Ahead of the Scottish Wedding Show taking place from 19-20 October 2024, we caught up with long-standing exhibitor and esteemed Glasgow jeweller, James Porter & Son to find out what you need to know about buying your wedding rings.
When choosing your wedding rings, James Porter & Son say it’s essential to consider key factors to ensure you find the perfect rings to symbolise your love and commitment. With over 160 years’ experience in helping couples select their wedding rings, here’s what the jeweller advises when it comes to choosing yours.
Start early
Timing is crucial and it pays to be organised! Ideally, you should begin wedding ring shopping 3-4 months in advance. This allows you time to find your perfect ring. Delivery time on some styles can be up to 8 weeks, which does not include any additional time for customisation, so be sure to start your ring shopping as early as possible.
Your wedding rings can also one of the biggest purchases in the run up to your wedding day, so ordering your rings well in advance will allow options for you to pay in instalments to help spread the cost of your wedding.
Match the metals
Consistency is key so James Porter & Son advise you ensure the metal of your wedding ring complements your engagement ring. For example, if you have a platinum engagement ring, it’s a good idea to choose a platinum wedding ring to match to ensure a consistent look and wear.
Consider the shape
Depending on the style of your engagement ring, you may want a wedding band with a curve or cut out to fit beside the setting of your engagement ring. If your engagement ring has a unique design, creating a bespoke wedding band could help make it stand out even more.
James Porter & Son recommends trying on a selection of both classic wedding rings and alternatives to find your perfect shape, width and depth – and keep in mind you want your wedding bank to look good worn with and without your engagement ring.
Match or complement the setting
Plain vs. Gem set? James Porter & Son says a plain metal band can provide a classic contrast to a more intricate engagement ring, but if you prefer more sparkle, consider a wedding ring which features diamonds or gemstones to complement your engagement ring. For example, if your engagement ring has a diamond set band, a wedding ring with diamonds set in a matching style can create a modern and seamless look.
Think about daily wear
Consider how much wear and tear your wedding ring will have to endure and select a metal to suit your lifestyle. If you need a hard-wearing ring, James Porter & Son advises that platinum is one of the strongest metals available, and an excellent choice for a wedding ring.
The jeweller also says that regardless of what you choose, all jewellery will require some sort of maintenance over time, especially if you choose a band with stones set in it. Regular cleaning, checking the claws and ensuring that the settings are still secure will keep your wedding ring looking its best – thankfully James Porter & Son provide a free lifetime clean and check of all your purchases, allowing you to look like a newly-wed for years to come!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll find the perfect wedding ring that not only matches your engagement ring but also complements your style and story.
James Porter & Son has three boutiques in Glasgow’s Argyll Arcade and offers a wide selection of options to help you find the perfect wedding ring, plus customisation if you’re looking to design a bespoke ring. Find them at the Scottish Wedding Show this October on stand E40.
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