Diamond Wedding Band Cost

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable and special days of your life. You will also spend more money on that day than most any other day of your life. While most of what you spend for the day of celebration will all too soon be only memories, your wedding ring endures as a lasting and symbolic token of your marriage that you will wear it every day of your wedded life.

What Amount Should You Spend?
Since your wedding rings are tokens of such great significance, how do you decide what amount you should spend on them? Most people are familiar with the diamond industry's advice that you spend an amount equivalent to two months salary on the bride's engagement ring. While jeweler's will use this guideline, remember it is only an arbitrary guideline set by an industry that wants to sell you something.

What you spend on your wedding rings should be a decision based on your individual circumstances. It does not make sense to spend more than you can afford and it is not recommended that you go into debt to purchase an engagement ring or wedding bands. Spending more does not mean you love more, and you should not give in to pressure from those who try to make you feel cheap or question your commitment.

Your relationship is built on love. What makes a wedding ring special is not how much it costs, but that it is the right ring for the right woman.


What Determines the Cost of a Wedding Ring?

The cost of a wedding ring will be determined by the metal, the stones, and the styling. Premium prices will also be paid for designer names or custom made styles.

Because of the importance of the wedding rings and the substantial amount that you will be paying for them, gaining some knowledge about the products available for wedding rings will help you make an informed decision.

WEDDING RING METALS
Spending the money to get a quality setting is beneficial because you will be purchasing a setting that you want to last a lifetime. The cost of the setting will be determined by the choice of metal as well as the amount of metal in the setting (thickness and width of band). The most popular metal choices are gold and platinum. Gold is available as 14kt or 18kt and as yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Titanium and tungsten carbide are two non-traditional metals that are emerging as alternative metal choices for wedding rings.

It is important to understand the options, as each metal has it's own unique attributes that may influence your decision, including price, color, weight, durability, recommended wear and care, ease of repair or sizing. The purity of a metal will also determine quality and price.

DIAMONDS
Diamonds are the most popular stone set in wedding rings. Diamonds are a genuine stone, and the price can vary greatly from stone to stone. You can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the diamond style you choose. The price of a diamond is determined by four characteristics, known as the 4C's: Carat (weight - size), Clarity (purity - inclusions and flaws), Color (whiteness), and Cut (brilliance - shape).

If you are choosing diamonds for your wedding rings, decide which of the 4 C's is most and least important to you - some people want a smaller stone but with less color or less flaws, while some will prefer a bigger stone and are not as concerned about the clarity or color. You will also need to decide on the cut of stone that appeals to you most.


Is a Diamond a Good Investment?

Considering the purchase of a diamond for your wedding ring as a good investment is another marketing strategy of the diamond industry to try to get you to spend more than you can afford. Wedding rings are purchased for sentimental and romantic reasons and with great emotional attachments, and should not be considered an investment. Investments are bought and sold, and most brides will not sell their wedding rings to pay bills or make some money. And while the appraised value and purchase price may indicate a worthy investment, most diamonds do not resell for more than the original purchase price.

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