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Selecting Wedding Rings
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Photo by
Bella Pictures
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Well,
you've already got the diamond engagement ring.
Now it's time to choose your wedding bands (the symbol of
your union). These
will be the rings that you will be wearing for a very long time so
be sure that you absolutely love them!
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When
figuring your wedding budget, plan about 2 percent of your budget
to go towards your wedding rings.
Some experts say that the cost of your wedding rings should
be the equivalent to three weeks' salary while other experts say
that the wedding ring budget should be no more than both of your
salaries for two months. These
are not set rules. You
should choose a ring based on your financial situation.
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Be
sure to choose a jeweler that is highly recommended by friends or
family. Check with
the Better Business Bureau to be sure that there have been no
complaints filed against them.
Because unless you know something about precious stones,
you'll be relying on your jeweler to help you choose the perfect
ring.
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Traditionally,
the engagement ring is a single band with a solitary diamond and
the wedding band is a single band made out of the same material.
You may choose matching wedding bands - where the bride's
ring is a smaller version of the groom's ring.
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If
you plan on wearing your wedding ring at all times, be sure you
select a stone and setting that will withstand all the daily abuse
(household chores, sport activities, etc.).
The most popular metal used for wedding rings is gold.
You can either select yellow or white in color.
24k is 100 percent gold. 18k
is 74 percent gold. 14k
is 58.5 percent gold. The higher the percentage of gold, the
richer the color and softer the band.
Therefore, if you are active and plan on wearing your
wedding band all the time, your best bet is to go with 14k.
If you're allergic to gold, go with white gold.
It is stronger than yellow gold but tends to be more
brittle. White gold
looks like silver. Another
option is platinum which is also white in color.
Although platinum is stronger than gold, it is much more
expensive.
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Shop around before you make your final
decision. Try on different styles to see what you like
best. You will want a ring that compliments your hands and
fingers.
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Getting
your rings insured will protect them against loss or theft.
You should get an appraisal of your rings and also a
close-up photo of the rings and put them in a safe spot (safe
deposit box). Your
insurance agent can tell you what type of coverage you should get.
(You will need to show the insurance agent a copy of the
appraisal.)
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Make
sure that you read the insurance policy very carefully to make
sure that you are getting optimum coverage.
Be sure to get full replacement coverage (the insurance
company will cover all costs to replace the ring).
Many policies don't cover any lost stones unless you've
lost the entire ring. Other policies will give you a cash
settlement only for the amount the ring was appraised at the time
of purchase.
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Click for a list of local wedding jewelers.
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