David Alan's Master Wedding Band Guide
MASTER WEDDING BAND GUIDE BY MASTER JEWELER DAVID ALAN
DAVID ALAN has helped thousands of couples get married over the course of his 25+ year career with his Custom, Not Customary wedding bands. Below is the DAVID ALAN Master Wedding Band Guide to help you purchase the perfect ring for perfect matrimony!
WHAT ARE WEDDING BANDS?
Wedding bands (also called wedding rings) are exchanged by a couple during a wedding ceremony, symbolizing the union of marriage. While designs and style preferences change, this symbol of love and commitment has endured.
ORIGINS OF WEDDING BANDS
In ancient times, people believed that a vein called the vena amoris (vein of love) ran from the heart to the tip of the fourth finger in the left hand. Today, science tells us that veins run from every finger to the heart. In Western cultures, however, the placement of the wedding band continues. In many other cultures, the wedding band is typically worn on the right hand. Today, DAVID ALAN encourages people to wear their band where it’s most comfortable.
Click here to learn more about Wearing Your Wedding Band on Your Right Hand.
DESIGN:
MATCHY-MATCHY
Matching your wedding band to your engagement ring or your spouse’s wedding band is outdated. Consider a Custom, Not Customary, complementary band. Both can share a common design element, a hidden detail or perhaps the same precious metal. Let’s keep matching sets in Pilates class.
NESTING
Nest in your new home, not on your finger. DAVID ALAN recommends staying away from nesting rings for two reasons: one, the style is dated, and two, you can’t wear the wedding band independently due to its curvature.
PERSONALIZATION
This is where DAVID ALAN shines. Wedding bands hold emotional and physical power. They are the only physical things that bond you to your beloved on the wedding day and every day thereafter. Here are just some of the cool, crazy, and chic ways that master jeweler DAVID ALAN personalizes wedding bands:
- Pavé Diamonds Inside
- One Pink Diamond
- Crushed Diamonds Inside
- Birthstones
- Binary Codes: Using fluorescent and nonfluorescent diamonds
- Engravings: Including song lyrics, nicknames, wedding date, longitude & latitude
NO WHITE GOLD
DAVID ALAN never works in white gold. The color is not permanent. It requires rhodium plating, which wears off, exposing the natural hints of a yellowish hue. In search of a “white” precious metal to make your diamond shine? DAVID ALAN encourages clients to choose platinum, palladium, or 18-karat gray gold.
MIXERS
Have an anything-goes attitude when designing your ring. If you are reading this, this is your sign to mix precious metals, diamond shapes, and ring widths. Contrary to popular belief, your wedding band does not have to include the same components as your engagement ring.
BUDGET:
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I SPEND ON MY WEDDING BAND?
The old adage about spending three months’ salary on your engagement ring is antiquated. The same goes for wedding band spending. DAVID ALAN says to spend what makes you comfortable while considering your design goals.
Click here to learn more about How Much to Spend on a Wedding Ring.
DON’T WAIT
Leave ample time! Book an appointment with your custom jeweler soon after you get engaged. Wait too close to the wedding date, and you may run out of time and money. After all, once the gown is worn, the flowers die, and the cake is eaten, the wedding bands and your beloved will remain.
PLAN FOR THE STACK
Consider the wedding band as the anchor to your future dream ring stack. Many of our brides opt to make two wedding bands for their big occasion. DAVID ALAN likes to design two non-matching bands for brides who want options. He personalizes wedding bands in various ways, including texture, width, varying diamond cuts, and shapes.
Questions about where to wear your wedding band? Check out “How to Wear Wedding Rings” here.
FITS
DAVID ALAN typically nails the size on the first try when making your Custom, Not Customary rings. However, sizings on new rings are always complimentary. If necessary, we can size down to 1/16th of a ring size to ensure an exact fit.
INSIDER TIPS TO MEASURE YOUR RING SIZE
Is it dangerous if your rings are too tight or too loose? Yes! A ring that is too large can slip off the finger when you shower or swim. Too small, and you risk getting it stuck on your hand if your finger swells.
- When sizing your finger, measure when you are not too hot or too cold.
- Beware of wine and warmth, which can cause swelling.
- Consider the knuckle. If your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger, gently shimmying a ring on and off is your best bet. Shoving or pushing might cause fit concerns later if you gain weight, get hot, or swell due to salty foods or alcohol.
Click here to learn more about "How to Size Your Finger.".
CARE, CLEANING, CAUTION:
PROFESSIONAL vs. HOME CLEANINGS
Professional cleanings are recommended every six months (but feel free to come in for a complimentary cleaning as often as you’d like)! You can make those rings sparkle with a few household items.
Have questions about how to care for your wedding band? Check out “How to Clean a Diamond Ring” here.
CHECK UP, CHECK-IN
Once you settle into your new wedding bands, DAVID ALAN recommends returning to your jeweler for a professional check-in. Here, you can mention any issues, adjustments, or enhancements you want added to your bands.
DAVID ALAN Complimentary Checkups Include:
- Size check
- Prong safety check
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Engravings
- Honeymoon ring storage
INSURANCE
We never let clients leave our atelier without proper insurance. Whether you are the type to lose your phone every other day or an impressively organized guru, rings should be insured against loss, theft, or damage. Insurance will provide not only peace of mind but also protection. DAVID ALAN has a preferred insurance partner who we are happy to introduce to all of our clients. He will walk you through the process of insuring your rings. Options include coverage on a homeowners policy, renter’s insurance, or a separate jewelry-specific policy.
BIG DAY
The wedding day can be stressful enough without worrying about your precious rings. Be sure to have your rings (not a ring bearer) held by someone known to stay calm under pressure. Ask a best man, bridesmaid, or trusted friend at the party so you can cross one thing off your worry list.
DESIGN YOUR CUSTOM, NOT CUSTOMARY WEDDING BANDS TODAY!
Book a complementary 15-minute consultation with DAVID ALAN to begin making your dream wedding bands!
Click here to book an appointment.