Nowadays, you can find so many different wedding band types, so it won’t be a problem to choose the perfect model for your beloved Lady. The biggest but not a bit of a romantic question is how much should a wedding ring cost. Basically, it will depend on the material, design, particular brand, and embedded gems.
In some cultures, only women wear wedding bands, but it has become a custom that both spouses have them in modern times. They can match perfectly or be entirely different, which depends on their owner’s preferences. Most grooms are practical and prefer choosing sturdy and durable materials, while brides instead pick out gold rings with diamonds, if possible.
Determine the Right Ring Size
The first thing you should do before going to the jewelry shop is to measure your girlfriend’s finger. Without precise size, you can’t purchase the adequate wedding ring. You can do it in a few ways, including:
- Compare an existing ring’s size
- Measure her finger with a band
Once you get the right finger diameter or compare the existing ring with a chart, you can calculate the diameter and circumference of the ring you should buy.
Ring size |
|||||
|
Ring size US |
Ring size UK | Diameter | Circumference | ||
| inches | mm | inches |
mm |
||
|
0,5 |
A | 0,47 | 12,04 | 1,49 | 37,8 |
| 1 | B | 0,49 | 12,45 | 1,54 |
39,1 |
|
1,5 |
C | 0,50 | 12,85 | 1,59 | 40,4 |
| 2 | D | 0,52 | 13,26 | 1,64 |
41,7 |
|
2,5 |
E | 0,54 | 13,67 | 1,69 | 42,9 |
| 3 | F | 0,55 | 14,07 | 1,74 |
44,2 |
|
3,5 |
G | 0,57 | 14,48 | 1,79 | 45,5 |
| 4 | H | 0,59 | 14,88 | 1,84 |
46,8 |
|
4,5 |
I | 0,60 | 15,29 | 1,89 | 48,0 |
| 5 | J | 0,61 | 15,49 | 1,92 |
48,7 |
|
5,5 |
K | 0,63 | 15,90 | 1,97 | 50,0 |
| 6 | L | 0,64 | 16,31 | 2,02 |
51,2 |
|
6,5 |
M | 0,66 | 16,71 | 2,07 | 52,5 |
| 7 | N | 0,67 | 17,12 | 2,12 |
53,8 |
|
7,5 |
O | 0,69 | 17.53 | 2,17 | 55,1 |
| 8 | P | 0,71 | 17,93 | 2,22 |
56,3 |
|
8,5 |
Q | 0,72 | 18,34 | 2,27 | 57,6 |
| 9 | R | 0,74 | 18,75 | 2,32 |
58,9 |
|
9,5 |
S | 0,75 | 19,15 | 2,37 | 60,2 |
| 10 | T | 0,77 | 19,56 | 2,42 |
61,4 |
|
10,5 |
U | 0,79 | 19,96 | 2,47 | 62,7 |
| 11 | V | 0,80 | 20,37 | 2,52 |
64,0 |
|
11,5 |
W | 0,82 | 20,78 | 2,57 | 65,3 |
| 12 | X | 0,83 | 21,18 | 2,62 |
66.6 |
|
12,5 |
Y | 0,85 | 21,59 | 2,67 | 67,8 |
| 13 | Z | 0,86 | 21,79 | 2,70 |
68,5 |
Your goal is to find the perfect ring without the necessity of subsequent shortening or expansion. If you need to round up the number because a jeweler doesn’t offer half the sizes, do it to a higher value.
The Average Price of a Wedding Ring
Unlike an engagement ring that makes up 14% of the typical wedding budget, you should spend only 3 to 8% of it on the wedding ring.
Nowadays, you can find a male wedding band for $510 to $560, while the average price of a female model is $1,100 to $1,400. The average American couple usually spends slightly less than $2,000 on both of the wedding bands.
The minimal price for a modest gold yellow wedding band is about $180, but you can find more luxurious models for approximately $2,000. Its cost will depend on the precious metal it is made of, embedded gem, and the state where you live.
The price will vary significantly if the ring features diamonds. More gems and complicated ring designs can increase the price more than you may expect.
You should pay about $240 for a classic 14K white gold ring, but a micro pave diamond band can reach $1,100. The price will be even higher if you want some specific finishing touches, like stylish millgrain or personalized engraving.
The best news I can give you is that there are limitless options, so you can find the perfect wedding band for your bride no matter how much money you plan to spend.
Things That Affect the Wedding Ring Price
There are a few things you should consider when you calculate your budget for a wedding ring. Let’s see.
Wedding ring metal
Since the wedding band usually doesn’t contain an expensive gemstone, the primary factor determining the band’s cost is the metal it is made of. In most cases, a simple yellow gold ring is the most affordable option.
Nowadays, most couples choose a plain, white gold band. It is more expensive than the same silver model but much cheaper than the one made of platinum.
Any finishing and added gems, especially diamonds, will raise the overall price. You can also expect to pay more for the wider ring.
On the other hand, men often choose an inexpensive tungsten wedding band. The problem with this option is that you can’t resize or repair the ring made of this metal.
Added diamonds
As you can guess, every added diamond will increase the price of the chosen ring. The final amount will depend on carats, quality, and the number of gems. The cheapest variation features three gemstones, but you can also pick out a 5-stone or an eternity ring with diamonds all the way around.
Ring engravings
Some companies don’t charge adding a personalized engraving to your wedding ring, but it is not always a case. In most jewelry stores, the final price will be higher if you demand this service. Keep in mind that the hand engraving band will cost more than the machine engraved one.
Matching with an engagement ring
Some brides prefer matching their wedding band with the engagement ring they have already received. Options are not limitless, but you can find the right model depending on the budget you have at your disposal.
You can always order a custom-designed ring to get a perfect match, but that will multiply the final price. Therefore, most brides choose a wedding band similar to the engagement ring style and color, without exact matching.
There are also various bridal sets available containing a matching engagement ring and a wedding band if you prefer that way. It will ensure the perfect fitting of two of the essential rings in every woman’s life.
Matching the male and female ring
Many modern couples want their rings to complement each other, so they want to find a pair made of the same material, design, and features. If you are one of them, you should count on a higher price than couples who want to buy different wedding bands.
Wedding bands’ style
The overall look of your wedding ring is crucial. You can pick out a petite milgrain or twist micropavé model if you prefer a classic style. However, any design is allowed nowadays, and you should follow your preferences and purchase a ring that symbolizes your love.
Wedding band durability
Remember that you will wear your wedding ring every day, so you should choose a durable precious metal, such as silver, 14K or 18K gold, or platinum.
Even though 14K gold is cheap and highly durable, most couples prefer 18K gold because of the lovely color and a higher percentage of gold. On the other hand, platinum is expensive and resistant but requires regular maintenance.
Men prefer more durable metals like titanium or scratch-resistant tungsten carbide that are often cheaper than gold.
Your wedding budgets
Whatever your wishes, your wedding band’s final price will depend on the budget you have at your disposal. A wedding ring price is not carved in stone, but you should count to spend at least 3% of the total wedding cost for this purpose. So, if your wedding costs $20,000, you should spend min $600 for the ring.
If your budget is limited, but you want a fancy wedding ring, you can start with an inexpensive model for the ceremony. There is a real possibility that you will have enough money for the more expensive ring for an anniversary. You can also use your engagement ring as the wedding band, but it will depend on your wishes and preferences.
Searching for The Perfect Ring
Most people purchase their wedding bands in traditional jewelry stores, but you have a few alternatives to this expensive option. You can order it online from the renowned brands’ official sites.
Some surveys show that 35% of couples buy wedding bands at the same store as their engagement rings. The probable reason is a wish to find jewelry that matches each other as much as possible.
One of my favorite options is to look for an extraordinary ring in your mom’s or grandma’s jewelry box. Such a vintage or even antique rings are highly romantic and need only a quick polish to become perfect.
Think of this option on time in a case that your bride needs to get the band resized. If you don’t have such an alternative, you can use the gem from a useless or broken ring and insert it into a new wedding band.
Vintage stores are an excellent place to look for the ring if you are romantic and prefer a retro look. It is a sustainable approach to purchasing the perfect wedding band that no one else has.
Summary
Keep in mind that the wedding band should perfectly fit both your girlfriend’s finger and your budget. The final price will always depend on her style and desired design. You can buy a separate ring or pick out a set for brides you can find for about $6,000. I wish you luck!
