Custom Wedding Bands

You're unique and one of a kind and want to wear a wedding band that reflects your individuality. If you've looked at all the many styles of traditional and modern wedding bands available, and still haven't found the wedding band that seems to be the one for you, you may want to consider having a jeweler custom design a wedding band with the details that make it the perfect wedding band for you.

Custom made wedding bands can either be a modification of an existing style of band or it can be a completely new design that you create. Some brides are inspired by celebrity wedding rings and want to design a similar style. Perhaps you are incorporating a stone from a piece of family jewelry and want a new setting, or maybe you desire a wedding band with details that have special meaning to you and your spouse, such as your birthstones or symbols.

The items to consider with a custom designed wedding band is the design, the metals, the stones, the cost, and the time needed to make the band. Whether you know exactly what you want or only have a collection of ideas, you should be able to find a jeweler that is willing to work with you to design your perfect wedding band.


DESIGN OF A CUSTOM WEDDING BAND

If you know exactly what design you want, you can sketch out a picture or take sample pictures of your ideas to the jeweler. If you have several ideas of what you would like, but not sure how to put it all together in one design, collect pictures or drawings of your ideas to take to the jeweler. The jeweler will work up a sketch with you. Once a design is reached on paper, a jeweler will make up a wax model of the wedding band. This will give you a rough idea of the finished style before it is cast in metal and the stones are set.

When designing the wedding band style with the jeweler, one of your decisions will be what metal you want to use for the wedding band setting. Wedding bands can be made from many different metals, including 14kt Gold, 18kt Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Titanium, and Tungsten Carbide. Your jeweler should explain the benefits of each metal, the various methods of manufacturing the wedding band (such as die striking or casting), as well as the various finishes that may be put on the wedding band and the durability of these finishes. These factors can affect the beauty of the band over time.

You will also be deciding the size and placement of the diamonds or other gemstones you want in the wedding band, as well as the type of setting. Stones can be prong set, channel set, or set in a bezel.

When designing custom wedding bands, you can choose to have matching styles made for you and your spouse or unique styles for each. You can also choose to have a wedding band custom made to match your engagement ring or one to wear on its own.


COST OF A CUSTOM WEDDING BAND

The cost of a custom wedding band can vary based on the metal, the stones, the design. Although a custom designed wedding band will most likely cost more than a standard design, you are also creating something special and unique. Your jeweler should be willing to discuss the various options with you concerning metal choices, gemstone choices, and design features and be able to provide you with a quote of costs for the design, wax model, and finished product.


TIME NEEDED FOR A CUSTOM WEDDING BAND

If you are considering a custom designed wedding band, most jewelers suggest that you allow at least eight weeks for the complete process. Producing a custom style of wedding band is not something that can be rushed. Time is needed to finalize the custom band design, produce a wax model, and to cast and polish the setting. If your design incorporates diamonds or other stones in the setting, they need to be set into the wedding band as well.

Less time may be required if you are only making modifications to an existing wedding ring style. The time needed to cast the metal is also affected by the metal chosen - platinum requires more casting time than gold. Intricate designs or styles with a combination of metals also requires more time to finish than a simpler style or single metal ring design.


BENEFITS OF A CUSTOM WEDDING BAND

With the wedding band being an important symbol of the marriage, what better way to celebrate the relationship than with wedding bands that are unique and personal. With a custom made wedding band, you can choose details to reflect your personal style and suit your lifestyle. Perhaps you are incorporating family jewels into the design and creating a new family heirloom. It could be that you want something unusual and one-of-a-kind that always attracts attention and starts a conversation. What ever the reason, your custom made wedding band will bring you much enjoyment and uniquely represent your marriage.


Next Page: Choosing the Right Wedding Band