How to choose a wedding band

Settle four things, in this order: karat, width, finish and size. Width does the most to change the weight of a gold band, and so its price. Finish does the most to change how it ages.

Karat

Most of our gold wedding bands are 21K: a deep yellow gold, hard enough to wear every day. 18K is harder and a little paler, and is the usual choice when a band carries set stones. The karat guide sets out the trade-off.

Width and weight

A band is priced by its weight, so width matters more than any other choice. A slim plain band can weigh around 2 g; a wide patterned one 5 g or more. The price follows the weight and the day's rate, as the pricing guide explains, and every band lists its weight on its page.

Finish

A plain polished band is the quietest and the easiest to restore, but it shows scratches sooner. Diamond-cut, laser and textured finishes catch the light and hide everyday wear better.

Size

A wide band fits more snugly than a slim one in the same size, so many people choose a half size up. Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are at their largest, and see the ring sizing guide. Re-sizing is part of our lifetime servicing, though a patterned band is harder to re-size than a plain one.

Two rings worn together

If a band will sit beside another ring, such as a solitaire, keep both in the same karat so they wear and age alike.

Buying for someone else

Borrow a ring they already wear on that finger and measure its inside diameter; the ring sizing guide shows how to turn that into a size. Measuring a ring is more accurate than measuring a finger, and it works when the purchase is a surprise.

Engraving

Engraving is included. An engraved piece cannot be exchanged or cancelled once work has begun, so be sure of the size before you engrave. The terms are in returns and buy-back.

Twin sets

Some designs are sold as a twin set: a band with a matching solitaire ring. Browse gold wedding rings and compare the weights side by side.