If you are like most, there is a finite amount of money for the wedding bands or set.
Sure, it would be wonderful to have that amazing $15,000 Tiffany wedding ring. Unless you also want to eat and keep a roof over your head.
The good news is material and style can have a great impact on the ring’s price. So there are ways to choose rings that are both attractive and affordable to you.
Metals
Choose metals for the rings that are in line with your budget.
Consider sturdiness as well, especially if the ring will be worn in a labor-intensive environment.
Here, in approximately highest to lowest cost, are the possibilities. Follow the links to see examples of each in our shop section:
Platinum is white, more expensive than gold, and sometimes easier to bend out of shape.
Gold comes in yellow, white, and rose and in different purities: eighteen, fourteen, and ten karats. The higher the karat, the softer the metal.
Silver is popular because of its appearance, economical cost, and durability.
Titanium is high tech and strong, a popular alternate choice for men’s and unisex wedding bands.
Tungsten carbide—black or steel grey in color—is another strong, high-tech metal used in men’s and unisex wedding bands.
Stainless steel is the lowest-cost metal for rings. Nearly every ring is under $30.
Style
How your rings are styled can also affect the cost.
Some designs include more metal or larger stones than others, causing the price to rise. Alternatively, some configurations can make a ring look larger at a reasonable cost.
To afford a larger-looking ring, buy a design with a frame, halo, or cluster of small stones.
Diamond or gemstone accents around a larger stone can make the center gem appear larger. It’s often even more economical to choose a cluster of stones that, together, appear substantial.
Sets or Individual Rings?
Deciding if you should buy matching wedding bands and if the engagement ring should match both, only the bridal band, or neither can be confusing.
The answer is the same whether you are looking at it from a cost or preference standpoint: it depends. Which do you like better? Costs can vary.
Look at individual rings as well as two- and three-ring wedding sets.
Sometimes, wedding bands and rings sold as a set are priced lower than if you purchased each ring separately. You may, however, be able to buy a complementary wedding band to wear with an engagement ring for less than the price of a set.
Read these posts for more budget wedding ring advice: