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You are here: Pandora’s Box - Civil Partnership - Rings |
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Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, and a major part of your Civil Partnership ceremony! While some couples are opting for less traditional symbols of their vows, such as tattoos or other types of jewellery, most people are still interested in using rings in the ceremony. A ring is something that you will be wearing every day for the rest of your life, so it’s important to take the time to choose one that will stand the test of time and will be comfortable on your finger. Most couples will shop for rings together to make sure they’re getting something that both can appreciate. A great way to express your commitment is to buy a ring set, where the two rings match. However, there’s no rule to choosing your rings, so make sure that you get something that suits your tastes. That could mean finding something unusual or antique, or even designing your own. Celtic rings are another popular style for contemporary Civil Partnerships. |
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We have the following seven rules to recommend: 1. Start Your Search Early If you're like most couples, you'll have a basic idea of what you want before you head out to the stores, but that doesn't mean you won't find five different bands you love once you start shopping. Give yourselves at least two months to browse, research, price, and revisit rings that |
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catch your eye. Allow even more time if you're interested in a custom piece-extras like engraving can take up to one month. If you're pressed for time, you may need to save the sweet talk for later. Ask if you can bring the rings back for engraving before you buy. 2. Have a Budget Shop with the assumption that you're going to spend about 5 percent of your total wedding budget on rings. Remember that you will be faced with a wide choice, from gold bands to platinum bands, as well as the option to include diamonds which can add considerably more to the cost. 3. Consider Form & Function Basing your ring decision on looks alone is like choosing a groom without having spoken to him first. (Even though he looks like Brad Pitt he might turn out to be a dolt.) Your ring should respect your lifestyle: Those who enjoy sports or music should opt for a slimmer ring with rounded edges (appropriately called a "comfort fit"), rather than a wide, bulky band. Those who work with their hands will want a simple, solid metal ring, as stones can come loose and carvings will trap dirt. And those who are highly allergic to certain metal alloys will want to invest in platinum, as its purity renders it hypoallergenic for most people. 4. Inspect for Quality Your ring should have two marks inside the band: the first is the manufacturer's trademark (which proves that the company stands behind its work), and second is the quality mark (24K or PLAT, for example, which proves that it's what they say it is). If the ring consists of two or more metals, make sure there is a quality mark for each. 5. Think Style This is a ring that's going to have to look cool for a long time, so select a style that will look as great with jeans as it will with that Armani suit you're going to own in 20 years. Stick with a basic shape and a clean finish, and avoid unusual stones that will be over next week. Mix metals -- like many ring designers are doing -- if you're someone who wears both gold and silver on a day-to-day basis. Make sure your wedding band is one you'll want to wear until... well, you know. Knot Note: You don't have to marry your ring. If you can't afford your hearts' desire, swing what you can (white gold) with the promise of an upgrade (diamonds) on your third anniversary. 6. Be Adventurous We know that you and your partner are a perfect match for each other, and your rings doesn't have to be standard everyday designs. Feel free to pick wedding bands that reflect each of your style sensibilities and tastes. 7. Size It Right Never finalise your ring size in the morning (you retain water from the night before), after exercise (fingers swell), or when you're extremely hot or cold. Do your "final fitting" when you are calm and your body temperature is normal. |
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