. A patterned design will add a little more personality to your rings.

DIAMOND SET

A diamond set ring gives you the opportunity to add some sparkle. An eternity ring has matching diamonds encircling the entirety of the ring. A half-eternity ring has diamonds covering, as the name suggests, just half of the wedding ring.

Choose your shape

Once you know the style of band that you want for your wedding ring, it’s worth thinking about how it sits on your finger and how it’ll fit next to your engagement ring.

Classic court style

The classic court rings are rounded inside and out, ensuring a truly comfortable fit. Varieties of the style include:

- Modern Court
- D Shaped
- Soften Flat Court
- Flat Court

Shaped to fit around your engagement ring

Wide vs narrow

With a broad range of ring widths available, you can choose the perfect one for you based on your personal preference and how well it fits your hand profile.

Choose your metal

Finding the right metal that will perfectly accompany your engagement ring is just as important as the style and shape. Choose from:

Palladium

Naturally hypoallergenic, this silver-white precious metal is a popular choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Browse Palladium Rings

White Gold

A beautiful option for those looking for a silver-white finish for their ring. 

Browse White Gold Rings

Yellow Gold

The most traditional hue, yellow gold is a classic and timeless choice.

Browse Yellow Gold Rings

Rose Gold

Blush pink tones make rose gold a beautiful and romantic option for your wedding ring.

Browse Rose Gold Rings

Knowing which is right for you depends on a number of factors. Matching your wedding ring exactly to the same metal as your engagement ring will ensure that the way they wear over time, and their colour, remains consistent. 

Alternatively, you may choose to have some contrast in your rings. A rose gold wedding ring matched with a white gold engagement ring would work perfectly for anyone who likes to mix and match jewellery styles.

Ready to shop wedding rings? Browse our collection online below or pop into our store.