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Certain rules apply to all jewelry purchases, but when buying a wedding ring you will need to follow special rules because you are purchasing the rings to wear for life. We have taken the time to provide you with Ten Commandments that will help you with all your needs when buying and caring for your precious jewelry. 1) Limit Your Choices Limit the number of choices you're interested in. These rings are unique in that both of you as a couple will shop for them and wear them together. Do some research and make some choices early. Do you want white or yellow metal? Do you own all gold jewelry but your partner wears white metal? A good compromise would be shopping around for bands with both white and yellow metals combined. Do you prefer something simple or something more flashy? How about a diamond or colored gem band? 2) Budget How much money do you want to spend? Ordinary gold bans run around $125-200 per band, and the same rings in platinum will set you back closer to $400-600 per band. According to the Diamond Information Center, the average price of diamond wedding bands is $742.00. To engrave the inside of the band, it will cost between $1 and $8 per character, although this will vary depending on the font you choose, and whether it's engraved by machine or by hand. 3) Start Your Search Early Begin your search at least two months before the big day. This will give you plenty of time to look. You'll have time to take another look at rings that you were initially interested in. If you want to have a custom piece made, you need to allow extra time. It can take up to a month to engrave a ring. 4) Be Sensible Remember what your real life is like- don't buy something that is impractical. If you don't like it, it doesn't feel right, or you have to take it off all the time what's the use in having it at all? Consider that you will most likely wear this ring everyday. It's best to select something that can fit into your life seamlessly. For example, anyone who enjoys active pursuits such as sports, or music, should avoid bands that are wide or bulky, and opt for slimmer options, with rounded edges. Those who use their hands a lot in their work may wish to avoid a diamond engagement ring, opting instead for something that will trap less dirt. Platinum is a good option if you are allergic to some metals. Due to platinum's purity, it makes it very hypoallergenic for most people. 5) Will It Remain Fashionable? Try to imagine wearing your ring in twenty years. It is okay to be different, but don't go too crazy. 6) Sizing Keep in mind the following when considering a ring size; your finger size will vary due to such things as weight gain, cold, heat, swelling, exercise and pregnancies. 7) Quality As with all rings it is always very important to check for quality. There should be two marks inside the band of the ring: one is a manufacturer's trademark that shows they guarantee their work, and the other is a quality mark such as 24K or PLAT to prove the metal is what they claim it is. Look for a quality mark on each metal if there are 2 or more types on your ring. 8) Cleaning It is so easy to clean your wedding rings. If the ring contains no stones, you can clean it by rubbing it with a soft, lint-free cloth or chamois. You can clean off grease by immersing the ring in alcohol. You can clean tarnish with a soft toothbrush and a solution of soap, water and ammonia. Rinse in a sink with the drain plug engaged, and then dry with a soft cloth. If the ring contains stones, use sudsy, warm water on it and brush it with a toothbrush or cosmetic brush, then rinse and dry with lint-free material. 9) Take Care of Your Ring Platinum metals are vulnerable, so you must protect your investment. In reality, your rings will never remain in perfect condition, but you should avoid wearing your ring when working with concentrated chlorine (as found in bleaches, cleaners, and swimming pools) or when doing rough work or sports which can nick and scratch your rings. Platinum is more prone to nicks and scratches because it's a softer metal than white or yellow gold but will be more durable in the end, and scratches are more noticeable on matte finishes. Fortunately, it is not hard for your jeweler to change the finish or plating or reapply it on your ring for restoration to its original splendor. 10) Keep the Band on the Hand! Keep the wedding ring on! Hopefully, the ring you've chosen is one you rarely have to remove. If you must remove the ring remember that safe places do not include your pockets or near a sink! Your cat will assist it if it does not fall down the drain on its own. The worst time to take your ring off is when you are away from your home, especially if you are away traveling. The chances of rings being lost or forgotten increase dramatically. According to the insurance industry, the period of time that you are most likely to lose or damage your wedding rings is in the first year.
By: Tiffany L’orfevre
Tiffany L’orfevre is a retired jewelry store owner and has advised many people about wedding rings as this is a significant purchase decision for many people. When looking for Los Angeles jewelry, she highly recommends Bridal Rings, a Los Angeles jeweler for 25 years. They have an excellent selection of high quality designer wedding rings and bridal ring sets at deep discount pricing.
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