We aim to make choosing your perfect wedding or engagement ring as easy and stress-free as possible, which is why we offer flexible no obligation consultation options to suit your needs. Explore a wide range of stunning rings and receive tailored advice in the setting that works best for you.
If you have a query that you don't feel requires an appointment please feel free to WhatsApp us by clicking here
Choosing the perfect wedding ring is an important decision, as it symbolises your lifelong commitment and will be worn every day. Our Wedding Ring Buying Guide is here to help you navigate the key factors to consider, from selecting the right metal and style to ensuring the perfect fit. Whether you're looking for classic simplicity or a custom design, this guide will provide you with the essential information to make an informed choice, ensuring your wedding ring reflects both your personal style and the significance of your special day.
A wedding ring should fit snugly but comfortably on your finger. It should slide over your knuckle with a bit of resistance and rest securely at the base of your finger without feeling too tight or too loose. Here are some key points to consider for the perfect fit:
Snug but not tight: The ring should sit comfortably without pinching or feeling restrictive. You should be able to move your finger freely.
Slight resistance over the knuckle: When putting it on or taking it off, there should be mild resistance as it passes over the knuckle, but it shouldn’t require force.
No spinning or slipping: The ring should not spin excessively or slip off when your hand is relaxed or cold.
Seasonal fit: Keep in mind that fingers can swell in warm weather or shrink in cold, so the ring should accommodate slight changes in finger size.
If you’re unsure, book a professional fitting to ensure the perfect balance between comfort and security.
Comfort & Fit
Since you’ll be wearing your ring daily, comfort is key. Assuming you know your correct finger size, you may not yet have considered the following:
Ring Profile
The ring profile is the cross section of the metal. We offer a diverse range of wedding ring profiles to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of a court ring, or seeking something bolder like a bevelled edge, At Joshua James, you can shop by ring profile and select the metal that suits you.
Width refers to how wide the profile is - not the diameter of the ring. Wider rings make more of a statement and tend to be more masculine in appearance, while slimmer rings have a more delicate aesthetic.
Weight
The terminology here can be confusing, the weight of a wedding ring is not to be confused with how much the ring weighs (I know, I’m sorry!) With wedding rings, the weight refers directly to depth of the profile. A light weight ring has a profile depth of 1.4mm, medium has a depth of 1.8mm and heavy is 2.3mm thick - which ultimately affects how much material is used in the finished piece. The thickness of the profile can affect it’s durability or comfort—thicker heavy weight rings tend to last longer and are not as prone to distorting/misshaping, while some find lighter weight rings (of the same size and width) more comfortable, there is no right or wrong here, it’s purely down to personal preference.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your wedding ring is not only beautiful and symbolic but also practical and suited to your own taste and lifestyle.
A wedding ring symbolises eternal love and commitment, worn daily as a reminder of the bond between two people. Choosing the right ring is a deeply personal decision that should reflect your style, comfort, and the unique journey of your partnership.
Buying your Wedding Rings
When buying a wedding ring, several important considerations come into play to ensure it is both meaningful and practical for long-term wear. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision:
Come and see them for yourself!
Each profile also comes in different weights and thicknesses, which not only affects the look but also how the ring feels when worn. To truly appreciate the differences, we invite you to book a consultation, either online or at our showroom in Hessle near Hull. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see, touch, and try on the different styles to find the perfect ring for you.
Metal Choice
The metal of your wedding ring is a crucial decision, as it affects both appearance and durability. Our choices include:
Gold: Available in 18ct yellow, 18ct white, or 18ct rose gold, each bring their own character, personality and properties.
Platinum: Platinum 950 is more durable than white gold and more resistant to tarnishing, ideal for everyday wear but slightly heavier.
Zirconium: A sleek, modern alternative for men’s rings. Zirconium has excellent durability and our rings inlayed with a precious metal.
Consider how the metal will wear over time and how it fits with your personal style and skin tone. Check out our comprehensive metals guide where you learn more about the properties, alloys and historical significances of these metals.
Style and Design
Your wedding ring should reflect your personal style and feel timeless, as you’ll wear it every day. Consider the following:
Simple or ornate: Do you want a plain band or one with intricate details like engraving, diamonds, or textured?
Profile: We’ve already touch on the ring’s profile in comfort and fit, it is important to wear something that is comfortable, but it’s just as important to choose something that you like the look of, again its a personal decision so again we invite you to come in, try some on, and find what feels and looks right for you.
Shaped rings: If your ring is to sit alongside an engagement ring, a shaped or contoured wedding band may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit. In some cases a bespoke shaped wedding band may even be necessary for a seamless fit - we offer a bespoke ring service to make this possible. Your engagement ring could be wed-fit, these usually feature a high diamond setting that allows a plane band to sit comfortably below the diamond flush against the shank. To find out more, our guide to matching wedding & engagement rings offers a more detailed insight
Matching, complementing or customising wedding rings
While some couples choose rings that complement each other, others may prefer individual styles. Either way, you could consider matching metals or finish for their rings for unity.
Even if your rings don’t match exactly, you can choose elements that reflect each other, like a shared engraving or complementary pattern or texture. Personal touches like engravings (dates, names, or meaningful phrases) or unique custom designs can make your wedding ring even more special. If you want something truly unique, consider a bespoke ring design.
When should I buy a wedding ring?
Don’t leave the purchase until the last minute. Our rings are made to order, so start shopping early—ideally three to six months before the wedding. Typically our turnaround is 14 to 21 working days from receiving your order. If you need it sooner, we will pull all the stops to get it to you on time.
Certification and Warranty
In the UK, hallmarking has been a legal requirement since the 14th century to ensure the quality and authenticity of precious metals. Independent assay offices rigorously test and verify the metal's purity, with the hallmark serving as a guarantee of its fineness and compliance with legal standards. It also provides information about the manufacturer, offering transparency and protection for consumers while maintaining the integrity of the British jewellery industry.
We pride ourselves with creating exquisite and enduring pieces of jewellery that are designed and crafted to last a lifetime. As a testament to our dedication to excellence, we are pleased to offer you our Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.
Book a Consultation
We aim to make choosing your perfect wedding or engagement ring as easy and stress-free as possible, which is why we offer flexible no obligation consultation options to suit your needs. Choose from either a virtual online appointment, in-person at our showroom in Hessle near Hull, or our new service Joshua James at Home where we bring the showroom to you. At this appointment we can go through your ideas and help you to create the perfect piece of jewellery within a budget you are happy with.
If you have a query that you don't feel requires an appointment please feel free to WhatsApp us by clicking here
Please select a location you'd like to make an appointment.
With so many beautiful options to explore, we're confident you'll find a ring you love. If you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, you can also book a consultation to create a bespoke design that's uniquely yours.
