Wedding Rings

If your fiancée hasn't surprised you with a ring yet then it's time to go shopping!

Since you'll be wearing your wedding ring for the rest of your life, it is a choice that needs to be made carefully and should not be rushed. Before you make a dash to the shops, ask your fiancé what his budget for your ring is. Sorting out the budget will prevent you from heartbreak if you spot something you like only to find that your fiancé wants to spend only half the amount on the price tag. If he is unsure about how much to spend, then one month's salary is a good guide.

Once the figure is agreed on, stick to it. Ask him if he has any preference for a particular style of ring or stone. Whilst it is your ring and your hand that it will be sitting on, it would be good if he likes it too.

Here are some pointers on how to make a purchase you won't regret later.

• If you wear a lot of silver jewellery, choose silver, platinum or white gold for your ring. Platinum is the most expensive metal while silver is the least.
• Eighteen-carat gold is the most common weight used for engagement rings. Other popular carat weights include nine and 24-carat
• Whatever metal you choose for your engagement ring, have the same for your wedding ring. Wearing two different metals side by side that are constantly rubbing against each other will eventually erode the metal.
• Try on a variety of styles. Certain shapes will suit your hand more than others. If you cannot find a style that you like then ask f you could have something tailor made for you.
• If you and your fiancé can't afford the ring of your dreams, don't worry. Ask the jeweller for a style that can take on additional stones and add them later on your first wedding anniversary.
• You don't have to have an engagement ring. You can have an engagement-cum-wedding ring which equals more stones on your ring.
• Shop around! Don't buy the first thing you see. But if you're still in love with the first ring you saw even after visiting five other shops, then that's the one you should go back to.
• Ensure you receive an insurance certificate from your jeweller when you buy the ring and keep the receipt. Remember to ask the jeweller about returns, guarantees and warranties and make certain you get everything in writing.
• If you are spending a great deal of money have the ring independently examined by another qualified jeweller.